Latest news with #BeaverNuggets
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Buc-ee's is coming to NC, but critics remain vocal about mega-center's impact
Buc-ee's has already received the green light to build one of the world's largest gas stations on 32 acres at Exit 152, off Interstates 85/40 in Mebane. But the project's opponents in this small but growing blue-collar town refuse to back down. The Indigenous-led 7 Directions of Service, in partnership with North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN), have released a report, renewing health, air and water concerns against the 120-pump gas station planned for a largely vacant stretch of Trollinger-Hawfields Road in Alamance County. It's about 50 miles west of downtown Raleigh and 130 miles north of uptown Charlotte. 'Mega gas stations like Buc-ee's are not just roadside stops — they are sources of toxic pollution,' Rania Masri, NCEJN's co-director, said on Tuesday outside Mebane City Hall, in a press conference livestreamed on the groups' Instagram pages. The approved store will be less than half the size of Mebane's Walmart Supercenter. Among the report's charges: that the mega gas station would consume an estimated 23,000 gallons of water daily, sit across from a mobile home community, and store fuel in quantities that pose risks to drinking water if leaks occur. 'We do not need more toxic infrastructure,' Masri said. 'We need more clean water, breathable air, and communities where health and dignity are non-negotiable.' The report also highlights the project's potential harm to historic Native American trading paths that served the Catawba, Occaneechi and Waxhaw. 7 Directions has collected over 1,600 signatures on a petition against the project and rallied speakers to attend public hearings.. It's working to map the path and document its history to fight against Buc-ee's. 'It's a disgrace that the city would allow this piece of historic landscape to be bulldozed over,' said Crystal Cavalier, its cofounder, at the conference. Buc-ee's officials were unavailable for comment. In January 2024, the Mebane City Council unanimously voted to approve the project and rezone the site. On Tuesday, the city provided a video link to the meeting and stood by its decision. 'Mebane citizens and the general public presented statements and evidence as required by North Carolina General Statutes and Mebane Unified Development Ordinance,' Mebane spokeswoman Kelly Hunter said in a statement. This was Texas-based Buc-ee's second attempt to make a foray into North Carolina. The first was about eight miles east in Orange County, where the project was roundly dissed before Buc-ee's withdrew its application. Buc-ee's has a cult following, thanks in part to its Beaver Nuggets, housemade brisket and barbecue. But opponents say the benefits won't outweigh the negative impact to traffic, the environment and town character. Many of those who opposed the planned Buc-ee's in Orange County also fought the plan for Alamance County. Buc-ee's will have a 74,000-square-foot convenience store, 120 gas pumps (60 fueling stations) and 652 parking spaces, including 24 electric vehicle charging stations. Neighboring tenants include two UPS facilities, a copper mill, and Lidl, Walmart and Amazon distribution centers. The travel center said it will hire at least 225 full-time workers, pay annual property taxes of $120,300 to the city and county, and bring in about $1.8 million in sales tax revenue. The company is not getting any city or county economic development incentives. Buc-ee's could add up to 1,500 more trips each hour at peak times, and nearly 2,300 trips at peak hours on Saturdays. Buc-ee's does not serve tractor-trailer trucks. City staff expect Buc-ee's to use 23,000 gallons of water a day, compared to 2.1 million gallons a day for existing Mebane customers. Buc-ee's has submitted detailed plans to the city and to the N.C. Department of Transportation, which remain under review, said Ashley Ownbey, Mebane's development director. Construction could start once the developer gets building permits. 'We have a few more comments for them to address,' she said in a phone call Tuesday. 'I imagine they'll be able to turn those around quickly.' Road improvements also are needed before the store opens, including more travel and turn lanes on Trollingwood-Hawfields Road and the Interstates 85/40 on-and off-ramps, new stoplights and a wider bridge over the interstate. The N.C. Department of Transportation started work on the $38.7 million project this spring, with Buc-ee's picking up $10 million of the cost. The work could take up to two years, but shutdowns and detours are not expected, NCDOT officials have said.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Not here': Neighbors push back against proposed Buc-ee's in Southwest Florida
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — News of a proposed Buc-ee's location in Southwest Florida has some residents dreaming of chowing down on Beaver Nuggets and using 'the cleanest restrooms in America,' but not everyone is excited about the idea. The sprawling gas station and convenience store may be built off Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, pending local government approval. Man survives alligator attack before being fatally shot by Polk County deputies: sheriff Residents of the nearby Harbour Heights community told NBC affiliate WBBH that the proposed development just isn't right for the neighborhood. 'I have nothing against Buc-ee's, but I just, it does not belong there,' Rebecca Scholl said. Neighbor Drema Doolittle concurred, saying, 'This is just not the place for it. It's not the land for it. I'm sure Southwest Florida would welcome a Buc-ee's, it's just not here.' Scholl said the proposed development is within the coastal high hazard area and flood plain. Some neighbors fear that developing the land will make flooding even worse than what they saw from last year's hurricanes. Some worry the construction will encroach on important wildlife habitat. 'This Buc-ee's that's being proposed would be abutting or being right next to an area that the locals call the bayou. It's a nursery for the smalltooth sawfish and other fish,' neighbor Edie Driest told WBBH. The proposed development has sparked concerns from some and excitement from others, but it has a long way to go until it becomes reality. 'Until they're actually breaking ground and we're sitting there eating Beaver Nuggets, it's still just a potential project,' planning and zoning official Shaun Cullinan told WBBH last month. The potential Buc-ee's faces a hurdle on Tuesday, when the county's board of commissioners meets to discuss the proposal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Popular gas station chain to open first-ever locations in new states
The world's largest convenience store and gas station, Buc-ee's, is growing its already massive following with several new locations set to open this summer. The beloved Texas-based chain – known for its exceptionally clean restrooms, house-made food and beaver-branded merchandise – is set to open three new travel centers, including its very first locations in Virginia and Mississippi, Buc-ee's confirmed to FOX Business. Buc-ee's grand openings are scheduled for the following: Harrison County, Mississippi – June 9, 2025 Rockingham County, Virginia – June 30, 2025 Brunswick, Georgia – July 1, 2025 The Virginia center in Rockingham County, about 2.5 hours west of Washington D.C., by car, will become Buc-ee's most northeast location in the U.S., opening the brand to a new customer base previously unfamiliar with its massive convenience stores. 3 MelissaMN – 'Thank you Buc-ee's for choosing Rockingham County for your first Virginia location that is slated to open in mid-2025,' the county said in a social media post in early 2024. The center will span 74,000 square feet, roughly 1.5 times the size of a football field, according to Rockingham County. It will also include over 120 fueling stations, 600 parking spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging stations. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin previously welcomed the new location when the project began in early 2024. 3 The Virginia center in Rockingham County, Virginia, will become Buc-ee's most northeast location in the U.S. Tada Images – 3 The other two locations will be in Harrison County, Mississippi, and Brunswick, Georgia. Tada Images – 'Virginia is proud to welcome @bucees to the Commonwealth!' Youngkin said in a post on X. 'Today's groundbreaking represents 200 jobs and an investment of more than 60 million dollars in Rockingham County. I look forward to stopping by for some Beaver Nuggets soon!' Local reports said the Buc-ee's center in Mississippi will also expand 74,000 square feet, employ 200 residents and include 100 gas pumps and 20 electrical vehicle charging stations. Brunswick's new center will become the Peach State's third Buc-ee's. It will be located five hours southeast of Atlanta.
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular convenience store chain makes major expansion in new states
Everything is bigger in Texas, from the state itself to people's strong Lone Star pride. This state has made a name for itself due to its abundance, country roots, cowboy culture, and unbeatable Texas-style barbecue. In addition to its already beloved traditions, it's also home to one of the most epic convenience-store and gas-station chains in the U.S. Its presence is just as big and over-the-top as Texas, boasting an incredibly loyal cult following. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter This popular convenience-store chain is unlike any other. It's a huge travel center with everything one needs while on the road, making it nearly impossible for anyone who stumbles upon it not to spend at least 30 minutes perusing the premises and leave with multiple full bags. Related: Tesla unveils an unusual innovation to win back customers Every location has gas pumps and electric vehicle chargers, a massive store with convenience items, food, merchandise, home decor, and impeccable bathrooms, for which it's most praised. And there's no need for anyone to give directions to the nearest location because the stores cannot be missed. Billboards every few miles direct you to the area, and the giant yellow road sign with an image of a beaver wearing a red hat is more than enough to make any curious traveler stop. Image source:Although Buc-ee's only has 51 locations in nine states, with the majority in Texas, it has become an unmissable pit-stop for road-tripping families, truckers on work trips, and commuters on the go since the opening of its first location in the small town of Clute, Texas, in 1982. Buc-ee's couldn't stay a Texas secret any longer, and in 2019, it expanded outside its home state, opening the first location in Baldwin County, Alabama. Related: Iconic burger chain makes big move to take down McDonald's This chain has an exclusive aspect because it typically doesn't open locations en masse. It slowly but surely takes over other states by choosing locations strategically, allowing it to continue growing. However, lately Buc-ee's has been on a domination spree. Buc-ee's is opening more stores than ever over the next three years, and here are all the revealed locations as reported by USA Today and Finance Buzz: Brunswick, Georgia: July 2025Harrison County, Mississippi: 2025Rockingham County, Virginia: 2025Huber Heights, Ohio: April 2026San Marcos, Texas: May 2026Goodyear, Arizona: June 2026Gallaway, Tennessee: Summer 2026Benton, Arkansas: September 2026Boerne, Texas: 2026Oak Grove, Kentucky: 2026Fort Pierce, Florida: 2026Ocala, Florida: 2026Ruston, Louisiana: 2026Monroe County, Georgia: Early 2026Mebane, North Carolina: Late 2026 or early 2027Oak Creek, Wisconsin: 2027 If you stumble upon a Buc-ee's, all fans would tell you to try its delicious brisket sandwiches or, if traveling early in the day, a dozen Kolaches. For snacks, purchase at least two bags of highly addictive Beaver Nuggets and a variety box of its in-house fudge. More Retail News: Kroger quietly shuts down service that Walmart dominatesMcDonald's menu adds experimental new items fans will loveAnother fast-food burger chain is quietly closing locations As for merchandise, one must always purchase a rainbow tie-dye Buc-ee's T-shirt, a red logo hat, and a beaver plush. On the way out, don't forget to take a picture with the popular beaver statue outside the store's entrance. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cult favorite Buc-ee's is opening more stores and expanding into other states. Everything you need to know
Popular Midwest-based convenience store Buc-ee's is expanding. The chain is slated to open four more locations in the United States within the next year. Fitted with enormous gas stations and general stores, Buc-cee's has become known for roadside snacks — featuring BBQ brisket sandwiches and its signature Beaver Nuggets — as well as the 'world's cleanest bathrooms' and the 'friendliest' beaver mascot. Since its founding in 1982, it has attracted a cult following across the country. According to the Buc-ee's website, there are three locations slated to open throughout the latter half of 2025 and one to open in 2026: Harrison County, Mississippi; Brunswick, Georgia; and Rockingham County, Virginia, will open in 2025, and a location in Boerne, Texas, will follow in 2026. The Arizona Republic also states that the first Buc-ee's in Arizona began construction on Wednesday. It will be in the Phoenix suburb, Goodyear, with a slated opening date of June 2026. The convenience store will be located along Interstate 10, hoping to catch patrons as they drive to or from western Arizona or California. Another Buc-ee's in Monroe County, Georgia is slated to open in early 2026, according to the Savannah Morning News. Other locations within the next few years will be in Huber Heights, Ohio, in April 2026; Ocala, Florida, in 2026; an Arkansas location expected to open by September 2026; and southwestern Florida and Mebane, North Carolina, in late 2026 or early 2027. The news of the chain's expansion comes almost one year after Buc-ee's superfans were left heartbroken after the original location of the iconic chain was destroyed in a massive fire. Photos shared online in July 2024 by the Luling Texas Fire Department showed enormous plumes of smoke, contrasting with the chain's happy, smiling beaver mascot. Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management later said the fire had been extinguished and clean-up operations were underway, though it advised the public to avoid the area if possible. No further information has been released as to the cause of the blaze. The original Buc-ee's building opened more than two decades ago in 2003, but was replaced by a brand new center, directly across the road, which opened on June 10, 2024. At 75,000 square feet with 120 gas pumps, the Buc-ee's location is the largest convenience store in the world. Over 200 people are employed there, providing 'thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go,' the company told USA Today at the time.
