The United States is known for its abundance of, well, everything. Overall wealth, portion sizes at restaurants, automobiles, highway lane widths. Our people may not be the tallest (that honor goes to the Dutch), but who else has television programs about My 600 Pound Life?
Walmart and Costco have gone international and contribute to the abundance image. But there’s a relatively new player. Founded in Texas, this company embodies the essence of Texas Big. And it is limited to only one state outside the South. Have you heard of Buc-ee’s?
One of my neighbors returned home gushing about this over-the-top convenience store, so on a trip to Nashville last month, we went a little out of our way to visit a Buc-ee’s in Tennessee. My mouth was agape! Buc-ee’s was everything she said, plus.
How do 80 to 100 gas pumps sound? (Surprisingly, no parking for large trucks.) Over 25 types of beef jerky are featured as well as a brisket station where the carvers and crowds “Whoop” when a fresh brisket is pulled out of the oven. Fresh homemade tacos, kolaches, and a variety of sandwiches, cups of fruit and vegetables are available – in case you want to have a balanced snack on the road.
Besides food and drinks, the company offers souvenirs, including apparel and artwork. The chain also carries its own clothing brand. The plus for us ladies is the rating by Cintas Corp. (provider of cleaning equipment for business) as the “Best Restroom in America.” Airports should take a hint.
Buc-ee’s opened as the largest convenience store in America, and now has 54 active locations with new ones planned in Wisconsin, Arizona, and Kansas joining the one in Colorado.
It was such an experience that I might go to the one being built in Wisconsin. You’ve got to see it to believe it.
