Texas favorite Buc-ee’s debuts Mega Travel Center in Mississippi

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (VDN) — Buc-ee’s, the wildly popular Texas-based travel center chain, opened its first Mississippi location early this morning. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m.

The store represents an $80 million investment, including about $15 million in public funds for infrastructure improvements. Located off Interstate 10 at Menge Avenue, the 74,000-square-foot facility is among the largest Buc-ee’s outlets nationwide.

The mega station features 126 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle charging stations, and 165 toilets. A car wash is also part of the development.

The store is expected to employ about 200 people in positions ranging from cashier and food service to maintenance. Wages range from $18 to $24 per hour, according to Harrison County officials.

Cliff Williams, a local business owner, told WVUE, “Buc-ee’s has the potential to bring more tourism dollars … create massive opportunities for locals.”

The company is known for its clean restrooms, Texas-style brisket sandwiches, tacos, kolaches, jerky bar, fresh fudge, and Beaver Nuggets—caramel-coated popcorn. The Mississippi location will also feature exclusive merchandise and food items.

Founded in 1982 in Clute, Texas, by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, Buc-ee’s began expanding out of state in 2018 with its first Alabama location. The Pass Christian site marks its first foray into Mississippi—a strategic link between the chain’s Alabama and Texas stores.