Traveling by road in the United States can be a fun experience, but also exhausting. That's why many look for a place to rest, recharge, and do more than just pump gas. What started as a simple stop in Texas is now becoming a real threat to retail giants like Costco.
We're talking about Buc-ee's, a chain that combines a service station, store, restaurant, and shopping center all in one. Although it was born in Texas, it is now preparing for a major expansion across the United States. Its formula is winning over thousands of travelers and is beginning to take big steps outside its home state.
Buc-ee's, a Stop That Becomes a Destination
This Texan phenomenon is not just any gas station in the United States. Its facilities include gas pumps and electric chargers, immaculate bathrooms, and a huge store with food, decor, souvenirs, and clothing. Each Buc-ee's location is so large and eye-catching that it's almost impossible not to stop when you see it on the road.
The beaver logo with a red cap appears on signs every few miles, creating anticipation. Many say you can't enter without spending at least half an hour there and leaving with several bags. Among the most popular items are their brisket (beef) sandwiches, "Beaver Nuggets" (puffed corn) sweets, and their famous variety of fudge (a creamy caramel).
Since its founding in Clute, Texas, in 1982, the Buc-ee's chain has grown slowly but surely, as revealed by The Street. Although it now has only 51 locations in 9 states, each one generates a base of loyal fans. Its first venture outside of Texas was in Alabama in 2019, and since then, the expansion has been unstoppable.
An Expansion That Makes the Competition Nervous
According to data from USA Today and Finance Buzz, Buc-ee's will open 16 new establishments in the next three years. The chain has confirmed openings in 12 states such as Brunswick (Georgia, July 2025), Harrison County (Mississippi, 2025), and Rockingham County (Virginia, 2025). It will also reach Huber Heights (Ohio, April 2026) and San Marcos (Texas, May 2026).
The list continues with Goodyear (Arizona, June 2026), Gallaway (Tennessee, summer 2026), Benton (Arkansas, September 2026), and Boerne (Texas, 2026). Additionally, Buc-ee's will be established in Oak Grove (Kentucky, 2026), Fort Pierce (Florida, 2026), and Ocala (Florida, 2026).
For 2026, they will also open in Ruston (Louisiana) and Monroe County (Georgia), while Mebane (North Carolina) is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027. Finally, Oak Creek (Wisconsin) will close this wave of openings in 2027.
Buc-ee's doesn't open locations en masse. Its growth is based on choosing strategic locations, with high visibility and an experience so complete that it surpasses other chains in the sector. This formula allows them to expand without losing their identity.
Meanwhile, Costco continues to rely on membership and bulk purchases, Buc-ee's turns each stop into an event. The retail battle in the United States is just beginning, and the Texan beaver seems more prepared than ever.