I always stop at their Luling location on road trips to Houston. Knowing that Mom makes the rest stop decisions, Buc-ee’s pride itself on immaculate restrooms. (That sign below is just outside of Houston.) The stores, too, are spotless. They don’t allow 18-wheelers, instead asking them to use nearby truck stops.
The new store sports 60 (!!) gas pumps, an enormous parking lot, banks of ice machines, and, of course, Beaver Nuggets (think Sugar Pops from your childhood).
When I visited, regular gas was $3.45/gallon, almost certainly a promotional price. The traffic along IH-35 roared along behind me as I filled my tank.
Buc-ee’s is always full of people, and this week’s buzzing crowd was no exception. Think of a gas station convenience store on steroids. Drinks, snack foods (including many Buc-ee’s branded items), Texas-themed items, fountain drinks, and coffee abound. They also serve fresh sandwiches, jerky, fudge, and kolaches. This location also features a barbeque counter, fresh fruit and vegetables, and, as a nod to its location, plenty of toobing supplies, towels, and coolers.
According to an economic development friend of mine, New Braunfels and San Marcos fought tooth and nail for the privilege (and sales tax revenue) of hosting the new store. WOAI says that Buc-ee’s and Comal County split the sales tax revenue (Buc-ee’s using their portion to fund infrastructure improvements).
My only complaint: They need more vegetarian options at their sandwich counter and prepared sandwich sections. I found only a grilled cheese sandwich (which I didn’t get since it was on white bread), eight-layer dip, and pimento cheese for my vegetarian lunch.
Make sure to stop by on your next trip to Austin, DFW, or points north. As the new manager said to first-time visitors (props to WOAI), “It’s never too late to correct the errors of your ways.”
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