Buc-ees: A Gas Station the Size of Walmart
A few years ago, we were at a car show and we noticed they were building a LARGE commercial property right off the interstate. We contemplated what it might be- Brandon guessing that it was an outlet mall. I guessed it was a Buc-ees. Turns out, we were both right!
The building we saw was a Buc-ees but they built an outlet mall right beside it shortly thereafter.
Explaining Buc-ees
Buc-ees has the two largest gas stations in the US: One is Sevierville, Tennessee and the other one in Hillsboro, Texas. It’s hard to miss with their beaver in the sky.
Interesting Tidbit: They don’t advertise their gas prices but they truly have some of the lowest gas prices I’ve seen.
Some go for the gas but most go to gawk at the sheer magnitude of the space. Still a Texas-based company they live by the motto “Everything’s bigger in Texas”.
The question becomes: What does a gas station do with a shop of that size?
What’s inside?
Um… does everything count? The one thing I was the most excited about when they build the one in Hillsboro was the smoking wood they keep outside.
They also have chairs, folding tables, and even a Christmas blow up display all with the beaver as the center. Want to take Texas home with you? No fear- Buc-ee’s is here!
Inside: their seasonal t-shirts will tantalize you, with the smell of roasted nuts followed closely behind. Even further down the line is why many people come to this gas station in particular. The bathrooms. Yes, you read that right, the bathrooms. In the seven years I’ve been going to Buc-ees, I think I have seen one bad restroom stall. And there is stall after stall after stall. Not sure which one’s available? Just look up- if it’s green, you’re good. Red? Pass on by.
From what I can tell, they have a cleaning person in there at all times. Now, that’s hard to beat!
The Food
Maybe it’s food you’re after. I mean, after all, you stopped at a gas station so you are on the road and there’s a chance you’re hungry. Again, the beaver’s got you. Here are some of our favorites:
Jerky
Sticking with the everything is bigger in Texas, they have a large selection jerky. This was Brandon’s favorite spot. Some favorites include:
- Garlic
- Korean BBQ
- Peppered
- Cherry
- Ghost Pepper
Fudge
We’ve only bought fudge a few times but similarly, there is a lot to choose from including white chocolate and fruit flavored ones.
Sandwiches
They have lots of options here (do we see a theme?) including: brisket, pulled pork, fried chicken, and the three meat sandwich, which has brisket, pulled pork, and sliced sausage on it. Need a side? Their chips are fried fresh on sight!
Beaver Nuggets/ Buc-ee Nuggets
The Beaver nuggets are a corn puffed treat that tastes like caramel. These are probably their most popular sweet treat. Wanting something more savory? There are several flavors of the corn puffs that are savory including: white cheddar, habanero, and bold and spicy.
My Favorite Spots
The first place I’m going after the restroom is typically to the front and the right (if you’re walking in from the front entrance, it’s past the cashiers and to the left): the home section including the cookbooks. They have all the southern, home style cookbooks you can think of. There are quite a few times we’ll be on a trip so I’ll take a picture of the books and research which ones I want to purchase later. It’s rather fun,
And- everyone needs some Buc-ees decor in their house, don’t they? Mine is tastefully done and sits on our hutch year round. Looking for inspiration? Spend a few minutes in this area!
Basically what I’m saying is:
If you’re in Texas, keep and eye out for the beaver in the sky. You’ll get to fuel up in more ways than one. And, if you’re lucky, there might be one popping up in your area soon.
