Buc-ee’s opened its first Arkansas location in Benton on Aug. 17, continuing the beaver-branded travel center’s expansion out of its Texas stomping grounds.
The location is expected to bring more than 200 jobs to the city and will occupy 74,000 square feet with 120 fueling stations, according to a Buc-ee’s news release. It added that the starting wage for employees is “well above minimum wage” but did not specify what it is.
Buc-ee’s opened its first locations in Ohio and Arizona this year. In 2025, it opened its first location in Virginia and a year earlier, it debuted in Colorado. The company anticipates adding inaugural locations in Louisiana, Kansas and Wisconsin by the end of 2027.
The travel center, founded in 1982, has become one of the Lone Star State’s most recognized exports. The sprawling gas stations have a cult-like following centered on their clean restrooms and unique culinary offerings.
The Benton location is the 58th Buc-ee’s location in the country.
Where Buc-ee’s Is Expected to Open Next
Crissy Gonzales, Buc-ee’s media coordinator, previously said in an email to USA TODAY that the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, location will open on Nov. 16.
The company’s contact page lists the following locations as opening without specific grand-opening dates:
2027
- Ruston, Louisiana
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Gallaway, Tennessee
- St. Lucie, Florida
- Boerne, Texas
- Monroe County, Georgia
2028
- Mebane, North Carolina
- Lafayette, Louisiana
2029 and Beyond
- Ocala, Florida: 2029
- West Memphis, Arkansas: 2029
- Oak Grove, Kentucky: 2029
- Hardeeville, South Carolina: 2031
USA TODAY has reached out to Buc-ee’s for opening dates for these locations.
Why Buc-ee’s Is Facing Lawsuits
Buc-ee’s has drawn controversy in recent weeks for a string of lawsuits tied to its trademarks.
Most recently, the company sued Beaver’s Mini Mart, a small corner store located in the middle of a neighborhood in Beavercreek, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton.
The Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that despite the mini mart having no gas pumps and being miles from the nearest interstate, Buc-ee’s says its customers may be confused by the mini mart’s logo, which features a smiling beaver standing tall next to the store’s name in a red-letter font.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said Buc-ee’s should drop its “ridiculous” lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart.
On the July 26 episode of “Last Week Tonight,” Oliver detailed Buc-ee’s penchant for suing small businesses whose logos feature cartoon animals, even when they bear very little or no resemblance to Buc-ee’s famous and trademarked grinning beaver logo.
He dared the company to sue him over the launch of a line of satirical merchandise labeled “Buc-Off,” with proceeds going to charity. The apparel features a squirrel logo based on the Mr. Nutterbutter character that mirrors the Buc-ee’s logo. Oliver said, “If any prominent gas station chain out there has an issue with our new logo and products and wants to get lawyers involved, then you know what? Bring it the f— on.”
In the Aug. 9 edition of “Last Week Tonight,” Oliver announced that the apparel would remain available until the lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart is resolved.
Reporting by James Powel and Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
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