Dive Brief:
- Buc-ee’s has begun the application process to build a new travel center in another new state, this time on Route 64 in Virginia, according to a Monday post on the New Kent County Economic Development Facebook page.
- The Lake Jackson, Texas-based convenience store chain’s preliminary plan for the site includes 74,000 square feet of retail space, 120 gas pumps and more than 550 parking spaces, including 24 with Tesla EV chargers and 10 large enough for RVs or buses.
- Buc-ee’s application with the New Kent County Planning and Zoning Department is in its early stages, with the proposed store expected to open sometime in 2027, according to the post.
Dive Insight:
While many c-store chains are turning to M&A to grow their footprints, Buc-ee’s — with its massive stores and slew of parking spots and gas pumps — continues to build its way to a wider footprint. Virginia joins Wisconsin, Louisiana, Colorado and Missouri as states which are in the process of building their first Buc-ee’s, and the retailer is also growing its existing footprint in Texas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.
If all the currently planned stores are built and opened, Buc-ee’s will expand from its current seven states to 12. Buc-ee’s is also in the process of building its largest location yet, a 75,000 square-foot-plus store in Luling, Texas.
The company has already submitted a conditional use permit to begin the review and approval of the site’s sign plan. As the plans move forward, Buc-ee’s is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and the county’s planning department to work out what transportation improvements will be needed to support the store and healthy traffic flow.
The new location is expected to employ about 175 full-time workers, earning an average wage of $16-18 per hour, according to the Facebook post.
Buc-ee’s, which was founded in 1982, has a dedicated customer following thanks to its focus on welcoming restrooms, fresh food and diverse branded merchandise with the chain’s beaver mascot. It currently has 44 locations, with its next opening expected in Auburn, Alabama, in April.