Buc-ee’s may come to North Carolina. Here are 10 reasons why people love this gas station

Buc-ee’s, one of the South’s most unique gas stations, could be headed to North Carolina. The chain is known for its record holding stores, 100-gas pump layout and cult following of fans.

The mega convenience store submitted a proposal to build a 75,440-square-foot center with about 120 gas pumps, including eight for diesel exhaust, The News & Observer reported.

The plan is to add the site to Mebane’s 1,200-acre N.C. Commerce Park off of Trollingwood-Hawfields Road. This could lead to traffic numbers as high as 800 vehicles through the weekday and 1,200 on the weekends, according to a study submitted with the proposal. The proposal will be considered this fall.

For fans of Buc-ee’s, it can’t come soon enough. Why would people be so obsessed with a gas station travel center? Here are 10 reasons why.

10. It’s a Southern thing

Buc-ee’s has over 40 stores across the South, including in Tennessee, Georgia and Texas.

If approved, the Buc-ee’s in North Carolina could open as early as 2025, the company said. Currently, the closest Buc-ee’s is in Florence, South Carolina, about a two-hour drive away from Raleigh.

9. But it’s not loved by everyone

The proposed store in Mebane would be its first in North Carolina, but it isn’t the first time the company has tried to come to the state.

The company considered coming to Efland, about 9 miles from the proposed site in Mebane, but decided against it in 2021 after concerns from county commissioners and Efland residents.

They were worried that the site was too large and could take away from Efland’s local businesses. After a public hearing and request from commissioners to make the warehouse, sign and gas pump offerings smaller, Buc-ee’s withdrew its proposal.

8. It’s not your typical gas station

Yes, gas is the company’s deal with over 100 gas pumps at most stations and a variety of fuel options like diesel exhaust and ethanol-free.

But on the inside, it’s also a huge warehouse. Put together a restaurant, grocery store, clothing, convenience and knick-knack tourist spot all in one and you’ve got a Buc-ee’s. Inside, you can buy anything from a pool to a grill to baby clothes to treats for your dog.

7. Its bathrooms have won awards for being clean

Every year, cleaning company Cintas holds a competition for the cleanest bathrooms in America and a location in Texas was the winner back in 2012. The chain beat out a hotel and stadium for the honor.

6. It’s open all day, every day

If you ever have a snack craving at 2 a.m. or need to top off your tank before an early morning trip, Buc-ee’s is there. Both the chain’s gas pumps and indoor convenience store stays open 24/7, 365 days a year.

5. Its wall of jerky is a Southern treasure

Buc-ee’s sells more than 20 different varieties of jerky, including teriyaki, ghost pepper and bohemian garlic — all displayed under its “World Famous Jerky Wall.”

4. Its Beaver Nuggets

If you aren’t into jerky, Buc-ee’s is also known for another food item — Beaver Nuggets. This sweet treat is made by drenching puffed corn in a caramel sauce.

3. It sells fresh food

At Buc-ee’s you can buy homemade fudge, fresh fried chips and to-go charcuterie cups.

The chain is known for its breakfast selections, like burritos, hot biscuits and brisket tacos. Its barbecue goes into lunch offerings, like its brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. As employees are chopping the fresh meat, they’ll chant “Brisket on the board.”

You can also choose from prepared meals like salads and cold cuts or options from the in-house bakery and meat chopping stand.

The store also has a coffee bar, a wall of sodas, teas and juices.

2. It’s a two-time world record holder

Buc-ee’s holds the record for — you probably guessed it — the world’s largest convenience store. This location is in New Braunfels, Texas and is 66,335 square feet. The proposed store in N.C. might top that record, with a plan of building a 75,440-square-foot location.

The second is for the world’s longest car wash, with Buc-ee’s Katy Freeway, Texas, location coming in at 255 feet.

1. It has a mascot

One of the most notable things about Buc-ee’s is its mascot — the beaver. It’s inspired by founder Arch Aplin’s childhood nickname.

When you go to a Buc-ee’s, you’ll see him everywhere — the sign on the building, the beaver nuggets and on souvenirs like T-shirts and mugs.

And you might even get to snap a picture with a costumed version of the mascot when you drop by.

Tamia Boyd of the Charlotte Observer contributed to this story.