Iconic Convenience Store Chain Seeks To Open 2nd VA Location

STAFFORD, VA — As Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin traveled to Rockingham County on Monday to participate in the ribbon-cutting for the first Buc-ee's convenience store in the state, the proposed Stafford location remains under review.

In February 2024, the iconic chain filed the initial paperwork with Stafford County to open its second Virginia store along the I-95 corridor. The beloved Texas-based chain is known for its exceptionally clean restrooms, house-made food and beaver-branded merchandise.

Another Buc-ee’s planned for New Kent County was announced in 2023, but has been postponed to 2027. The chain plans to have four total Virginia locations in the coming years, the MoCo Show reported.

Buc-ee’s Stafford applied for a conditional use permit to allow it to operate a vehicle fuel sales facility in a B-2 Urban Commercial Zoning District. The 36.18-acre property is located on the east side of Austin Ridge Drive, across the intersection with Sunflower Drive and within the Garrisonville Election District.

"Applicant intends to construct a Buc-ee’s Travel Center (the “Project”) on the Project Site. Buc-ee’s Travel Center has redefined the traditional pit stop into a one-of-a-kind destination experience,
known for its pristine bathrooms, friendly staff, and freshly prepared food," according to the project narrative Buc-ee's submitted with its request. "Buc-ee’s is not a truck stop; commercial tractor-trailers are prohibited. In addition to selling gas, the Buc-ee’s Travel Center offers in-house BBQ, baked goods and sweets, clothing, and a unique collection of gifts and weekend get-away gear."

Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s has 34 stores across Texas and 14 locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Colorado.

The store area for the Buc-ee’s Travel Center is approximately 74,000 square feet, and the vehicle
fuel sales component consists of 60 multi-product dispensers. There are two MPDs per
island (30 islands), providing a total of 120 fueling positions, the use permit said.

The project would be located in the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Interstate 95 (I-95) and Courthouse Road (Route 630) in Stafford County, Virginia. Currently, the site proposed for development is vacant.

Buc-ee's claims the travel center will not only generate significant tax revenue for Stafford County, it will create an estimated 200 new jobs. The average starting pay will be $16 to $19 per hour. Employees will also receive health benefits and 401K participation.

The Stafford property included in Buc-ee's request was owned by Rocky Ridge Joint Venture, which shares an address with Van Metre Cos.

Related: Wildly Popular Convenience Store To Open First VA Location Soon

The project is currently in the resubmission process, after county staff sent questions to the applicant in July 2024, according to the county. Both the planning commission and board of supervisors would need to approve the conditional use permit and rezoning application in order for the project to move forward.

The proposal has garnered opposition within the community. More than 2,000 people signed a Change.org petition to stop the project.

"We do not need more gas stations in the area, especially one with 120 gas pumps," the petition says. "This will lead to more traffic congestion, pollution, higher crime and higher expenses for the county. This eventually will lead to higher taxes to cover utilities and water usage for over 100 toilets and 500,000 gallons of water monthly, including stormwater runoff containing millions of gallons of gasoline and oil residue entering our local environment. There will also be 100 plus gas pumps off-gassing carcinogenic fuel vapors into our communities."

The opponents also expressed concerns about an influx of people coming to visit the Buc-ee's store, leading to higher crime rates.

About Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s is the world’s most-loved travel center. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s now has 35 stores across Texas, including the world’s largest convenience store, as well as 14 locations in other states. Buc-ee’s is known for pristine bathrooms, a large amount of fueling positions, friendly service, Buc-ee’s apparel and fresh, delicious food. Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee’s has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine the pit stop for their customers. For more information, visit www.buc-ees.com.

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