Buc-ee’s has delighted residents of Amarillo with the surprise announcement that its newest travel center will open on December 16, 2024, significantly ahead of its originally projected 2025 debut. Construction of the expansive 74,000-square-foot store began in October 2023 and has proceeded at an impressive pace.
The new Amarillo location, situated along the historic Route 66, will feature 108 fueling stations and 24 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, catering to the needs of traditional and modern travelers alike. Additionally, the travel center is expected to generate approximately 200 new jobs for the area, bolstering the local economy.
“Amarillo is the midpoint between Chicago and Los Angeles on the fabled Route 66,” said Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s director of real estate, in 2023. “I can’t think of a better place to put a Buc-ee’s.”
A Texas Legacy Expands
Headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee’s has long been a Lone Star State icon, famous for its massive travel centers and unique offerings, including Beaver Nuggets and an array of freshly prepared snacks. Texas is home to Buc-ee’s largest location, a record-breaking store in Luling that boasts the title of the world’s biggest convenience store.
The Amarillo opening is part of Buc-ee’s ongoing expansion in Texas and beyond. Additional Texas travel centers are planned for Boerne, a site first announced in 2016, and San Marcos, where groundbreaking is expected this fall.
National Growth and Technology Integration
Buc-ee’s rapid growth reflects its ambition to extend its unique brand of hospitality across the U.S. Since launching a multi-state expansion plan in 2019, the company has opened or announced new locations in states such as Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina, while entering Arkansas, Colorado, and Ohio.
The retailer has also embraced emerging technology trends. In March 2024, Buc-ee’s partnered with Mercedes-Benz to introduce a network of high-power EV chargers across its locations. The collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to customer convenience, with plans to install 30 chargers by year’s end at existing and new sites.
“Buc-ee’s values people and partnerships,” said Jeff Nadalo, Buc-ee’s general counsel, during the announcement. “Our new collaboration with Mercedes-Benz HPC North America will continue our traditions of elevated customer convenience and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust, and business of millions in the south for more than 40 years.”
Buc-ee’s: A Road Trip Destination
With more than 60 travel centers in operation across 11 states, Buc-ee’s has become synonymous with road trip culture, offering travelers clean restrooms, a wide range of food and drink options, and a quirky shopping experience. The Amarillo location is poised to further cement its reputation as a must-stop destination on America’s highways.
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