Posted on 11/13/2023 6:23:43 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
KATY, Texas -- It's really to Texas what Culver's and Kwik Trip are to Wisconsin. You run into any Lone Star State transplant in Wisconsin and they'll tell you they miss Buc-ee's more than anything else. But soon, they won't have to.
This spring, the Texas-based travel center announced for the first time that it would be venturing into the great north, setting up shop in along Interstate 39/90/94 in DeForest, WI.
It left many wondering: what's the big deal? Just another truck stop?
Others more familiar with Buc-ee's told us for Wisconsinites, this could be life-changing.
Interested in finding out for ourselves, we embarked on a 24-hour journey from Madison to Katy, Texas, and back to truly see what Buc-ee's was all about.
The Katy store is an eye-opener. Upon arrival, we were greeted by more than 120 gas pumps, and then we lost count at about 30 Tesla charging stations. In Katy, alongside the world's longest car wash -- which measures in at 85 yards -- are more than 30 vacuum stations.
When you go inside, you see what really sets Buc-ee's apart. The food offerings are not only extensive -- they're unique, freshly prepared, and truly give you a taste of Texas.
It's got all the typical road-side truck stop and convenience store offerings one one end, but also has many freshly cooked options. It offers basically every baked good imaginable, and you can also watch employees carefully handcraft fudge.
From a sweet treat for the road known as Beaver Nuggets to a Texas take on the Czech pastry the "kolache," there is pretty much something that everyone will find to eat at Buc-ee's.
But what Buc-ee's is really known for is its brisket.
"You know the same brisket you get here is low and slow brisket that's got that peppery smoky bite that is absolutely delicious," award-winning Buc-ee's barbecue pitmaster Randy Pauly explained.
"You can order whatever you want on a day's notice," he said, "or you can order a whole brisket and we'll wrap it up."
One end of the store is like going to a souvenir shop, loaded with gifts of the season. The other end looks like a larger than life convenience store. In between are the goodies and barbecue pit, where the crew behind the counter has become known for their chants alerting patrons that a fresh batch of brisket is nearly ready for their consumption.
During our visit to Buc-ee's in Katy, we met the Chocolek family, who have a home in Siren, Wisconsin, but often visit their daughter Jennifer in Katy. One of their first stops is usually Buc-ee's.
"When we moved here and they were building it," Jennifer said, "everyone was like crazy about this gas station, and I didn't understand what the big deal was, but now we do."
She calls it the "Disneyland of gas stations," and that's a pretty accurate description.
The Buc-ee's planned for the Madison are follows a pattern of recent store locations. Just off Exit 126 about 16 miles north of the Beltline interchange, Buc-ee's is set to sit on land recently annexed into DeForest from the town of Vienna. It also will be about 45 minutes south along the interstate from the Wisconsin Dells.
Buc-ee's has built other new stores recently a similar distance from tourist areas in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Branson, Missouri, and Williamsburg, Virginia.
"I would say the majority of people that we've heard from are thumbs up, go, excited," DeForest planning administrator Brandi Cooper said. "They've heard of it, you know, the word is spreading, I think the name is being branded by word of mouth at this point."
Still, there are concerns about what such a massive facility could do to local businesses.
"That's something we take into consideration when any proposal comes in," Cooper said, "how is it going to affect the village as a whole.
On the flip side, it will mean hundreds of jobs in the store, hundreds more during the construction phase, and even full hotels for up to 90 days while trainers settle into Wisconsin to get the DeForest Buc-ee's staff up to speed.
Ultimately, Cooper feels the net impact on the community figures to be a positive one.
"Other businesses that are around there could be affected maybe initially," she says, "the locals being curious about what's out there, but I would say that tourism may be driven to Buc-ee's, but local traffic and things like that will still support the smaller businesses."
Some hurdles remain, but it appears that construction could begin as early as spring of 2024. Company officials tell News 3 Now it takes about 16 months to complete a Buc-ee's travel center. That pegs a finish date potentially as early as fall of 2025.
Pauly can't wait to bring this taste of the Lone Star State north to Wisconsin.
"From clean restrooms, to a delicious, affordable meal, to gifts, to the swag, you blend that all together, and you got Buc-ee's, and I'll tell you -- it's coming," he said.
Bucky the Badger, meet Buc-ee the Beaver.
It’s a pretty cool experience. tons of gas pumps, cheap ice, super clean bathrooms, nice souvenir section with lots of Buc-cees shirts and toys. The wall of jerky features about 20 flavors. Beef brisket sandwiches are fresh made on site, made all day. I’ll bet each store sells 2000 a day.
It’s one of those American road trip staples.
I’ve been to the one in Daytona. It certainly is large. Nice place to visit and maybe buy gas. Just too big to be considered convenient in my mind. I can get in and out of my Publix a lot faster.
I love buck-ee’s for two reasons: Cheap gas and amazing restrooms. I don’t buy anything in the building because it’s all too expensive. But their gas is priced right.
One other minor exception: They have French Burn’t Peanuts and Boston Baked Beans on their “vintage” wall. No other service station carries them. At least not the Loves, Pilot, and other major brands.
It’s an overpriced, oversized Wal Mart to me.
Sounds good
.......what really sets Buc-ee’s apart.......the food offerings .....not only extensive — they’re unique, freshly prepared, and truly give you a taste of Texas (if you’re in a Texas Buc-ees).......
It’s got all the typical road-side truck stop and convenience store offerings one one end, but also has many freshly cooked options.
It offers basically every baked good imaginable, and you can also watch employees carefully handcraft fudge. From a sweet treat for the road known as Beaver Nuggets to a Texas take on the Czech pastry the “kolache,” there is pretty much something that everyone will find to eat at Buc-ee’s.
Buc-ee’s is really known for its brisket. “,,,,the brisket you get here is low and slow brisket that’s got that peppery smoky bite and is absolutely delicious,” award-winning Buc-ee’s barbecue pitmaster Randy Pauly explained.”You can order whatever you want on a day’s notice,” he said, “or you can order a whole brisket and we’ll wrap it up.”
The brisket crew has become known for their chants alerting patrons that a fresh batch of brisket is nearly ready for their consumption.
You will never find a cleaner gas station restroom anywhere other than Buc Cees.
They are cleaner than your bathroom at home.
Buc-ee’s is a case study in excellent market research, advertising, branding and management. They know what they are doing in every way.
And the dang Beaver Nuggets are as addictive as any drug. Beware opening a bag.
Buc-ee’s FTW.
It left many wondering: what’s the big deal? Just another truck stop
———————————————————
It actually is not a truck stop at all. No big rigs.
“I’ve never been in a Buc-ee’s. Comments? Experiences?”
They’re smart. They buy snacks in bulk from Sams or Costco (or maybe even their upstream suppliers), then repackage them with their labels, and charge 5 times the per-unit (usually per-ounce) price you find in Sams/Costco. I can see why they’re so successful.
Between Buc-ee’s and CEFCO, they are taking over the industry..............
It’s a great place. The gasoline is ALWAYS cheaper, so I go there to fill up and get my tractor gas cans full.
Inside, it’s a real hoot. People everywhere, and the staff is beyond numerous and friendly. They sell a huge amount of stuff and lots of good food, but expensive, IMHO.
They also sell Shiner Bock for $8 a six pack and that a deal where I live so I always buy some.
Lots of gas pumps and they have very wide isles so that you can pull a camper or big trailer in and our easily. Plus huge parking lots.
Clean restrooms with lots of facilities.
Good road trip food.
No big rigs allowed.
Lots if young folks working there (jobs)
I have seen the growth of Buc-ees since their first store in Lake Jackson TX. On a driving trip to Virginia, I saw one in eastern Tennessee.
“They are cleaner than your bathroom at home.”
Our Kwik Trip gas stations are known for their clean bathrooms, too.
When it was five males and me in the house, I had my own bathroom...for obvious reasons, LOL!
Forgot to mention:
Gasoline: Ethanol-Free: 87 and 93 Octane
Same cheap price.
Best gas for my small engines!
We have four now in Alabama: Athens, Auburn, Leeds and Loxley.
They have DEF at the pump for my diesel truck and ethanol free gas for my classic truck and my mowers.
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