Buc-ee’s CEO Lists Reasons He Wants To Expand Into Conservative States

The CEO of the popular travel station and retail outlet Buc-ee’s said he’s happy to target conservative states as the company continues to open new locations.

“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,” Arch Aplin III said earlier this week a video clip posted by Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. 

“And 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’re building,” the exec continued.

The beloved travel stop currently boasts locations in Texas, Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Colorado, Missouri, Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, and now, Arkansas. 

Buc-ee’s is known for its mascot, a cheerful cartoon beaver in a red cap. It also boasts exceptionally clean and spacious restrooms, an average of 100 gas pumps per location, and a gigantic retail and food store attached that’s become a cult-like destination for visitors.

It’s not uncommon to see visitors snapping photos of themselves perusing the selection of branded merchandise and exclusive food options, like Beaver Nuggets (crunchy, bite-sized puffed corn coated in a sweet buttery brown sugar glaze), house made fudge, pastries, extensive fresh beef jerky, and Texas barbecue brisket.

The company is also known for having exceptionally high wages for the industry. The Buc-ee’s careers website says general manager salaries range from $200,000 to $275,000 or more, while assistant general managers start at $125,000. And it’s not just management making good money. Cashiers, maintenance, and grocery stockers start at $20 per hour with no experience required. Team leads jump to $23 to $28 range while department managers make $33 per hour.

Buc-ee’s has gotten into some controversy recently, however, after filing several trademark infringement lawsuits, including a recently filed suit against Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio. Some people slammed Buc-ee’s for going after the local convenience store, and Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine called the lawsuit “ridiculous.” Buc-ee’s claims that Beaver’s Mini Mart’s cartoon beaver logo, red color scheme, and name cause consumer confusion. The lawsuit was filed shortly after Buc-ee’s expanded into the state for the first time.