I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and stepped inside. I had been warned that I might feel overwhelmed on my first visit to Buc-ee’s.
On a mission to understand what makes this Texas-based chain of mega-sized travel centers so popular, my husband and I hit the road to visit the Daytona Beach, Florida location. The enticing aroma of smoked brisket met me at the door.
“The key is just to focus,” a friend advised. With everything from fresh barbecue and decadent fudge to Buc-ee’s themed birthday hats and pickled okra competing for my attention, it was good advice.
Buc-ee’s and the namesake beaver mascot are the brainchild of founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, who opened the first store in 1982 near Lake Jackson, Texas. Now with over 50 locations stretching across the South and beyond, Buc-ee’s has an almost cult-like following. Cheap gas and pristine restrooms lure travelers in; extensive offerings of food, clothing, and souvenirs win them back.
Foodie Destination
If you think fueling up on the road means grabbing a bag of chips or a lukewarm slice of pizza, you’ve clearly never been to Buc-ee’s. Think of it like a 24/7 behemoth buffet of hot food, sweets, snacks, and more beverage choices than you can shake a stick at.
The star of the show is the Texas Round-Up in the center of the store, where fresh brisket is chopped and smothered in barbecue sauce as customers watch, eagerly waiting to snatch up a warm sandwich. Pulled pork, smoked turkey, sausage on a stick—the smell of meaty goodness almost made me question my plant-based eating resolve.
I left my husband at the meat stand and went to explore the selection of salads, fresh-cut fruit, and yogurt parfaits. While I was happy to see so many healthy options, I will admit to sneaking a tiny bite of my husband’s tender, smoky, sliced brisket sandwich, in the name of research, of course.
It would be easy to experience “snack paralysis” with aisle after aisle of puffed corn Buc-ee’s Nug-ees, Chees-ee Curls, and potato chips in flavors I’d never heard of like Cajun Boil and Bold ‘n Blended. You can always indulge in a few free samples while you make up your mind.
There’s fresh brewed java to ward off road trip fatigue. The original location has a dedicated Buc-ee’s Beanery coffee bar. Other locations take gas station coffee to the next level with complimentary flavored syrups, creamers, and non-dairy milks.
Need some provisions for a picnic or your AirBnb? The gourmet food corner has rows of salsa, barbecue sauce, jams, and canned goods. Where else can you pick up a jar of pickled quail eggs, Carolina Reaper salsa, and a gallon of milk in one stop?
Reason for a Road Trip
Frequent traveler Robin O’Neal Smith lives in Pennsylvania, but every time she heads south, she makes a beeline for Buc-ee’s, having visited the iconic service centers in four different states.
“Sometimes we go 20 miles out of our way to visit a Buc-ee’s,” said O’Neal Smith, who has a fondness for their beef jerky, especially the maple cherry. The Wall of Jerky tempts shoppers with dozens of flavors like Korean BBQ and Lemon Pepper. She also likes to browse the household section, picking up decorative items for herself and unique gifts for friends.
When the Daytona Beach, Florida, Buc-ee’s opened in 2021, Orlando resident Janet Massey decided it was the perfect excuse for a pilgrimage.
“We needed to have an end-of-the-year meeting for my church ministry team, so we decided to make it a road trip,” she said. Massey, who travels frequently in her motorhome, has been a Buc-ee’s fan for years.
Most of the group had never been to a Buc-ee’s, so Massey introduced them to caramel-flavored Beaver Nuggets, cinnamon rolls, and other delights. “It was such a fun day. Now that I think about it, we may need to go again,” she said.
Massey also admits to stopping at Buc-ee’s for some retail therapy. While her husband is distracted by the barbecue offerings, she snaps up some souvenirs.
“Jewelry, shoes, swimsuits for the grandkids, dishes for the motorhome—it’s easier to say what I don’t shop for,” she laughed.
Buc-ee’s fans can commemorate their visit with branded beaver hoodies, blankets, and coffee mugs. Need a new dog dish, sunglasses, or grilling tongs? They have those too.
Pit Stop Paradise
The two basic requirements of a noteworthy rest stop are clean bathrooms and affordable gas. A good car wash is a bonus. Buy the “works” car wash at Buc-ee’s and you’ll ride through one of the world’s longest, and get a discount on gas. Measuring just shy of a football field, the one near Katy, Texas holds the Guinness World Record.
“Well-stocked,” “pristine,” and “spotless” are just a few of the superlatives used to describe Buc-ee’s bathrooms. One location was even voted as the cleanest bathroom in America.
Capitalizing on their restroom reputation, Buc-ee’s even sells magnets with the slogans, “Your throne awaits,” and “You can hold it.” Sparkling clean floors, double sets of toilet paper holders and attendants directing traffic are part of the reason for the accolades.
But what impressed me the most was the decor. Walking into the ladies’ room at the Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s was like walking into an art gallery. Western-themed artwork and Florida landscape paintings hang on the wall and are available for purchase. Talk about one-stop shopping.
Visiting the world’s largest convenience store is a bit like visiting a foreign country, one with friendly people, clean bathrooms, and good food. I left with some warm peach cobbler, a bag of Buc-ee’s White Cheddar Nug-ees, and a whole new appreciation for this beloved American icon. Buc-ees.com
Kirsten Harrington is an Orlando, Florida freelance food and travel writer. When she’s not writing, you can find her scoping out new adventures, hiking or enjoying a meal with her family. KirstenHarrington.com
“Sometimes we go 20 miles out of our way to visit a Buc-ee’s.”
“Jewelry, shoes, swimsuits for the grandkids, dishes for the motorhome—it’s easier to say what I don’t shop for.”