Buc-ee’s, a beloved Texas-based travel center, is set to expand its footprint once again, bringing its larger-than-life experience to yet another state. The popular chain, known for its massive convenience stores, is rapidly advancing an ambitious growth plan that could soon see its presence in at least 17 states across the nation.
This month, Buc-ee’s will celebrate a significant milestone with the grand opening of its first Arizona location. Situated in Goodyear, this new establishment will officially welcome visitors on June 22, marking a pivotal step in its nationwide expansion strategy.
Strategically placed about 20 miles west of downtown Phoenix, the sprawling travel center is nestled near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue. Spanning an impressive 74,000 square feet, the facility will feature 120 fuel pumps, positioning it as one of the largest convenience store destinations in the area.
The doors are set to open at 6 a.m. local time, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 8 a.m. The event will be presided over by Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo and City Manager Bryan Langley, adding a touch of ceremonial flair to the occasion.
Local officials are advising drivers to prepare for significant traffic as opening day is anticipated to attract a substantial influx of visitors. Thousands of curious patrons from both Arizona and neighboring states are expected to flock to the grand opening festivities.
“Opening day is expected to be a major event, drawing visitors from across Arizona and neighboring states,” announced the City of Goodyear through a social media post, underscoring the excitement surrounding this much-anticipated debut.
The Arizona opening is just one piece of Buc-ee’s ambitious expansion plan.
The company currently operates more than 55 locations across 12 states, but that footprint is expected to grow significantly over the next several years.
Buc-ee’s is bringing its supersized travel-center experience to another state this month as the Texas-born chain accelerates an expansion plan that could see it operating across at least 17 states in the coming years
By the end of 2027, Buc-ee’s is expected to enter at least six additional states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and North Carolina, potentially bringing the chain’s presence to around 20 states nationwide.
Several new locations are already in development. After the Goodyear opening, Buc-ee’s is scheduled to open a new location in San Marcos, Texas, on July 27, followed by its first Arkansas store in Benton on August 17.
The expansion will continue into 2027, when new travel centers are expected to open in Ruston, Louisiana; Kansas City, Kansas; Gallaway, Tennessee; St. Lucie, Florida; Boerne, Texas; and Monroe County, Georgia.
Looking further ahead, Buc-ee’s is planning additional locations in Mebane, North Carolina, and Lafayette, Louisiana, which are expected to open in 2028.
Future projects are also slated for Ocala, Florida; West Memphis, Arkansas; Oak Grove, Kentucky; and Hardeeville, South Carolina, where a location is currently targeted for 2031.
Meanwhile, states that already have Buc-ee’s locations continue to receive additional investment as the retailer deepens its presence in existing markets.
Buc-ee’s first opened in 1982 in Clute, Texas, roughly 60 miles south of Houston.
Founded by Arch ‘Beaver’ Aplin III and Don Wasek, the original location was a modest 3,000-square-foot convenience store – far removed from the sprawling travel centers that have become the chain’s trademark.
By the end of 2027, Buc-ee’s is expected to enter at least six additional states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and North Carolina, potentially bringing the chain’s presence to around 20 states nationwide
The company name and famous beaver mascot were inspired by Aplin’s childhood nickname and a family pet.
Today, many Buc-ee’s locations are more than 20 times the size of the original store, featuring enormous retail spaces packed with food, merchandise and traveler amenities.
The upcoming Goodyear location alone is large enough to fit more than 20 of the original Buc-ee’s stores inside. Part of Buc-ee’s appeal is its ability to turn a routine fuel stop into a destination.
The chain has built a devoted following around its food offerings, which include Texas-style barbecue, brisket sandwiches, breakfast tacos, jerky, homemade fudge, pastries and its famous Beaver Nuggets snack.
Fans frequently travel out of their way to visit locations, helping drive tourism and local spending.
‘We could not have picked a better location for our first store in the Grand Canyon State,’ Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of real estate and development, said in a statement.
‘Perfectly placed for our road-trippers headed out to California or coming in for the destination-rich Phoenix area, Goodyear will be the place to stop.’
Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo has also emphasized the economic impact the retailer is expected to bring.
Today, many Buc-ee’s locations are more than 20 times the size of the original store, featuring enormous retail spaces packed with food, merchandise and traveler amenities
‘Buc-ee’s is a destination and 80 percent of its business comes from outside the city,’ he said. ‘It won’t take away from our existing businesses.’
The mayor added that increased visitor spending would generate additional revenue for city services, including police, fire protection and infrastructure.
The enthusiasm surrounding new Buc-ee’s openings has been evident across the country.
In April, the chain opened its first Ohio location in Huber Heights, drawing massive crowds and reportedly generating more than $1 million in sales on opening day alone.
Local officials described it as the strongest first-day performance in the company’s history.
That level of demand is one reason Buc-ee’s continues pushing into new markets despite increasing competition from other travel-center and convenience-store operators.
While rivals continue to battle for customers with fuel discounts and food promotions, Buc-ee’s has built its brand around scale, novelty and a road-trip experience unlike anything else on the interstate.
