Buc-ee's Expanding Into 6 New States by 2028

Buc-ee’s Sets Its Sights on Six New States in a Major Nationwide Push

Buc-ee’s is rolling out one of its most ambitious growth campaigns to date. The beloved travel center chain plans to open locations in six new U.S. states over the next two years. The company currently lists 55 locations across 12 states on its website. The planned expansion would extend Buc-ee’s into 20 states, according to the company’s plans to open locations in at least six new states by the end of next year.

The chain built its loyal following through enormous travel centers. Each location combines gas stations, fresh food, and branded merchandise. Fans frequently describe the experience as more than a pit stop. It has become a destination in itself.

Arizona and Arkansas Lead the First Wave of New Openings

The first two new-state openings will happen this year. Goodyear, Arizona will welcome its first Buc-ee’s on June 22. The company will build the site to span 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fueling positions. The location sits near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue.

Meanwhile, Benton, Arkansas will also receive its first Buc-ee’s this year. The Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission Chairman confirmed the timeline publicly. “We’re happy to announce that it looks to be early to mid-August that the grand opening will take place,” the Chairman told local station KATV. That location will sit at the northwest corner of I-30 and State Highway 299.

Kansas, Louisiana, and Wisconsin Join the 2027 Pipeline

The expansion push extends well into 2027. Kansas City, Kansas will receive its first Buc-ee’s next year. The 74,000-square-foot travel center will sit near I-70 and West Village Parkway. The company projects it to open sometime in 2027.

Louisiana is also in the pipeline for a 2027 debut. The first Ruston, Louisiana location targets a mid-2027 opening. The site sits at the intersection of I-20 and Tarbutton Road. Wisconsin also expects its first Buc-ee’s location in that same year. The company also plans to expand to North Carolina in 2028.

Existing Markets Will Also See Major New Locations

The expansion doesn’t stop at new states. Several existing Buc-ee’s markets will also see new stores open soon. Texas will open its 37th location in July in San Marcos. The state remains the chain’s largest market by a wide margin.

New travel centers are also expected next year in Monroe County, Georgia. Additional openings are planned for Lafayette, Louisiana and multiple Florida cities. St. Lucie and Tallahassee both appear on the company’s upcoming schedule. Gallaway, Tennessee and Fayette County, Arkansas round out that list.

Further openings are also in the works beyond 2027. Oak Grove, Kentucky expects a location in 2027 or later. The planned West Memphis location has moved to June 2028, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Ohio’s Opening Broke the Chain’s Own Sales Record

Buc-ee’s momentum builds on recent headline-making success. Last month, the chain opened its first location in Huber Heights, Ohio. The store generated more than $1 million in sales on its opening day. Local officials confirmed it marked the chain’s strongest first-day performance to date.

That kind of consumer enthusiasm explains the aggressive growth strategy. Few convenience store brands generate this level of excitement at new openings. Each new location arrives as a regional event. The chain clearly capitalizes on its devoted fanbase to fuel further investment.

BBB Controversy Shadows an Otherwise Strong Brand Reputation

Not all recent news surrounding Buc-ee’s has been positive. The chain received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau in March due to unresolved customer service complaints. The BBB pointed to a pattern of unanswered consumer concerns. The agency cited 98 unanswered complaints in its assessment.

Despite that rating, customers still rank the brand highly. Buc-ee’s placed No. 5 in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index for convenience stores. The ranking suggests shoppers separate individual complaints from overall experience. Brand loyalty appears to remain strong across its growing customer base.

A Growing Footprint Signals Long-Term Retail Ambition

The chain’s growth from 12 to 20 states marks a remarkable retail story. Few convenience brands have expanded with this speed and ambition. Buc-ee’s has transformed the highway stop into a must-visit experience. Its formula of massive stores, clean restrooms, and unique food keeps drawing new fans.

Each new market entry generates significant local economic attention. Communities actively compete to land a Buc-ee’s location. The Ohio opening proved the brand’s pull extends far beyond its Texas roots. With six states joining the map soon, the chain shows no signs of slowing its nationwide march.