Buc-ee’s may prioritize ‘conservative, business-friendly’ red states for expansion

Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center and gas station chain known for its sprawling and pristine restrooms, barbecue, and beloved beaver-themed merchandise, is in the midst of a major expansion.But recent remarks from company president, CEO, and cofounder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III seem to suggest that the wildly popular chain isn’t likely to show up in your hometown unless you live in a conservative state.The comments were made on August 17 during the grand opening of the retail brand’s newest location in Benton, Arkansas, home to the state’s first Buc-ee’s.“We have a lot of opportunities. We’re growing. We’re building in a lot of places. But when you find a conservative, business-friendly state with a phenomenal workforce, it makes a difference,” Aplin told the crowd. He was joined by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who spoke about the state’s excitement at getting its inaugural Buc-ee’s.Aplin continued: “I’m starting to realize life’s too short to try to build in places that people don’t appreciate what you’re bringing, versus a place like this where people do appreciate what you are building.”Aplin seemed to suggest his leadership philosophy is “conservative, business-friendly, family-oriented” and that expansion “works so much better if it trickles down from the leadership from the very top” of state politics, from the governor’s office down.“What we found when we got here into Benton was a business-friendly town,” he said.Fast Company reached out to Buc-ee’s about Aplin’s recent comments but did not hear back by the time of publication.Aplin didn’t say what stores he was speaking about specifically, but in 2024, Buc-ee’s landed in Colorado (the only solidly blue state the pit stop has a presence in) for the first time. Earlier this year, a Buc-ee’s also arrived in Goodyear, Arizona.Sanders noted that the new location will support her Natural State Initiative, which aims to boost tourism as the chain anticipates millions of annual visitors to the Benton outpost.Buc-ee’s currently has 58 locations in the U.S., most of which are in Texas. But the chain has seen major growth in recent years. In addition to the new locations in Colorado and Arizona, the travel stop opened yet another location in Texas earlier this year, as well as one in Huber Heights, Ohio.If the locations chosen for the planned expansion are any indication, it seems clear that Buc-ee’s is already prioritizing red states as it continues to grow. This momentum is set to continue through 2031 with a store opening in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, later this year, as well as locations in Southern states like Louisiana, Kansas, Tennessee, and Georgia in 2027.From 2028 through 2031, openings are planned for Ocala, Florida; West Memphis, Arkansas; Oak Grove, Kentucky; and Hardeeville, South Carolina.