Buc-ee’s could open first Va. store in New Kent

A Texas-sized travel center could be coming to New Kent County.

Buc-ee’s, which bills itself as having the cleanest restrooms in America and the “friendliest beaver,” has filed a conditional use permit with the county’s planning and zoning department for review and approval of a proposed sign, the county’s economic development department posted on its Facebook page Monday.

According to the post, the Texas-based convenience store chain’s plans for construction of a 74,000-square-foot store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla electric charging stations and 10 bus and recreational vehicles parking stations at Exit 211 off Interstate 64. The company plans to employ more than 175 people full-time with benefits at $16 to $18 per hour, and the center would be open 24 hours daily. Tractor trailers would not be permitted.

The location would be the chain’s first in Virginia and its anticipated 2027 opening is timed for completion of an ongoing project to widen I-64 in the county, New Kent Economic Development Director Matthew Smolnik told Virginia Business.

The company needs approval for its sign because it exceeds height standards set by the county, Smolnik added.

Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s is headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, and has 44 locations in Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and Texas. The travel centers offer a variety of prepared foods, barbecue, custom-made sandwiches, fresh salads, baked goods, housewares, gifts, clothing and weekend getaway gear.