New Jersey, with its bustling highways, vibrant tourism, and loyal convenience store culture, is primed for a bold addition to its roadside landscape: a Buc-ee’s rest stop.
Right now, Wawa is the king of convenience in New Jersey, but Buc-ees would be a game changer.
The Texas-based chain, known for its massive travel centers, pristine restrooms, and cult-like following, could revolutionize the travel experience for commuters, vacationers, and locals alike. Below, we explore why New Jersey desperately needs a Buc-ee’s, what makes the chain unique, and where the nearest location is for those eager to experience it.
Why New Jersey Needs a Buc-ee’s
New Jersey’s highways, including the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, are arteries of constant traffic, ferrying millions to work, the Jersey Shore, or nearby states. Yet, the state’s rest stops often fall short, offering limited food options, cramped facilities, and lackluster amenities. Buc-ee’s, with its sprawling footprint and unparalleled offerings, could address these shortcomings and elevate the travel experience.
Unmatched Convenience for Travelers: Buc-ee’s travel centers, often exceeding 70,000 square feet, feature dozens of gas pumps—sometimes over 100—ensuring minimal wait times for fuel. For a state where road trips to the Shore or New York City are a way of life, this capacity would ease congestion at busy rest stops. The chain’s 24/7 operation and vast parking lots would also accommodate New Jersey’s round-the-clock commuters and tourists.
A Boost for Tourism and Local Economy: Buc-ee’s locations are destinations in their own right, drawing visitors for their unique food and merchandise. A Buc-ee’s near high-traffic areas like the Turnpike’s Exit 1 or 2, or along the Parkway toward Shore hotspots, could attract out-of-state travelers, boosting local economies. The chain’s commitment to hiring hundreds of full-time workers per location would also create jobs, addressing employment needs in areas like South Jersey.
Elevating the Rest Stop Experience: New Jersey’s rest stops are often criticized for outdated facilities and mediocre food. Buc-ee’s, renowned for its award-winning restrooms (Cintas’ “Best Restroom in America” in 2012), would set a new standard for cleanliness and comfort. Its diverse food offerings, from brisket sandwiches to homemade fudge, would provide a welcome alternative to the usual fast-food chains, appealing to families and foodies alike.
Competition for Wawa and QuickChek: New Jerseyans are fiercely loyal to Wawa and QuickChek, but competition drives innovation. A Buc-ee’s could push local chains to enhance their offerings, benefiting consumers. While Wawa focuses on neighborhood convenience, Buc-ee’s caters to highway travelers, offering a complementary rather than conflicting service.
However, one hurdle remains: New Jersey’s prohibition on self-serve gas. Buc-ee’s, which relies on unstaffed pumps, has cited this law as a barrier to entry, as staffing 100+ pumps would be impractical. If the state were to reconsider this regulation, or if Buc-ee’s adapted its model, the path to a New Jersey location could open, bringing its benefits to the Garden State.
Buc-ee’s is an American chain of travel centers founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III in Clute, Texas. Headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, it has grown to 50 locations across nine states, with 35 in Texas alone. The chain is celebrated for its larger-than-life stores, which combine gas stations, convenience stores, and dining under one roof. Key features include:
- Massive Scale: Stores range from 50,000 to 75,000 square feet, with the largest in Luling, Texas, holding the title of the world’s largest convenience store at 75,000 square feet. They boast 100+ fuel pumps and extensive parking, designed for high traffic.
- Spotless Restrooms: Buc-ee’s has won multiple awards for its impeccably clean, spacious restrooms, often featuring dozens of stalls and cheeky signage like “Potty like a rock star.”
- Diverse Food Offerings: The chain offers freshly prepared foods, including Texas-style BBQ brisket sandwiches, breakfast tacos, kolaches (Czech pastries), and signature Beaver Nuggets (sweet, crunchy corn puffs). Its beef jerky wall, homemade fudge, and bakery items are fan favorites.
- Unique Merchandise: Buc-ee’s sells branded apparel, outdoor gear, and quirky souvenirs, all featuring its beaver mascot, fostering a loyal fanbase. Stores also stock local products, which could highlight New Jersey specialties like saltwater taffy or pork roll.
- Cultural Phenomenon: With over 1 million social media followers and a reputation as a road trip must-stop, Buc-ee’s has become a tourist attraction, complete with life-size beaver statues for photo ops.
Unlike traditional rest stops, Buc-ee’s does not allow 18-wheelers, focusing on family travelers and light vehicles, ensuring a safer, less congested environment. Its commitment to quality and customer experience has earned it comparisons to regional icons like Wawa, but on a grander scale.
As of April 2025, Buc-ee’s has no locations in New Jersey, and its northernmost stores are significantly south or west of the state. The closest Buc-ee’s to New Jersey is in Florence, South Carolina, approximately 581 miles from central New Jersey (e.g., South Brunswick), as noted on a recent Turnpike billboard. Located off Interstate 95, this 55,000-square-foot store features 104 fuel pumps and the chain’s full range of amenities. For New Jerseyans, reaching it requires an 8- to 9-hour drive, making it a feasible stop for those traveling south to the Carolinas or Florida.
Other nearby locations include:
- Sevierville, Tennessee: Approximately 700 miles from New Jersey, this 74,000-square-foot store opened in 2023 and is a popular stop for Smoky Mountains visitors.
- Daytona Beach and St. Augustine, Florida: Both are over 900 miles away, catering to Florida-bound travelers.
Buc-ee’s has announced plans for new stores in North Carolina and Virginia, which could bring the chain closer to New Jersey in the coming years.
For now, the Florence, South Carolina, location remains the most accessible for Garden State residents.
New Jersey deserves a Buc-ee’s rest stop to transform its highways into destinations, not just thoroughfares. The chain’s ability to handle high traffic, provide top-tier amenities, and create jobs makes it a perfect fit for the state’s dynamic travel culture. While the self-serve gas law poses a challenge, creative solutions—such as a pilot program or a gas-free Buc-ee’s model—could pave the way. Imagine a Buc-ee’s near the Delaware Memorial Bridge or along the Parkway, offering brisket sandwiches and clean restrooms to Shore-bound families. It’s a vision worth pursuing.
Until then, New Jerseyans can plan a road trip to Florence, South Carolina, to experience Buc-ee’s for themselves. Have you visited a Buc-ee’s? Share your thoughts below or tell us where you’d want a New Jersey location. And if you’re as excited as we are, let’s start the conversation to bring Buc-ee’s to the Garden State!