MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) – Buc-ee’s and Wawa continue to expand their footprints across Tennessee and beyond, with both convenience-store chains preparing to open new locations in Middle Tennessee. Scroll down for multiple photos.
Buc-ee’s CEO and co-founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III recently discussed the company’s future growth during the grand opening of a new Buc-ee’s in Benton, Arkansas. Aplin indicated the Texas-based company will continue looking for expansion opportunities in states and communities that are business-friendly, while also considering the availability of a strong workforce to staff its massive travel centers.
Buc-ee’s is known not only for operating some of the largest convenience stores and travel centers in the country, but also for offering wages that tend to be higher than those traditionally associated with gas stations and convenience stores. Many Buc-ee’s hourly positions start in the range of $16 to $18 per hour, depending on the job and location, with some positions paying more. Other convenience-store chains known for competitive wages include QuikTrip and Wawa.
The expansion battle is becoming particularly noticeable in Rutherford County. Buc-ee’s is preparing to open its massive Murfreesboro travel center near the Interstate 24 and Joe B. Jackson Parkway interchange in November. Before that happens, Wawa is scheduled to celebrate the opening of its new Murfreesboro store at 5208 Veterans Parkway on September 10.
The Murfreesboro Wawa is part of a much larger push into Middle Tennessee. A newly constructed Wawa at 2424 Tennessee 46 South in Dickson is scheduled to open Wednesday, August 26. Another new store at 1000 Murfreesboro Road in Lebanon is scheduled to open September 2…