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Buc-ee's has introduced plans to build a 75,000-square-foot store in the Hill Country city of Luling, which will be its largest location, per the website CultureMap Austin, Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported.
The website reported that the new store will replace the longtime location in Luling, which sits on Interstate 10 (I-10) some 60 miles east of San Antonio and approximately 50 miles south of Austin.
More than just a pit stop on long road trips throughout the Lone Star State, Buc-ee's has developed a stellar reputation for its pristine restrooms and endless selection of snacks, drinks and novelty items.
The distinction of the largest Buc-ee's was held by a few locations in other states though the company is Texas-based.
CultureMap Austin reported that a 66,000-square-foot Bucee's in New Braunfels is currently the reigning title-holder.
According to the website, the new Luling Buc-ee's will be constructed next to its soon-to-be predecessor and will boast 120 gas nozzles at 60 pumps.
The current store, which was built nearly 20 years ago, was the company's first “family travel center,” per CultureMap Austin.
“Since that time, Buc-ee’s has grown into an iconic Texas brand that now shares our Texas pride with new stores throughout the Southeast and West,” Stan Beard, the chain's director of real estate, said in the report. "We are humbled to have this opportunity to strengthen our roots in Texas and will continue to exceed our customers’ expectations every chance we get.”
Arch "Beaver" Aplin, III founded Buc-ee's in 1982 after his graduation from Texas A&M University, with Lake Jackson in the Houston area as the site of the first store.
Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that Aplin gifted TAMU $50 million earlier this month to start a hospitality entrepreneurship program.
The university said that Aplin's donation is one of the largest gifts it has ever received from a single donor, Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported.