Thousands brave Buc-ee's opening week
Last week, the new Buc-ee's location in Huber Heights opened, drawing thousands of attendees, some of whom camped overnight to be there when the store officially opened at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 6. The official grand opening took place a few hours later at noon and was attended by Governor Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, State Senator Huffman, company representatives and other community leaders.
The Friday before, Buc-ee's held an event honoring first responders, with police, fire, and EMS personnel visiting from the local area and nearby states.
"I'm very excited to welcome Buc-ee's to the Buckeye State," Huffman reportedly said. "This is a tremendous investment for the Dayton area, specifically for the City of Huber Heights. Buc-ee's newest location will increase tourism, economic growth, and add new jobs to the region."
Buc-ee's is known for their massive travel centers that combine a gas station, convenience store, and mini–general store under one roof. Their location features in-house kitchens that make dozens of fresh products, including their famous pulled pork, brisket, and a variety of beef jerky. Buc-ee's is also famous for their large numbers of gas pumps -- in fact, the Huber Heights location reportedly features 140 gas pumps. Interestingly, they do not offer gas for--or even allow--semi trailers. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, most locations are supersized, with dozens of fuel pumps, giant retail floors, and a heavy focus on road-trip traffic. The Huber Heights location is the first in Ohio and is located at 8000 Ohio 235, just north of Interstate 70.
According to the Buc-ee's website, the company holds several world records, including one for "The World’s Largest Convenience Store" - their location in Luling, Texas, is the largest convenience store in the world at 75,593 square feet. They also claim to have the "World's Longest Car Wash" at their location in Katy, Texas, measuring 255 feet. They operate over 50 locations in nearly a dozen states, with most locations in Texas. Every store in the chain is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
During my visit on Wednesday afternoon, the crowds were still overwhelming as hundreds of visitors crowded the massive store, snapping up bags of jerky, ICEE drinks, fresh sandwiches and salads, and giant sodas. Honestly, it was a little overwhelming. And the long lines to check out dissuaded me from picking up any snacks, though I was strongly tempted by the jerky and pulled pork options.
Out in the parking lot, I saw cars with license plates from Ohio, of course, but also Alabama, Illinois, and even one from Maryland. And yes, I did gas up at one of the 140 gas pumps. When you get a chance, check out Buc-ee's in Huber Heights. Just bring a buddy or something so you don't get lost - the place is huge! To learn more about Buc-ee's and the new location, visit www.buc-ees.com.
Interested in becoming a Site Sponsor? Your ad will run at the bottom of EVERY NEWS STORY. Click HERE for more details.
