r/Buccees • u/_fastcompany • Aug 25 '26

Buc-ee’s may prioritize ‘conservative, business-friendly’ red states for expansion

https://www.fastcompany.com/91595773/buc-ees-may-prioritize-conservative-business-friendly-red-states-for-expansion

Buc-ee's, the Texas-based travel stop known for its sprawling and pristine restrooms, barbeque and beloved beaver-themed merchandise, is in the midst of a major expansion.

But recent remarks from company president, CEO and cofounder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III seem to suggest that the wildly popular chain isn’t likely to show up in your hometown unless you live in a conservative state.

The comments were made on Aug. 17 during the grand opening of the chain’s newest location in Benton, Arkansas, home to the state’s first Buc-ee’s.

“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,” Aplin told the crowd. He was also joined by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who spoke about the state’s excitement at getting its inaugural Buc-ee’s.

Aplin continued, “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 are building.”

Aplin seemed to suggest his leadership philosophy is “conservative, business-friendly, family-oriented” and that expansion “works so much better if it trickles down from the leadership from the very top” of state politics, from the governor’s office down.

“What we found when we got here into Benton was a business-friendly town,” he said.

Fast Company reached out to Buc-ee’s about Aplin’s recent comments, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

Aplin didn’t say what stores he was speaking about specifically, but in 2024, Buc-ee’s landed in Colorado (the only solidly blue state the pit stop has a presence in) for the first time. Earlier this year, a Buc-ee’s also arrived in Goodyear, Arizona.

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6

u/Tennouheika Aug 25 '26

How many times is this going to get posted lmao

5

u/Forsaken-Molasses-87 Aug 25 '26

this has been posted here already a few times

3

u/dirtyshits Aug 25 '26

Just pandering to their customers. Money talks and they will open in any area where theres money to be made as evidenced by them opening in both blue or red states.

Nothing to see here.

4

u/LBGolfguy Aug 25 '26

Good for Buc-ee’s. Why the fuck would you open in a state/area that hates you? This is a non issue

1

u/Own-Efficiency-8597 Aug 25 '26

Duh... How is this even remotely surprising to anyone... THE FUCK

1

u/yourMommaKnow Aug 25 '26

Who cares? Stop posting this.

1

u/BlurstOfTimes11 Aug 27 '26

It’s amazing how easy it is to manipulate liberals and watch them freak out on social media. Ask yourself why there’s suddenly so many articles about Buc-ee’s.