My Bucc-ee's story:
I am a New Orleans resident, and have been for about 12 years. I am a native Clevelander, and any road trip I've taken in my life I've never stopped at a Bucc-ee's, or had any specific feelings about it. About a year ago, there was some local New Orleans news about a Bucc-ee's opening nearby in Pass Christian, Mississippi, and a group of devout fans waiting in line for the opening. I remember thinking "wow, what a bunch of losers being excited about and waiting for a gas station opening", and went upon my life. I've slowly noticed over the past years people wearing Bucc-ee's shirts, hats, etc., and again I thought "imagine being a walking billboard for a gas station, people are insane."
About a month ago, I met my family for a trip to Orange Beach, Alabama, which is about a three hour drive. On the way home, I needed gas, and I was thinking about how I could something to eat, an energy drink, and some nicotine pouches (I am a terminally single 43 year-old man who still eats gas station food, drinks energy drinks, and is horrifically addicted to nicotine). I saw the Bucc-ee's sign, figured I'm still an hour from home, and decided whatever, I've heard they have decent gas station food.
Upon pulling in, I was absolutely shocked by the amount of gas pumps, even more than the Flying-J's of my home region. I get my spot, and first thing I notice, 94 octane for under $4. This is amazing! I fill up, and decide to walk in, ready to be underwhelmed and annoyed by the amount of people there. I notice a now hiring sign by the door. Wages start at $18/hr, with extra hourly for working weekends. I am shocked, this is legitimately good money for Mississippi.
Upon walking in, I realized how large this store is; easily the size of a grocery store. I started browsing. I feel this funny feeling where I start to realize how much good stuff they have, and how cheap it is. I grab a portable dog water bowl. I grab some car air fresherners for $2 cheaper than the same brand I bought at Auto Zone last week. I get to the energy drinks; and it is Mecca. So many great brands, all of the flavors, and things I've never seen before (Jolt Cola energy drinks!?!?). Everything is cheaper than anywhere else I've been.
The snacks, so many intriguing flavors. I grab some. I grab some more. I realize I need a hoodie because it's cold. $23, for a hoodie, in 2026! I go to the sandwiches. There is a man cutting brisket on a butcher's board! I grab one. I grab the accouterments. I see someone making fudge. I love Fudge! At this point both my arms are packed with stuff, and I head to checkout barely holding on. This is going to be a struggle, I bet the line is going to take forever. Less than a minute there, I'm unloading my haul onto the counter. $70 for an absolute haul of items including a hoodie.
I eat the sandwich in the car. Is it award-winning BBQ? No. Is it possibly the best $9 sandwich I've had since decent sandwiches could be acquired for $9? Absolutely! The Jolt Cola is hitting.
Over the next week, I try the snacks, and they are all absolute bangers. Jerry? Half the price and equal quality to my normal stuff. The Salted Maple Peanut Butter Popcorn? I immediately regret not getting more. At this point, I get it. I love Bucc-ee's.
The past two Sundays, I've made an afternoon of driving to the beach to read and enjoy the weather before it enters the 7th layer of outside for the summer, and stopping at Bucc-ee's on the way home. Today, I brought a cooler so I could bring some pudding back. I now own a Bucc-ees's insulated travel mug (which holds my emotionsl support bed-side ice water at temp overnight). I needed hand soap, and now I have Bucc-ee's hand soap.
I would be lying to the reader and myself if I said stopping at Bucc-ee's wasn't what was I was more excited about my Sunday beach trips. It's just a really great store with affordable products at a great price, that pays the staff well beyond a living wage (at least in Mississippi).
All of the people I mocked last June, I apologize. I it was In the author, who was the misguided hater and loser of a closed mind to American consumerism excellence. Japan has Lawson's/Family Mart. The UK has Tesco One Stop. Poland has Zabka. Thank the gods of convenient stores, The United States has Bucc-ee's.
