From the music to the food to the people, everything about Texas is bold and unapologetic, reflecting the independent spirit of the pioneers who first settled here. And nowhere is this spirit more evident than at Buc-ee’s, the legendary chain of convenience stores that has become an iconic expression of Texas culture.
Yes, we are talking about a convenience store. But it is a convenience store that is so different than any other convenience store that you’ve experienced that it’s worth writing about in a travel magazine. It’s big. Like Texas big. The New Braunfels location with over 66,000 square feet making it the largest convenience store in the world. With over 50 stores, it’s spreading out across Texas and beyond with their embodiment of the best of Texas culture.
Buc-ee’s was founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and Don Wasek, two friends who saw an opportunity to create a better travel experience for motorists in the state of Texas. At the time, the typical truck stop was a dingy and poorly-lit place, offering little more than fuel, packaged food, and restrooms that while convenient were rarely sanitary. Buc-ee’s, on the other hand, was designed from the ground up to be a clean and welcoming destination, offering a wide range of amenities to help travelers feel at home on the road. So welcome that Buc-ee’s is a travel destination of its own and is beloved by locals as well.
The first Buc-ee’s opened in Lake Jackson, Texas, and it was an immediate hit with locals. People loved the bright and airy atmosphere, the fresh and delicious food, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. And as word of Buc-ee’s spread, more and more travelers began making it a stop on their trips, drawn by the promise of meticulously clean restrooms, an abundance of fuel pumps, and a wide selection of drinks, snacks, and freshly made food.
Over the years, Buc-ee’s has continued to grow and evolve, adding new locations, expanding its product offerings, and refining its branding. And as Buc-ee’s has grown, it has also become an increasingly important part of Texas culture, embraced by locals and visitors alike as a true expression of the state’s spirit.
One of the things that sets Buc-ee’s apart from the typical travel centers is its food. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Buc-ee’s has something to satisfy your cravings 24 hours a day. From classic Texas barbecue to fresh-made pastries, there’s something for everyone at Buc-ee’s. And of course, no visit to Buc-ee’s would be complete without trying a bag of its famous beaver nuggets, a crunchy and delicious snack made from caramel-coated corn puffs.
One of the most popular attractions at Buc-ee’s is its wall of jerky. This massive display features a seemingly endless array of different jerky flavors and varieties, from classic beef jerky, jerky with cherry and maple, and even turkey jerky and ghost pepper jerky.
If you’re craving something more substantial, Buc-ee’s BBQ station is the place to be. Here, you’ll find slow-smoked meats and savory sides, all made with the freshest ingredients and seasoned to perfection. Whether you opt for a classic brisket sandwich or a plate of spicy sausage, you’re sure to leave Buc-ee’s with a full belly and a satisfied palate. And of course, no visit to Buc-ee’s would be complete without a stop at the fountain drink dispensers. With a seemingly endless variety of flavors and combinations, these dispensers allow you to create the perfect drink to quench your thirst. Whether you prefer classic sodas or flavored waters, Buc-ee’s has something for everyone. And with a selection of syrups and other sweeteners, you can customize your drink to suit your tastes
The Buc-ee mascot is a friendly beaver named, you guessed it, Buc-ee. He is depicted as a cute, anthropomorphic beaver with a bright, toothy smile. Buc-ee is often dressed in a red and white striped shirt, with a white and red baseball cap perched atop his head. He’s a fun-loving character who embodies the spirit of Buc-ee’s – always ready to greet customers with a smile and help make their visit to the store as enjoyable as possible.
Though some fans have done it, you don’t have to get tattooed with a ball-capped beaver to show your love of Buc-ee’s. Buc-ee is his buck-toothed grin can be found on everything from T-shirts to coffee mugs. Buc-ee’s offers a wide range of home decor and clothing items, typically adorned with the Buc-ee Beaver logo. And if you’re looking for a unique gift for a fellow traveler, you can even pick up a Buc-ee’s-branded YETI cooler, perfect for keeping your drinks cold on long road trips.
The home décor section of the store expands to items that embrace the Texas culture, from jewel-encrusted cattle skulls to cute wall hangings with Lone Star State slogans. Clothing includes western wear, hunting garb, sloganed t-shirts, and of course plenty of Buc-ee logo goods.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Buc-ee’s without the cleanest restrooms in the world. This is a bold claim, but one that Buc-ee’s has lived up to time and time again. Their restrooms are spotless and well-maintained, with ample supplies of soap, towels, and other essentials.
But perhaps the greatest convenience of Buc-ee’s is its commitment to making travel easier for its customers. The staff at Buc-ee’s is always there to help. They are knowledgeable about the local area and always happy to offer advice or directions, making Buc-ee’s a great place to stop whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newcomer to Texas.
Gaaa!!! Almost forgot about the fuel pumps. I once tried counting them all, but the number is somewhere around 100, if you don’t count the electric charging stations now at all Buc-ee’s. With an abundance of dispensers and long hoses, you can fill up quickly and be on your way in no time… once you finish eating and shopping and chatting with locals about how much they love their Buc-ee’s of course.
Buc-ee’s is much more than just expression of Texas culture, a place where travelers can experience the state’s bold spirit and independent spirit in every aspect of their visit. From the clean restrooms to the delicious food to the quirky Buc-ee Beaver, Buc-ee’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves Texas. So next time you’re on the road, be sure to stop by Buc-ee’s and see for yourself what makes this place so special.
For more information
• www.buc-ees.com
About the Author
PAUL PENCE not only writes many of the articles in the pages of this magazine, he is also the publisher and editor of all of the magazines in the Amygis Publishing’s family of travel magazines.
He loves exploring, traveling the back roads, experiencing the world, and finding what is unique and memorable about the places he visits.
And he loves writing – poetry, short stories, essays, non-fiction, news, and. of course, travel writing.
For over 20 years, he has shared his explorations with readers in a wide variety of outlets, from groundbreaking forays into the first stirrings of the dot-com boom to travel guides, local newspapers, and television, including Runner’s World, Travel Lady, Providence Journal, and Northstar Travel Media. He currently publishes and writes for Amygis Publishing’s magazines Jaunting, Northeast Traveler, and Rhode Island Roads.