People might know Buc-ee’s for its quirky beaver mascot, but the Texas-founded travel center is a Lone Star State icon for so much more. As someone who loves driving through Texas, I’ve learned that no road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s. Here’s why I always make a detour there.
Before discovering Buc-ee’s, one of my least favorite things about road trips was the bathroom breaks. I found that most gas stations were unclean, smelled foul, and lacked basic amenities like proper lighting, toilet paper and hand soap. At Buc-ee’s, though, I was shocked to find that the bathrooms were always clean after every visit. This is because the chain has a dedicated cleaning crew that works around the clock to keep things tidy, making for a much more pleasant bathroom experience. What’s more, the bathroom stalls are spacious, non-see-through and equipped with Tooshlights—lights above each door that indicate whether a stall is occupied. No more second guessing if a stall is taken.
Whether clean bathroom stalls are a deal-breaker or not, Buc-ee’s is king when it comes to fueling your body. In addition to the standard convenience items like hot dogs, Buc-ee’s takes convenience food to the next level by offering fresh brisket sandwiches, burritos, kolaches and tacos, all of which rival what you might find at a casual eatery. And did I mention Buc-ee’s has snacks galore? They have everything you could think of—from cheddar-flavored puff snacks and gummy candies to banana pudding and freshly brewed coffee. There’s even an entire wall (yes, you heard that right) dedicated to beef jerky alone, with my favorite being the garlic-flavored variety.
Warm food and snacks aren’t the only things taking up shelf space. Buc-ee’s also has sections for apparel, home goods, books and even pet supplies. Whatever you might think you need, Buc-ee’s has it all. Need a sweater for your dog? They’ve got it. A new insulated cooler? Done. A Texas-shaped cutting board? You bet. After visiting a Buc-ee’s and seeing just how massive it is, you’ll understand why it’s constantly breaking records for the “World’s Largest Convenience Store.” In June 2024, the chain opened its largest yet: a 75,593-square-foot convenience store located in Luling, Texas.
When I’m done perusing the aisles of merchandise and food, I make my way to the pumps, which are conveniently located in front of the store, to refuel. I’ll also use that time to walk my dog. While not all Buc-ee’s locations have a dog run, the Springfield, Missouri spot features a grassy and cemented loop where your four-legged friends can take care of business.
There are many reasons to love Buc-ee’s, including how it has transformed road trip travel for the better. Not only is it my one-stop shop for all things food, drinks, merch and gas, I’ll always have a clean and well-maintained spot on the road to use the bathroom. You could say it’s my favorite thing about this beaver-themed chain.