# Buc-ee's - world's largest service plaza **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 29, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309 "2023-06-29T19:36:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/21 "2023-06-29T22:56:40Z")
> [@Grrr](#): > > Buc-ee’s gets a lot of snark from left-minded people because the store is seen as a Mecca for MAGA type people. I give it snark because it is seen from the ISS. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/22 "2023-06-29T23:02:00Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > Buc-ee’s wanted to build one of these behemoths in my county. The county declined their zoning request, so they are now trying again a little farther up the road in the next county over. The one that I mentioned they want to build in my area will need $70 million in road upgrades to support it. [https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/upstate-residents-weigh-in-on-proposed-road-changes-near-future-site-of-buc-ees/](https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/upstate-residents-weigh-in-on-proposed-road-changes-near-future-site-of-buc-ees/) ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/23 "2023-06-29T23:13:22Z")
Company Man has a 13+ minute video on the chain and, yes, he mentions the size, endless toilets and Wall O’ Jerky. [https://youtu.be/HtaXg5GcNxg](https://youtu.be/HtaXg5GcNxg) ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2023, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/24 "2023-06-29T23:35:56Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > The one that I mentioned they want to build in my area will need $70 million in road upgrades to support it. Ouch. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/25 "2023-06-30T00:30:38Z")
Have one about 12 miles from me on the Interstate in N. Alabama (they are recently expanding fairly quickly out of Texas, mostly in the South to date). I call it the mating of a local gas-n-snacks place with a Wal-Mart. But it does have a certain charm and it is nice if you’re on a road trip to have a place with immaculate bathrooms and a huge choice of food and drink, along with reasonable gas prices. > [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > The one that I mentioned they want to build in my area will need $70 million in road upgrades to support it. Yeah, they did quite a bit of roadwork when they put the store near me in, don’t know if it was $70 worth or not, but I guess they figure the new jobs and taxes will be worth it in the long run. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/26 "2023-06-30T00:36:31Z")
I stopped at the Kentucky site a couple weeks ago on the prompting of a friend. I did feel like I was in the midst of a Trump rally at times, but overall it was a fun experience. And the bathrooms are everything they’re cracked up to be and more. mmm ---
**Author:** ![kitap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b9e5f3/32.png) [@kitap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitap)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/27 "2023-06-30T03:51:17Z")
We stopped at one on our way from Dallas to Barksdale AFB. Clean toilets, fresh food, snacks, swimsuits, cookbooks, candles and crawdad boilers. Also souvenirs up the wazoo. I am the proud owner of tee-shirts, plush, a tote bag and a covered tumbler. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/28 "2023-06-30T04:16:10Z")
> [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](#): > > they are recently expanding fairly quickly out of Texas If something is going to expand quickly out of Texas, why can’t it be HEB? It looks like a Bucc-ee’s is opening about 30 miles from me, on I-25 between Denver and Ft. Collins. That means I’ll probably never go, because it’s too close to home to need a charge, either coming or going. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/29 "2023-06-30T04:36:26Z")
I like Buc-ee’s. It’s a road trip destination, and it’s a nice place on a long trip to be able to really stretch your legs, get some decent food, something to entertain the kids, maybe a cheesy gift for whoever you’re visiting. It’s bright and clean, and everyone seem in a better mood than at the Circle K. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/30 "2023-06-30T05:55:20Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > If something is going to expand quickly out of Texas, why can’t it be HEB? As far as I can tell, it’s because HEB really does focus on quality and not competing with themselves over expansion. The nearest Central Market and HEB (same parent company) are nearly equidistant in regard to time to my current house (they’re both kinda far). My darling chooses which she wants to visit based on whether she’s going to be shopping for regular grocery store things like pet food, or wants something that CM carries that HEB doesn’t. HEB has 90% of the excellent stuff that Central Market has, and most of it is cheaper, plus the normal grocery store stuff. But yeah, HEB rules. If you get one near you, go to there. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/31 "2023-06-30T09:13:04Z")
If Buc-ee’s had any kind of overnight sleeping facilities, like cabins, my wife would leave and take up permanent residence there. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/32 "2023-06-30T10:38:31Z")
Meanwhile, there is a [short video](https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/article/bucees-brisket-chant-18175056.php?IPID=MySA-HP-CP-Spotlight) regarding the brisket chant. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/33 "2023-06-30T10:44:00Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > The guy in the video called it a travel destination. No, a gas station is a place you pass through on your way to a destination. But … there’s FUDGE. Therefore, ipso facto, it’s a travel destination. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/34 "2023-06-30T11:29:56Z")
I love Buc-ee’s. They’re one of the few places that easily accommodates our 60 ft. RV, and they even provide dump stations. The place is clean, the food is fantastic, and I don’t have to deal with the hostility and filth so common at truck stops. > [@John\_DiFool](#): > > You have to eat in your car tho note. Again, perfect for us. We just go in back to our dining table. > [@Maserschmidt](#): > > Sure, you have to get used to being around people packing weapons I’m surprised you’ve seen guns openly displayed there. I’ve never seen one in any of our visits, and was under the impression they forbid open carry (pretty certain I saw 30.07 signs, but I could be wrong). > [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > I’ve driven past a couple, and they are trying to build one in my closest city, but have never been in one. They seem like a distopian nightmare. > [@John\_DiFool](#): > > Had one in Florida that I occ. visited, and the entire place certainly unnerved me Dystopian? Unnerving? I’m puzzled. Odd descriptions to apply to a brightly lit gas station. Those adjectives definitely describe the grimy and sketchy all-night stations in the urban areas, but I’m puzzled why a clean, open and busy travel stop would cause these reactions. Different strokes, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/35 "2023-06-30T11:49:52Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > Dystopian? Unnerving? I’m puzzled. Odd descriptions to apply to a brightly lit gas station. Those adjectives definitely describe the grimy and sketchy all-night stations in the urban areas, but I’m puzzled why a clean, open and busy travel stop would cause these reactions. Different strokes, I guess. Acres of paved land, dedicated to selling fossil fuels and chintzy tourist crap. ---
**Author:** ![MrAtoz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MrAtoz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrAtoz)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/36 "2023-06-30T12:11:09Z")
We stopped at one during our last long road trip, mostly just for the novelty of it. I mean, you see so many billboards, you feel like you just have to drop in. It almost feels like not stopping to see an old friend when you’re in their neighborhood. The restrooms really are nice. Not just clean, although they are that, but _nice_. Lots of upscale tile, dividers between the urinals that go all the way to the floor, giving you more of a sense of privacy, very big sinks and vanities. If it weren’t for the size, and all the strangers around you, you wouldn’t think you were in a gas station restroom. At the same time, it’s not the sort of place you can stop at for a quick pee break. It’s so big, and so crowded, that it can take several minutes after you get in the door to even reach the restroom. I’m kind of glad we stopped, just so that I could see what it’s like. But I don’t know that we’ll go back. For refueling, snacks, and restroom breaks, I generally lean toward places like Love’s, TA, or Pilot. Convenient enough, and not so overwhelming. ---
**Author:** ![Bayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bayaker/32/3454_2.png) [@Bayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/37 "2023-06-30T13:13:47Z")
I’ve liked Buc-ee’s since before they started building the super-sized stores along major highways. They used to have just a handful of regular size gas station/convenience stores in the Freeport, TX area. The pumps were situated so that it was convenient for trucks with boat trailers to get in and out without blocking everybody else, they sold 20# sacks of ice for 99 cents (now it’s $1.99 but still cheap), and if you were desperate for bait they even sold frozen shrimp and mullet. They were always clean, well maintained, and efficient. But their big draw was _always_ the bathrooms. The old stores didn’t have huge bathrooms (still don’t), but they were larger than average and always spotless. I had been stopping at Buc-ee’s for some time before I even knew about the ‘bathroom thing’. Sometime in the early '90s a friend and I were on our way to do some surf fishing, and he wanted to use a bathroom before we hit the beach. I was about to pull over at the next convenience store when he said “What are you doing? There’s a Buc-ee’s just down the road.” So we stopped at Buc-ee’s and I went in with him to see a Buc-ee’s bathroom for the first time. Ever since then I do my ‘business’ in Buc-ee’s whenever possible 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/38 "2023-06-30T14:29:34Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Acres of paved land, dedicated to selling fossil fuels and chintzy tourist crap. Aaah. Like Disney World with gas pumps? I kinda see your point. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/39 "2023-06-30T15:02:56Z")
Heh, that’s a pretty good description of how I feel about it. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309/40 "2023-06-30T15:09:26Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Whenever we go to Texas (about once a year) I stop by Buc-ee’s and pick up 6 or 8 sandwichs to eat on the way back to Michigan. I like the cut of your jib! (and the juice on your bib) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buc-ees-worlds-largest-service-plaza/986309.md?page=3)