Why a Buc-ee's near Memphis is a big deal: What the travel center is known for and how it could impact West Tennessee

Tennessee set to have the third most Buc-ee's locations in the U.S. with the newest addition planned for the western part of the state.

Senator Page Walley, R-Savannah, announced the store's plans to hit West Tennessee with their newest rest center on Wednesday. In his announcement, there was a memo detailing the 74,000 square foot travel center that will come to West Tennessee in the future, but why is this such a big deal?

For those unfamiliar with Buc-ee's and all it has to offer, we have listed a few reasons as to why this is a big deal for West Tennessee, and it's not just because of the beaver nuggets.

What makes Buc-ee's so famous?

For starters, this new location will be the closest one to Memphis. As of right now, if someone from Memphis wanted to visit a Buc-ee's, they would have to travel to Leeds, Alabama which is a three-and-a-half hour drive. The closest Buc-ee's in Tennessee is in Crossville which is five hours from Memphis.

Buc-ee's only started branching outside of Texas in 2019, so this will be an addition to the 14 stores that have opened in the last four years.

Even if you haven't heard of Buc-ee's, someone you know has. This is likely because of the cult-like following the chain has amassed over the last 40 years of business. In Instagram, #bucees has over 174,000 posts. Tiktok has over 64,000 videos that use #bucees. Facebook has numerous groups dedicated to the chain with one of the largest having more than 237,000 members.

For Fayette County, this Buc-ee's means a lot. Based on the memo from Senator Walley's post, Gallaway could expect to see a lot of revenue come through from travelers. It is estimated that 5.2 million people will come through the store annually with 80% of them coming from outside of the county. The starting pay for jobs at Buc-ee's is $17 to $19 an hour with benefits. This could draw people in from neighboring areas to come work at this new location.

And did we mention the giant beaver mascot walking around the store?

What is the most famous food at Buc-ee's?

Buc-ee's is most known for its beaver nuggets which come in a wide variety of flavors. If you don't know what a beaver nugget is, you're not alone. In the simplest terms, it is a puffed corn nugget that is seasoned or covered in different toppings. Some toppings include caramel, cinnamon, sea salt caramel, milk chocolate or white fudge. Seasonings can include savory flavors like white cheddar, spicy or habanero.

Along with the nuggets, Buc-ee's is well known for its barbecue brisket. With the company being based in Texas, you can expect to get some authentic brisket no matter the location. Each location offers prepared sandwiches including sliced or chopped brisket, turkey and sausage, after starting each day with an array of breakfast offerings including breakfast tacos that also contain their signature brisket.

Jerky is another of Buc-ee's more famous treats it offers. Stores offer both fresh and prepackaged jerky with flavors like peppered, teriyaki, sweet and spicy, garlic, Korean barbecue and ghost-pepper spicy.

Where is the new Buc-ee's location going to be?

The new location is going to be at exit 28 on Interstate 40 in Gallaway, Tennessee. This is about 20 minutes down the road from Ford's new BlueOval City that will be opening in in 2025.

It is a bit longer of a drive for those from Jackson or Memphis. The drive from Downtown Memphis will be about 35 to 40 minutes, and the drive from Jackson will be about an hour. These times will more than likely be extended during the first few months after opening.

Which Buc-ee's store is the largest?

According to Buc-ee's, the largest convenience store is right here in the Volunteer State. The Sevierville location holds the world record for largest convenience store at 74,707 square feet.

What should I get my first time at Buc-ee's?

While you can get any number of snacks and sweet treats for the road, did you know there is an entire half of the store dedicated to non-edible items? The store offers beaver shaped cups, t-shirts, barbecue rub and farmhouse décor to name a few items. From souvenir cups to Buc-ee hats to a surfboard named the Buc-ee Board, there is a lot to take in, or take home, when you first visit the store.

Why are truckers not allowed at Buc-ee's?

Essentially, the travel centers are not built for semi-trucks to come through. The rest stop only has pumps for passenger vehicles, and parking lots were not built with semi-trucks in mind.

Who owns Buc-ee's?

The superstore-gas station was started and is currently owned by Arch "Beaver" Aplin III. The store's name came from Aplin's childhood nickname of "Beaver" and the name of his Labrador Retriever, Buck.

What is the reaction to Buc-ee's coming to West Tennessee?

Reactions to Senator Walley's post were all relatively positive. Most users were excited for the business to come to Fayette County and give the area an economic boost. Some users were weary of all the traffic that will inevitably come to exit 28 on Interstate 40 when it first opens.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Buc-ee's near Memphis is a big deal: What the store is famous for