Buc-ee’s has become a favorite stop when we are traveling throughout the country. Very honestly, the first time we passed one on Highway 75 when headed toward Florida, we wondered what Buc-ee’s was.
When driving past one, you will notice there are a lot of gas pumps… and cars… interesting… it must be worth a stop… and so it was on our way home, we visited the Buc-ee’s off Highway 75 and after stopping our first time, we were hooked!
And so what would one do on Christmas Day if they had no particular plans? A trip to a new Buc-ee’s in Springfield Missouri, only a few hours from home.
What Is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is a huge convenience store with a focus on cleanliness and friendliness. There are many many gas pumps… and many many clean bathrooms… and they are exclusively for normal everyday vehicular traffic… no semi’s though… it is not a truck stop…
There are also many (I say many, although that is an understatement) different items for sale, from food to general merchandise, most of which has the name Buc-ee’s.
Who Owns Buc-ee’s?
Founded by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in 1982, the first store opened in Texas. It seems Arch worked at his grandfather’s general store in Louisiana during summers when he was young and dreamed of having his own store someday.
By the time a second store was opened in 1985, Arch had partnered with Don Wasek. They worked side by side building the Buc-ee’s brand. Today, there are many stores sprinkled throughout the United States. For a location near you, you can check here.
Why Is It Called Buc-ee’s?
Apparently, Arch’s nickname when he was young was Beaver. He combined his childhood nickname with the name of his Labrador Retriever, Buck, to create the name Buc-ee’s. As far as a beaver for his mascot, well since he was called Beaver when he was young, it was a no-brainer.
What Makes Buc-ee’s Fun?
When you walk into a Buc-ee’s, you will be greeted with a smiling face and someone saying, “Welcome to Buc-ee’s”. You will notice people…lots of people milling around; so many that it is like being at Marti Gras (if you have ever been in New Orleans during their Marti Gras season).
There are rows and rows of merchandise, most of which is branded with the Buc-ee’s name. While a little over the top in advertising, it is interesting and makes me smile. And most everyone you see there will be smiling too.
And when one person smiles, it seems to be contagious, as others will smile too.
For those of us who enjoy the Buc-ee’s atmosphere, we will usually stop when passing by one, even if we do not need fuel or to use a restroom. If you have never been to a Buc-ee’s, the next time you pass one, it is definitely worth a visit.
