Stopped at Buc-ees on my way to Ft. Worth, Texas a week ago. There is Texas-sized and then there is Buc-ees sized.
A bit of background – On July 28, 1982, Arch Aplin III opened his first convenience store in Texas. Early on, he decided he’d need a good name and a good logo, something he could build on. The logo and name was an ode to his childhood nickname of “Beaver’’ and his beloved hunting dog named Buck. That convenience store was named Buc-ees.
From its earliest days according to their website, the store has “been committed to providing a clean, friendly, and in-stock experience for our customers.”
Buc-ees stores are notable for many reasons. In 2012, the chain won a nationwide restroom contest sponsored by Cintas. Buc-ees was not afraid to flaunt it, creating a billboard with the following message, “Top Two Reasons to Stop at Buc-ee’s: #1 and #2.” A week ago, I saw my first Buc-ees billboard over 200 miles away in Mississippi. The caption was, “No Games, Plenty of Thrones.”
This ain’t your “gas station sandwich.” In 2016 Bon Appétit named Buc-ee’s “America’s Best Rest Stop” in honor of its food. Their New Braunfels, Texas location, at 68,000 square feet, has been recognized as the World’s Largest C-store” by the National Association of Convenience Stores.
But the thing that makes Buc-ees stand out amongst any other highway rest stop is their Withholding stance against truck drivers. Sorry, 18-wheelers are not allowed at any Buc-ees.
Have you been to Buc-ees? What’s your favorite thing or go-to Buc-ees item?
Call me crazy, but I love the Beaver Nuts.
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