Dive Brief:
- Buc-ee’s will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its first Mississippi store on Sept. 13, according to a Tuesday press release.
- The site, located in Harrison County, is expected to include a 74,000-square-foot store, 120 fueling positions and 24 EV charging stations. It’s slated to open in late 2024, according to a report from AL.com.
- This store underscores Buc-ee’s larger expansion plans, which also includes its first locations in Virginia, Louisiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado and Ohio.
Dive Insight:
The Mississippi Buc-ee’s has been a long time coming, having been first approved in July of 2021. The Harrison County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to allow the store, and several representatives from the board are expected to be at the ceremony.
Buc-ee’s, which is known for its massive c-stores, clean bathrooms and high rates of starting pay, is expected to bring about 200 jobs to Mississippi once the new location opens.
“Harrison County is a vibrant community with five thriving cities and stunning beaches," Stan Beard, director of Real Estate for Buc-ee's, said in the announcement. "It's perfectly situated along I-10 between our Texas and Alabama stores."
Buc-ee’s growth outside of Texas
Once open, the site will sell Buc-ee’s usual assortment, including branded items featuring its beaver mascot as well as snack and food offerings. Popular favorites include Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and pastries.
“I just look forward to the day of being able to go and shop there … because sitting on I-10 is such a tremendous corridor,” said Mississippi state Sen. Philip Moran in a 2021 interview with TV station WLOX. “It’s not just a gas station. It’s a mega event. It’s going to be a good thing for the coast, the whole coast.”
If rumors of a North Carolina location also prove to be true, the current expansion plans would place a Buc-ee’s in every coastal state from Texas to Virginia.
Founded in 1982, Lake Jackson, Texas-based Buc-ee’s operates 46 stores across Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina.
