Buc-ee’s is expanding deeper into the Southeast with first-ever travel centers planned in Arkansas, Louisiana and North Carolina, adding large-format stores along major interstate corridors in Benton, Ruston and Mebane. The projects extend the Texas-based brand’s footprint across some of the region’s most active highway retail markets and could create new demand for nearby restaurants, hotels, service retailers and outparcel development.
The latest wave is part of a broader national expansion that includes first-time Buc-ee’s locations in several new states. A Buc-ee’s spokesperson confirmed the chain plans to enter at least seven new states: Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin, while also adding new stores in existing markets including Tennessee and Texas.
For commercial real estate, the story is bigger than convenience-store growth. Buc-ee’s large-format travel centers often function as interstate anchors, generating traffic at highway exits and making nearby land more attractive for quick-service restaurants, hotels, auto-service users, coffee chains, car washes and other highway-oriented retail.
Buc-ee’s Southeast pipeline
Arkansas: Buc-ee’s sets August opening for first Benton store
Buc-ee’s first Arkansas location is scheduled to open Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Benton, according to recent local reporting. The travel center is located off Exit 114 on Interstate 30 and has been under construction since groundbreaking ceremonies were held in April 2025. The Benton store is expected to employ more than 200 people and include 120 gas pumps…