Asheville & Western North Carolina… buckle up. Big things are happening, and we’re not just talking about breweries or coffee shops — though you know we love those too. We’re talking about big-league arrivals that are reshaping our community.
First Publix broke up the unofficial grocery monopoly in our region. Also Whataburger and In-N-Out now have their sights set on WNC. Then on the gas station front, QuikTrip landed in Hendersonville, Sheetz rolled into Fletcher, and Sphinx is on the way. But now… here comes the Big Dog. Or rather, the Big Beaver.
Buc-ee’s is officially coming to North Carolina. And yes, Western North Carolina is squarely in their sights.
Buc-ee’s: More Than a Gas Station
If you’ve never been to Buc-ee’s, let’s get you caught up. Founded in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas, Buc-ee’s has grown into a roadside legend — part mega-convenience store, part Texas-sized food court, and part cultural phenomenon. Known for being spotless (yes, their bathrooms have won national awards), Buc-ee’s isn’t just a pit stop; it’s an experience.
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Massive footprints: Locations span 50,000–74,000 square feet, with rows upon rows of gas pumps.
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Employee-first culture: Buc-ee’s pays well above industry average, with strong benefits and a reputation for valuing its team.
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Food heaven: We’re talking brisket sandwiches smoked on-site, fresh fudge, jerky walls, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets (sweet corn puffs that are addictive), and an ever-expanding menu that turns a gas stop into a culinary adventure.
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Community impact: Buc-ee’s doesn’t franchise — every store is corporate-owned, and they invest deeply in each community they land in, from job creation to tourism draw.
The first time I hit a Buc-ee’s was on a Tennessee trip, doing media for a few celebrities. I met Buc-ee himself, another celebrity, so I snapped photos, videos, and fueled up on snacks. They have since carried me through many late-night drives. Trust me: once you go, you get it.
Where Should Buc-ee’s Land in WNC?
Here’s the twist — Buc-ee’s needs the right location for their WNC debut. And we’ve been brainstorming some bold options:
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WNC Agricultural Center (Fletcher): Right across from the airport, near Sierra Nevada Brewing, with easy interstate access. Existing structures could be relocated, opening prime real estate for Buc-ee’s to build big and build sustainably.
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Broadmoor Golf Course (Airport Rd/I-26): Highway frontage, massive space, and visibility for days.
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Biltmore Estate (backside near WNC Farmers Market): Imagine Buc-ee’s next to Asheville’s most iconic landmark. Heritage meets highway convenience.
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Weaverville (25/70 corridor): A rising area with interstate pull.
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West Asheville/Candler (Smokey Park Hwy): Perfectly near I-26 & I-40.
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Swannanoa (between Asheville & Black Mountain): A chance to anchor a community poised for growth.
Who knows where they’ll land? But one thing’s for sure: Asheville deserves a Buc-ee’s.
The First NC Buc-ee’s: Mebane
The first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina will open in Mebane, near Greensboro, with a jaw-dropping 74,000-square-foot store, 120 gas pumps, and 652 parking spaces. Target opening: late 2026. And if that’s their first move, you can bet WNC is on the board.
Asheville’s Revival + Buc-ee’s Growth
After the storm, Asheville is rising — stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever. We’ve got new breweries, restaurants, and attractions filling the gaps left behind. And now, the arrival of Buc-ee’s signals more than a convenience store; it signals momentum.
So let’s get ready. Buc-ee’s, we’re saving you a spot here in the mountains. We love you, and we’re ready for Beaver Nuggets, brisket, and the cleanest bathrooms this side of Texas.
See you soon, Buc-ee’s. Asheville is waiting.
