Thousands Camp Out for Ohio's First Buc-ee's Grand Opening

Thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered for the grand opening of Ohio's first Buc-ee's, with many camping out overnight to be among the first to enter. The doors opened on Monday morning to a crowd that had queued for hours, stretching around the massive building.

Buc-ee's, a Texas-based chain, is celebrated for its expansive travel centers, with locations typically covering up to 75,000 square feet. The company has been pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, with plans to launch additional locations across several states.

By the conclusion of 2026, Buc-ee's aims to open four more travel centers, with an additional 15 planned in the subsequent years. States like Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas are slated to receive multiple new Buc-ee's outposts as the chain extends its reach into new regions.

Despite the excitement, some communities have expressed opposition. In Stafford, Virginia, a petition against a proposed 74,000-square-foot, 120-pump station has garnered over 2,500 signatures, with residents voicing concerns at public meetings.

Buc-ee's locations are known for offering more than just fuel. They feature over a hundred gas pumps, award-winning restrooms, and a vast selection of merchandise, including popular items like Beaver Nuggets and house-brand jerky. The chain has cultivated a significant following, often referred to as the 'Disneyland of gas stations.'