In the competitive world of supersized convenience stores, Texas has firmly reasserted its dominance. Days after Florida appeared to claim bragging rights for hosting the nation's largest Buc-ee's, officials have delivered a stark reality check, confirming the Sunshine State's newcomer will not, in fact, dethrone the Texan giant.
The Brief Reign of a Florida Challenger
The iconic Buc-ee's chain, renowned for transforming the humble gas stop into a sprawling roadside destination, recently announced ambitious expansion plans. Among the new locations slated to open across the country in coming years was a behemoth in Fort Pierce, Florida. Originally billed as the biggest Buc-ee's yet, plans detailed a colossal 76,000 square-foot structure—roughly half the size of a Walmart Supercenter—equipped with 120 fuel pumps, 18 electric vehicle charging stations, and over 700 parking spaces. This footprint would have narrowly surpassed the current record-holder in Luling, Texas.
A Planning Error Unravels the Claim
However, the celebration was short-lived. Buc-ee's officials later acknowledged a significant planning error, clarifying that the Fort Pierce location will not eclipse the Texas flagship. Stan Beard of Buc-ee's stated, 'Contrary to recent reporting that the proposed project in St. Lucie, Florida will be our largest store, Luling, Texas is, and will remain, the largest Buc-ee's Travel Center in our fleet!' He attributed the confusion to differing parameters used by planning departments across the country when reporting building sizes in official documents.
The Undisputed Champion: Luling, Texas
The title of largest Buc-ee's therefore securely remains with the Luling, Texas location, which opened in 2024. This travel centre spans approximately 75,000 square feet and boasts 120 fuel pumps. It had itself snatched the crown from a previous record-holder in Sevierville, Tennessee, which opened in 2023 to crowds of eager shoppers, some of whom camped overnight for the grand opening.
More Than Just Petrol: The Buc-ee's Phenomenon
Buc-ee's has cultivated a cult following, particularly among Gen-Z, by turning pit stops into destinations. The chain is famous not just for its scale, but for spotless bathrooms, a vast array of branded merchandise featuring its grinning beaver mascot, and an extensive food offering. Fan favourites include the Sausage on a Stick, Dr Pepper Icees, walls of jerky, and the famous caramel corn Beaver Nuggets. The Sevierville location, for instance, also features a barbecue brisket counter and a 250-foot car wash, employing 400 full-time staff.
National Expansion Gathers Pace
Despite the clarification in Florida, Buc-ee's rapid national expansion continues unabated. Dubbed the 'Disneyland of gas stations', the privately-owned and famously secretive company plans to open four new outposts by the end of 2026, with a further 15 locations planned in subsequent years. States set to see the most new stores include Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas as the chain pushes deeper into the Southwest and Midwest. Future locations are also planned for Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Arizona.
As it plants its flag in new territories, Buc-ee's promises to deliver its signature formula: supersized travel centres with over a hundred fuel pumps, stores packed with snacks and swag, and those famously pristine facilities. This strategic growth ensures that the Texan-born phenomenon continues to cement its status as a unique piece of modern Americana on roadsides across the United States.
