Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s opens soon — here’s what to know

Wake up the kids and load up the car — Virginia is about to experience Buc-eesmania! Here’s what you need to know:

What’s happening?
Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s will open Monday, June 30, with doors opening bright and early at 6 a.m. Fans from as far as Alabama and Maine have posted on social media about plans to visit the new mega-travel center on opening day. (Take note: There’s a rumor no one will be allowed in the parking lot before 4 a.m.)

Where is Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s?
In multiple Facebook groups devoted to Virginia’s and all things Buc-ee’s, members get prickly about folks referring to the newest location of the super-sized travel center chain as the Harrisonburg Buc-ee’s. It’s in Mount Crawford, thank you very much. Calling it the Rockingham County Buc-ee’s is also acceptable. The store is located at Exit 240 off Interstate 81.

Will there be other Virginia Buc-ee’s locations?
Yes, at least two other locations are in the works: one in New Kent County east of Richmond, at Exit 211 off Interstate 64, expected to open in 2027; and another in Stafford County, near Exit 140 off Interstate 95 that is still moving through zoning approvals.

Why the hubbub?
Asking that is sort of the equivalent of asking those afflicted with Beatlemania to put words to what they found compelling about John, Paul, George and Ringo back in 1964.

Buc-ee’s devotees frequently mention the mega-travel center chain’s clean restrooms, the cuteness of the Buc-ee’s mascot (a nod to Buc-ee’s founder Arch Aplin III’s childhood nickname of “Beaver”) and the delicious food — particularly Buc-ee’s brisket and beaver nuggets, which include 0% beaver and are instead a puffed corn snack. Shaq has said it’s one of his favorite stores.

Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s will occupy 74,000 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions.

Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s started out as a phenomenon in Texas (where everything is bigger) until 2019 when the chain opened its first store outside the Lone Star State in Alabama. Counting the upcoming Rockingham County location, Buc-ee’s operates 53 stores across the United States. The chain has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado and Mississippi.

The Rockingham County Buc-ee’s is creating more than 200 jobs for the region, according to the company. The pay is “well above minimum wage,” and workers get benefits, including three weeks of paid vacation and a 6% matching 401(k).

Will there be a line of people waiting to get in on opening day?
Maybe.

If so, Beth Woodson from Covington will likely be among them. She plans to leave at 1 a.m. on June 30 to visit Virginia’s new Buc-ee’s with her friend Mindy Selleck and their 15-year-old daughters, who are also passionate Buc-ee’s devotees.

The quartet first visited a Buc-ee’s two summers ago while on vacation in Sevierville, Tennessee. Woodson, who also likes to shop at Cracker Barrel, enjoys browsing Buc-ee’s merchandise, which runs the gamut from beaver-bedecked swimsuits and toys to home décor items.

“You can just get a little bit of everything,” said Woodson, who runs a marketing business.

The 46-year-old is also a fan of the brisket at Buc-ee’s. She recently saw a photo of a Buc-ee’s billboard that read, “Risk it for the brisket,” and she’d like to own a T-shirt with the slogan.

Basically, everybody who knows Woodson knows not to pester her on June 30.

“I’ve rescheduled all my client meetings,” Woodson said. “I’ve completely blocked off my day.”

How can I visit before June 30?
Be a first responder. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 27, police, firefighters and EMTs can enjoy free food and drink at the Mount Crawford Buc-ee’s. First responders can RSVP in advance by calling (979) 236-3669.

What else should I know?
Drivers of 18-wheelers aren’t allowed to park at Buc-ee’s. This has left a sour taste in the mouths of some truck drivers, but others say it makes sense because the travel center’s parking lots are often packed.

RVers are welcome at Buc-ee’s, but they’re not allowed to spend the night.

A ribbon-cutting will be held at the new location at 10 a.m. June 30. Officials expected to attend include members of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors and County Administrator Casey Armstrong.