Is there a Buc-ee‘s in Texarkana, TX? A Deep Dive for Convenience Lovers

Hey there! If you‘re someone who loves gigantic convenience stores with cheap gas, tasty BBQ, and the cleanest restrooms around, you‘ve probably heard about the legendary Buc-ee‘s. As a fellow fan of one-stop shops, I totally get the appeal. But you may be wondering – is there a location in Texarkana, TX?

Well my friend, I did some digging to get you the inside scoop. Here‘s everything you need to know about the possibility of a Buc-ee‘s in Texarkana.

Quick History of The Famous Buc-ee’s Chain

Let me start by giving you some background on this iconic Texas chain. Buc-ee‘s first opened its doors in 1982 in Lake Jackson, founded by Arch "Beaver" Aplin III and Don Wasek. It was just a small country store offering snacks, drinks, and of course, clean bathrooms.

Over the next 40 years, Buc-ee‘s exploded into a convenience store empire:

• There are now 35 locations across Texas, with 2 more under construction
• Each store averages 20,000 to 80,000 square feet in size – we‘re talking mega convenience!
• Buc-ee‘s serves 150 million visitors annually and racks up billions in sales
• Their massive stores offer everything from fresh jerky to kolaches, fudge to gourmet coffee drinks
• 120+ gas pumps at most locations with cheap regular unleaded prices
• World famous pristine bathrooms – we‘re talking 20 to 100 stalls per store!

It‘s no wonder Buc-ee‘s has reached cult status among Texans and become a must-stop destination on road trips. Now let‘s look at where they‘re located in good ol‘ Texas.

Mapping Out Buc-ee‘s Existing Texas Locations

Buc-ee‘s has focused most of its expansion in East and Southeast Texas, with a few locations spreading north and west. Here‘s a breakdown of where you can find a Buc-ee‘s in the Lone Star State:

• 12 locations clustered around Houston and Harris County
• 8 locations ringing the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
• 5 locations around San Antonio
• 4 locations in the Austin metro area
• Additional stores extend towards Texarkana along I-20 and I-30

The company website shows 35 pins planted across Texas, mainly along the interstates. So how close is the nearest Buc-ee‘s to Texarkana?

Closest Locations to Texarkana, TX

Now to answer your million dollar question! Here are the two Buc-ee‘s stores that bookend Texarkana:

• Mount Pleasant location – 73 miles away off I-30 at Exit 211
• Terrell location – 71 miles away off I-20 at Exits 501 and 502

So unfortunately, there are no Buc-ee‘s in the Texarkana area currently. Both of the closest stores are 70+ miles away, which would be about an hour and 15 minute drive.

I know, I know, that‘s quite a trek just to get your Buc-ee‘s fix! But don‘t lose hope for a more convenient location just yet.

Buc-ee‘s Future Expansion Plans Across Texas

While Texarkana doesn‘t have its own Buc-ee‘s just yet, exciting things are coming on the horizon! In 2021, Buc-ee‘s announced plans to build at least 7 new mega-sized travel centers across Texas over the next few years (9).

Construction is already underway in these cities:

• Melissa
• Seguin
• Luling
• Athens
• Liberty
• McGregor
• Fort Stockton

This will bring the total Buc-ee‘s count in Texas up to 44 by 2025. And according to Jeff Nadalo, Buc-ee‘s General Counsel, their ambitious growth is "just the tip of the iceberg” (10). The chain aims to install new stores along all the major highways across the state.

So could one of these new travel centers choose Texarkana as its home? Let‘s explore.

Why Texarkana May Soon Land on Buc-ee‘s Radar

I know you‘re craving a Buc-ee‘s location right in your own backyard. While Texarkana wasn‘t included in the initial expansion announcement, there are quite a few reasons why it could be an ideal spot:

Steady population growth

• Texarkana metro population is projected to reach 100,000 by 2030, up from 86,000 in 2019 (11)
• More rooftops mean more customers!

Strategic transportation hub

• Texarkana lies right along I-30 and will soon become an interconnect point for I-49 and I-369 as well
• This nexus position means Texarkana attracts lots of highway traffic that could stop for gas/snacks

Proximity to tourist destinations

• Under 2 hours from popular Crater of Diamonds State Park
• Near several lakes, forests, and other outdoor attractions
• Visitors need places to fuel up and eat on road trips

Central location between major markets

• Exactly 180 miles from Dallas and 187 miles from Shreveport
• Perfect pit stop between these two bustling metros

Business community investment

• New warehouses, factories, and industrial parks coming to Texarkana (12)
• More jobs means more resident spending power

When Can You Expect a Buc-ee’s in Texarkana?

Unfortunately I don’t have an exact timeline to share! But based on their rapid statewide expansion and Texarkana‘s prime position, I‘d guess a store could debut here within the next 3-5 years.

Of course, that‘s just an estimate – but knowing Buc-ee‘s ambitious growth plans, they‘ll want to blanket the entire eastern half of Texas soon. So you‘ll almost certainly see beaver fever hit Texarkana in the near future!

In the meantime, be sure to visit their locations in Mount Pleasant or Terrell when you need that Buc-ee‘s fix. Load up on Beaver Nuggets and fresh brisket, fuel up your car for cheap, and of course, use the potties.

And who knows – next time you make the drive, there may be a new Buc-ee‘s store right in your own community! I‘ll be eagerly watching and wishing for a location here with you.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Wishing you affordable gas prices and restroom access wherever your travels take you.

Sources:

[9] https://www.kwtx.com/2021/08/11/buc-ees-expansion-spree-continues-with-announcements-6-new-travel-centers-across-texas/
[10] https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/texas/story/2021/aug/09/buc-ees-announces-plans-open-seven-new-travel-centers-across-texas/903437/
[11] https://datausa.io/profile/geo/texarkana-tx-ar-metro-area/#:~:text=The%205%2Dyear%20forecast%20for,a%200.93%25%20increase%20from%202020.
[12] https://txkusa.org/news/new-developments-planned-texarkana/