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.
There’s one off I-45 Madisonville, Tx. I think it’s the ‘mall’ for the area residents too. Seems to always be hopping with many people whenever I stop in driving Dallas-Houston round trips. I recently bought some BBQ rub too.
"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.
Correct. This is the concern of many places where Buc-Cees is planning to build. A Buc-Cees is coming to Boerne, Texas. Many residents opposed it since it would mean that many more people and less business for locals stores. Not to mention the traffic.
Going to Buc-Cees is not a quick stop. Plan on at least 30 minutes. More if the traffic in and out of the place is heavy. As it usually is.
Our kid and spouse drive through an area of Texas from time to time that has Buc-ee's. They usually pick me up some jerky while there. I have to agree, much of it is just OK. I do like their Bohemian Garlic though. Pretty good flavor and texture.
I’m wondering if a Buc-Eees in Wisconsin will have a brats, cheese curds featured section? Does anyone know if those Deep South locations sell boiled peanuts?
“Going to Buc-Cees is not a quick stop. Plan on at least 30 minutes. More if the traffic in and out of the place is heavy. As it usually is.”
I like Buc-Cees but rarely stop at one because it is not a quick stop.
I have a friend who goes on a yearly weekend fishing trip with several other women on the Texas coast, one time they stopped at Buc-Cees for a bag of ice, 2 hours and 45 minutes later she finally got everyone back in the car. She no longer stops at Buc-Cees no matter how clean the restroom.
Wisconsin has no idea what they are in for. I am so jeolous of them.
I still have to travel far out of my area for a Buc-ee's but I dream someday of having one on I-84 in Connecticut, somewhere between Danbury and Waterbury.
There is one in Florence, SC along I-95. It is quite the attraction and often very crowded.
They’re a great way to see a cross section of the car traveling American public. Which is basically grossly overweight and heavily tattooed
It’s the only gas station I’ve taken pics of and told stories about to friends and family.
It’s like going to see the Grand Canyon, only it’s a gas station.
WE NEED SEVERAL OF THESE IN NORTH CAROLINA !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buc-ee’s Mebane .. dat be de only one in NC
When did that happen???? I had no idea!!!!
Is it already open?
I live in Buc’ees Heaven: there are 4 Buc’ees within a 45 mile radius of my abode.
Sorry, not impressed. It's like a Culvers, HomeGoods & Wayfair all got together under one roof, except the Culvers sells a ton of bbq pork / brisket sammiches and has 100 gas pumps.
For me, ethanol free gas is the ONLY reason to stop at Buc ‘cees. My truck runs MUCH better on it!
I want to take my best friend’s father there. He is absolutely identical to the Andy Griffin character - wholesome, sweet, just a salt of the earth old farm boy - and he would LOVE it!!!
Fun fact about him - he has never had bottled water. He saw me with one and said wonderingly, “Is that real water in a bottle?” It was too cute!
Not open but is coming so they say. We’ll see.
https://abc11.com/buc-ees-nc-gas-station-alamance-county/14035064/
MEBANE, N.C. (WTVD) — Buc-ee’s has filed a site plan for a mega convenience store in Mebane.
The iconic Texas-based business with the cleanest restrooms around wants to build a travel plaza along Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 in Alamance County.
one time they stopped at Buc-Cees for a bag of ice, 2 hours and 45 minutes later she finally got everyone back in the car.
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LOL... Yep not considered a quick stop for gas.
“...but I dream someday of having one on I-84 in Connecticut, somewhere between Danbury and Waterbury.”
Contact their Corporate. If the ‘numbers crunch’ correctly, I’m sure they’d oblige you. ;)
This Bucee’s is too far away from me for everyday trips, but we do have a gift card to a nearby Fleet Farm that needs to be used, so maybe we can ‘make a day of it’ after the Bucee’s is open.
It’s the Little Things in life, ain’t it? LOL!
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