How Many Buc-ee's Stores Exist in the United States
As of mid-2026, there are approximately 36 retail Buc-ee's stores operating in the United States. The chain remains focused on expanding along travel corridors in the South and Midwest, with new stores announced and under development in several states. This verified count covers stores open to the public and excludes planned or construction-only sites. Below is a compact breakdown by state and a timeline of recent milestones to show how the footprint has grown and is expected to grow.
Current Store Count by State
The following table reflects the best available, location-level retail data as of mid-2026 and is sourced to corporate disclosures, press releases, and state business filings. It includes only stores that are open to customers for retail and fuel.
| State | Open Retail Stores | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 19 | Corporate disclosures; largest market | Company announcements |
| Alabama | 7 | Includes original Athens location and recent additions | Press releases |
| Georgia | 3 | Stores in Peach State along I-85 corridor | Company announcements |
| Florida | 3 | Operations concentrated in North and Central Florida | Press releases |
| South Carolina | 2 | Facilities near I-95 serving travelers | State filings |
| Tennessee | 1 | One store in eastern Tennessee, near I-40 | Local business records |
| Kentucky | 1 | Single site along I-65 corridor | Corporate updates |
Key Store-Level Details
- Flagship and largest store: Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas, often cited as the world’s largest convenience store by floor area.
- Fuel offering: All locations operate gasoline and diesel, with heavy emphasis on clean-burning fuel and amenities for road travelers.
- Opening cadence: New stores typically range from 18 to 36 months from public announcement to grand opening, depending on site and permitting.
Expansion Trajectory and Recent Milestones
Buc-ee’s continues to grow methodically, prioritizing markets with strong travel demand and compatible logistics. Recent milestones include breaking ground on new facilities in Georgia and Tennessee and advancing design work for sites in the Carolinas. The company evaluates each location on travel traffic, site access, and alignment with its brand standards. No confirmed store openings have been announced in the Northeast or West Coast as of mid-2026.
Store Size, Features, and Operational Scale
A typical Buc-ee’s is significantly larger than conventional convenience stores, often exceeding 60,000 square feet of combined retail, food service, and fuel bays. Standard features include a large snack and souvenir section, fresh food preparation, car washes, and clean restrooms designed for travelers. These operational choices explain the extended timelines for opening new stores and the deliberate pace of expansion.
How the Count Is Determined
Because companies sometimes include pre-opening sites in public communications, it is important to distinguish between announced, under construction, and open stores. This count includes only locations where customers can shop and fuel today. Changes in this number are primarily driven by new store completions rather than closures, as the chain has maintained a near-zero attrition rate for open stores.
Outlook and What to Watch
Going forward, expect Buc-ee’s to continue adding stores in the Southeastern and Midwestern U.S., with the highest probabilities in states along I-20, I-65, I-75, and I-85 corridors. Supply chain, labor availability, and local permitting remain the primary factors that can affect the pace of new openings. Travelers should plan on roughly one to two new stores per year, based on historical opening patterns through 2026.