Everyone loves road trips for a couple of main reasons. Reason A: You get to see new sights and arrive at a special destination. Reason B: You get time with a beloved friend or family member or are given a chance to get to know someone and bond over being in a car for an extended period. But the most fun thing is Reason C: The road food. There is nothing that defines good road trips more than having excellent snacks and drinks for every turn in the road. The standard stop used to be an elevated gas station where you could fill the gas tank and grab some chips and a soda, and if you are lucky, a days-old, overly processed sub sandwich.
Today’s roadside “stop and go” has evolved into a roadside revelation. A shopping plaza with real food, where you can get the area’s best T-shirts, homemade fudge, a couple of fidgets and five pounds of boiled nuts just for good measure. Buc-ee’s Home – Buc-ees is this grand destination to stock up on what you need (and what you didn’t know you needed). Their latest hotspot for elevated road trips, shopping, and dining? SWFL’s own, Port Charlotte. And while this is big news for the area, there are also other openings occurring and we are here to discuss all of it.
In The Works
A new Buc-ee’s is in planning stages for the I-75 and Harbor Road exit. This would be the first SWFL store for Buc-ee’s and travelers are delighted at the convenience this will bring to those driving the I-75 corridor through Florida. However, increased traffic and environmental contamination along the Peace River are among the concerns voiced by residents in the area. Buc-ee’s is in talks with county leaders to alleviate these concerns with plans to mitigate traffic congestion and manage potential storm surges. As of now, a 2028 opening date is planned. For a list of current Buc-ee’s, check this out Locations – Buc-ees.
Open Now
Mission BBQ opened in June at 1340 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. The line was wrapped around the parking lot for a special pre-opening Veteran’s Appreciation Night. The official opening date happened June 10th. Mission BBQ operates with a calling to honor those who have served, including those in the military, firefighters, police officers and first responders. A portion of their proceeds are donated back to a number of charities which benefit American heroes. To check out their menu and for a list of Florida locations, please visit Select Your Location – MISSION BBQ,
Coming in 2026
As the area grows, more companies are interested in providing spending options for a budding community. Planned at the Intersection of Cranberry Boulevard and Tamiami Trail is a Tim Horton’s Coffee Tim Hortons. And also planned for the North Port/Port Charlotte area is a Texas Roadhouse Texas Roadhouse Menu with Prices June 05, 2025 (Updated List) and a long-awaited Chik-Fil-A Chicken Sandwiches, Waffle Potato Fries, Salads & More | Chick-fil-A.
With more housing developments planned for the area, a new hospital, new schools, and several new restaurants it will be a mixed bag of increased options for resident satisfaction and what some may say is over development without the infrastructure, hence increased traffic congestion. Either way, progress happens, and North Port and Port Charlotte grow on!…