Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based chain famous for its massive travel centers, clean restrooms, fresh kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and legions of devoted fans, continues its aggressive eastward push. While the brand remains heavily concentrated in Texas (with dozens of locations), it has steadily built a presence across the Southeast since its first out-of-state store opened in Alabama in 2019.

As of mid-2026, Buc-ee’s operates in roughly a dozen states total, with a strong footprint in the Southeast including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Buc-ee’s Expansion Plans in the Southeast: Bringing Texas-Sized Stops to Southern Highways

The company’s strategy focuses on prime interstate locations, typically featuring 70,000+ square-foot stores, 100–120+ fueling positions, extensive foodservice (including in-house smoked meats), merchandise, and EV charging. Expansion in the Southeast targets high-traffic corridors like I-95, I-75, I-10, I-20, and I-40, serving travelers, locals, and tourists alike.

Current Southeast Presence

  • Alabama: Multiple locations, including Athens, Auburn, Leeds, and Loxley. These have helped establish the brand east of Texas.
  • Florida: Stores in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, with more on the way.
  • Georgia: Locations in Warner Robins (near Macon), Adairsville/Calhoun area, and the newer Brunswick store (opened 2025) on the I-95 corridor.
  • South Carolina: Florence location on I-95.
  • Tennessee: Stores in Crossville and Sevierville/Kodak areas, with additional growth near Nashville and Memphis.
  • Mississippi and Virginia: Recent first stores (2025 openings in Harrison County, MS, and Rockingham County, VA) extend the network.

Key Upcoming Southeast Projects

Buc-ee’s has dozens of planned or under-construction sites nationwide, with several high-profile ones in the Southeast slated for 2026–2028 and beyond:

  • Florida: Significant growth expected. Fort Pierce (St. Lucie County) on I-95 is targeted for 2027; Tallahassee (Leon County) area on I-10 for mid-2027; Ocala (Marion County) on I-75 pushed to 2028. Additional sites like Port Charlotte are in earlier planning.
  • Georgia: Fourth location in Monroe County (Forsyth area, I-75) expected in 2027.
  • Tennessee: Murfreesboro (near Nashville, I-24) anticipated in 2026; Gallaway (Fayette County, near Memphis) in 2027.
  • North Carolina: First store in Mebane (Alamance County, I-40/I-85 corridor between Greensboro and Durham/Raleigh) with groundbreaking completed and opening targeted for late 2027. This marks a major step into a new Southeastern state.
  • South Carolina: Second location in Hardeeville (near I-95, Lowcountry, close to Savannah) planned for around 2031 as part of a mixed-use development.
  • Louisiana (adjacent Southeast influence): First stores in Ruston (early 2027) and Lafayette (mid-2027) will support travel along I-20 and I-10.

Other mentions include potential or longer-term sites in areas like Anderson, SC, and additional Florida spots.

Broader Context and Outlook

Buc-ee’s is entering or deepening its presence in multiple new states overall (including Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, and North Carolina) through 2027, with 15+ new locations expected by around 2031.

In the Southeast, this builds on proven success in states like Alabama and Georgia, where stores have drawn huge crowds and boosted local economies through jobs and tourism.

Challenges include local zoning battles, infrastructure needs (e.g., highway interchanges), and scaling the “Texas-sized” model to new markets. However, the brand’s reputation for exceptional cleanliness, variety, and customer experience has generally led to strong openings.

For road trippers, this expansion means fewer miles between legendary pit stops on Southeastern interstates. Whether grabbing brisket, filling up on ethanol-free fuel, or just using those famously pristine restrooms, Buc-ee’s is making long drives more bearable—and more delicious—across the region.

Expect more announcements as the company refines its pipeline. Fans can check Buc-ee’s official site or trackers like RoadtripBeaver for the latest updates. The beaver is on the move, and the Southeast is getting a bigger slice of the action.