Well-known to Texas travelers, this chain of convenience stores and fuel stations is spreading its brand of whimsy — plus clean restrooms, plentiful snack options, and fun souvenirs — by opening locations beyond the Lone Star State.
By Ariel Slick
April 2023
When you think of famous brands, gas stations may not come to mind — unless you know about Buc-ee’s. Based in Texas, this chain of quirky fuel stations/convenience stores has a cult following. You also might not think that a smiling beaver cartoon would elicit such a fan base, but because of spotless restrooms, decent barbecue sandwiches, and an array of brightly colored Texas-themed kitsch, this pit stop has a devoted following in Texas and the wider South. In addition to its 35 stores in Texas, the company now has at least eight locations in other states.
When Arch Aplin III opened up the first location in Clute, Texas, he named the store Buc-ee’s in honor of his dog, Buck. His childhood nickname, “Beaver,” served as inspiration for the logo. This cartoon character has been grinning at road-weary travelers in Texas since 1982. Much like Texas (and Texans’ pride), the place is huge. Gargantuan. From the fuel pumps — dozens and dozens under the wide brim of the vaguely Alamo-shaped awning — to the convenience store itself, Buc-ee’s is a slightly monstrous operation. This is not a “quick stop” kind of pit stop.
Buc-ee’s travel centers are known for clean restrooms.
Even back in the era of Jazzercise and poofy hair, the first store location, at 3,000 square feet, was bigger than similar convenience stores. From the inception of the business, Arch Aplin III and his partner, Don Wasek, focused on what travelers really want: cleanliness. Since then, that has been a point of pride for this mega convenience store.
Buc-ee’s gained its claim to fame by having some of the cleanest restrooms among gas stations. In 2012, the New Braunfels, Texas, Buc-ee’s location won the Cintas“Best Restroom” award from the company that makes bathroom supplies, amongst other things, and that was backed up by a poll from the Austin American-Statesman, in which Texans proclaimed that they have some of the cleanest. The restrooms are plenty wide enough for parents to accompany children if necessary, and the stalls have walls and doors that reach all the way to the floor, ensuring privacy.
The chain has a few features that make it ideal for RV travelers. Frequent billboards along the way alert you to its presence more than 90 miles out, so you can keep an eye on your fuel tank. The awnings have very high clearance, enough for RVs. The wide lanes provide easy in-and-out maneuvers at the pumps, and while the locations don’t have dedicated RV parking spaces, they have plenty of options in the wide, concrete plain that is the parking lot. Buc-ee’s facilities generally are right off the highway, so they are easily accessible. Finally, some locations provide DEF fuel. However, take note: No overnight parking is allowed. And while RVs and passenger vehicles are welcome for a pit stop, semi-trucks are not allowed on the premises.
The company’s beaver mascot adorns many items in the store and is available in stuffed-toy form.
The moment you step into a Buc-ee’s, the feeling of visiting a small amusement park washes over you. It’s a bit like wading into organized chaos. The heady aroma of brisket mingles with the smell of fresh coffee. Groups of travelers chatter, the frozen-drink machines whirr, and the sizzle of frying bacon lures you to spend more time there than you thought you might. If you’re traveling with kiddos, make sure you know what you’re getting into. The Buc-ee’s mascot is known to wander around the store at times, and the selection of toys is enough to make any child (or adult, for that matter) wide-eyed with longing.
They have more options for snacks than you can dream of (beaver nuggets, which consist of puffed corn with a light coating of caramel; breakfast tacos; and fudge being the most famous), plus a looming wall of soda dispensers. They have an entire wall devoted entirely to beef jerky, including flavors such as Bohemian garlic, cherry maple, and ghost pepper. Other fan favorites include kolaches, peanut brittle, and candied jalapeños. If you’re trying to limit your intake of Southern comfort food, visit the refrigerated section, where you can pick up fresh fruit and salads.
Food options include salads and fresh fruit.
Texans are mighty proud to be from Texas, and Buc-ee’s provides no end of Texas-themed swag. Each location has a miniature gift shop attached to the traditional rest area, and shoppers can buy anything from guidebooks to paintings — and even a whole cowhide, should one desire such a decoration. If it can be printed upon, you’re likely to find a version of it sporting the lovable beaver mascot — everything from coffee mugs to bathing suits to T-shirts.
Buc-ee’s has somehow integrated itself into Texas culture, and if you’re driving down one of the state’s lonely highways, chances are you’ll spot a bumper sticker with the beaver sporting a baseball cap. Go in, browse the beaver plushies, fill up on your choice of sweet tea or praline coffee, and grab any needed camping supplies. They stock tents, firewood, grills, and more.
More indulgent items are the company’s fudge and barbecue.
Buc-ee’s is worth at least one stop, even if you don’t understand what all the fuss is about; maybe it’s just a Texas thing. Still, there’s something about seeing someone wear a Buc-ee’s T-shirt outside of the store. It harkens back to that tribal instinct we all have to be one of the “in group,” and if you wear a Buc-ee’s shirt, you’re practically Texan in my book.
If the thought of squeaky-clean restrooms and decent grub (and cheaper fuel than other stations) isn’t quite enough of a reason to visit, consider this: The New Braunfels, Texas, location once held the world record for largest convenience store. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and at a whopping 66,335 square feet, this store is a textbook study for those who live outside the Lone Star State. That record has since been surpassed by other Buc-ee’s locations and will be again once the new Luling, Texas, mega-store opens. The groundbreaking for that 75,000-square-foot facility 45 miles southeast of Austin took place in November 2022. Buc-ee’s also claims the longest car wash in the world at the Katy, Texas, location, and going through it will take a full five minutes.
If you feel like celebrating International Beaver Day in a big way on April 7 and happen to be traveling through Texas, stop by a Buc-ee’s to take a gander — and maybe purchase a plushie or two.