Texas chain lines up first stores in Ohio, Wisconsin and Arizona as construction crews race toward 2027.
It has been a whirlwind summer for Buc‑ee’s. After cutting ribbons in Mississippi, Virginia and Georgia, the convenience giant now runs 54 stores across nine states—yet that number could top 70 within two years.
Who stands to benefit from the beaver’s march? Drivers in Arkansas will see two travel centers first: Benton’s record‑breaking project broke ground in April, while West Memphis is poised for a 2026 debut. CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III even teased a third Natural State site.
Where and when Buc‑ee’s plans to open its next mega travel centers
Below is a snapshot of projects that are either under construction or in the permitting pipeline.
| Expected opening | State | City/County | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Ohio | Huber Heights | Sewer dispute resolved |
| Late 2025–2026 | Tennessee | Murfreesboro | Third Volunteer State site |
| 2026 | Florida | Ocala | Paired build with Fort Pierce |
| 2026 | Georgia | Monroe County | New I‑75 stop |
| 2026 | Louisiana | Ruston | One of state’s first two |
| 2026 | Louisiana | Lafayette | Interstate 10 corridor |
| 2026 | Arizona | Goodyear | First Arizona store |
| 2026–2027 | North Carolina | Mebane | Awaiting roadway upgrades |
| 2027 | Tennessee | Gallaway | Shelby County site |
| 2027 | Wisconsin | Oak Creek | Plans recently approved |
| 2027 | Missouri | Kansas City | Western Missouri debut |
| TBA | Texas | Boerne | Construction under way |
Wondering about Palmer Lake, Colorado, or Harbour Heights, Florida? Those proposals are alive but need final local votes.
What construction delays and local approvals mean for Buc‑ee’s ambitious expansion plans
Permits can be trickier than perfecting a brisket sandwich. In Ohio, a feud over utilities pushed Huber Heights from 2025 to 2026. South Carolina’s Anderson project hit a $60 million interchange snag, and residents in southwest Florida warn a huge forecourt could worsen flooding. Nevertheless, since 2019 every groundbreaking has ended with a grand opening—usually within 16 months.
Consequently, analysts expect Buc‑ee’s to eclipse 17 states by 2027, stretching from Arizona’s desert to Wisconsin’s dairy belt. The company rarely comments on timelines, but its pace suggests the beaver will keep gnawing through roadblocks.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple: bigger bathrooms, fresh kolaches and rows of Beaver Nuggets are coming soon to more interstates. Keep an eye on planning boards and the giant smiling beaver sign—because when it pops up near you, opening day won’t be far behind.