Buc-ees….tell me about it. Worth a stop? Worth a drive to one? Worth a flight to one? (2 Viewers)

[KarmaPolice]

IMO, the craziest thing about Buc-ee's, is what they pay their employees, at least here in Texas. You will see a sign out front always with the following data:

• Cashier, Gift, Maintenance, Warehouse and Grocery Stocker - $16/hr
• Food Service and Car Wash - $19/hr
• Team Lead - $18-$21/hr
• Department Manager - $23-$31/hr
• Assistant General Manager - $100K+
• Car Wash Manager - $125K+
• Food Service Manager - $125K - $175K
• General Manager - $150K - $225K

6% match on 401K, 3 weeks PTO, $2/hr more for overnights

They are clearly doing something right. I think I would be a hell of a Car Wash Manager or General Manager for that salary. Not sure I have ever seen the car wash at Buc-ee's.

I've heard they are terrible to work for though, well besides the wages. But if the pay is anything near that around here when they come, 100% that is going to hoard most mildly desirable people for all the stores in the area.

 

[bigbottom]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Agree with everything in this post - except you failed the Texas BBQ snob test.

That's fair. As much as I want to be a BBQ snob and only follow the Texas Monthly Top 50, sometimes I just want a sloppy chopped brisket from Angelo's or even Riscky's, God forbid.

I wasn’t criticizing your love for sloppy chopped brisket. It’s just that every Austin foodie will instantly and snidely correct you that it’s “Franklin Barbecue” not “Franklin’s” - I’ve been sneered at before for the same faux pas.

 

[nirad3]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Agree with everything in this post - except you failed the Texas BBQ snob test.

That's fair. As much as I want to be a BBQ snob and only follow the Texas Monthly Top 50, sometimes I just want a sloppy chopped brisket from Angelo's or even Riscky's, God forbid.

I wasn’t criticizing your love for sloppy chopped brisket. It’s just that every Austin foodie will instantly and snidely correct you that it’s “Franklin Barbecue” not “Franklin’s” - I’ve been sneered at before for the same faux pas.

I've said this in other threads and don't mean to disrail the Buc-ee's love, but in my six years in Austin I went to Franklin's a grand total of zero times. I was always good with Rudy's or if someone was in from out of town we'd go out to Salt Lick.

 

[bigbottom]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Agree with everything in this post - except you failed the Texas BBQ snob test.

That's fair. As much as I want to be a BBQ snob and only follow the Texas Monthly Top 50, sometimes I just want a sloppy chopped brisket from Angelo's or even Riscky's, God forbid.

I wasn’t criticizing your love for sloppy chopped brisket. It’s just that every Austin foodie will instantly and snidely correct you that it’s “Franklin Barbecue” not “Franklin’s” - I’ve been sneered at before for the same faux pas.

I've said this in other threads and don't mean to disrail the Buc-ee's love, but in my six years in Austin I went to Franklin's a grand total of zero times. I was always good with Rudy's or if someone was in from out of town we'd go out to Salt Lick.

FRANKLIN!!!

 

[Psychopav]

Memphis bbq >>>>> Texas style bbq.

Sorry, I said it.

 

[AAABatteries]

The brisket, egg and cheese taco is $$.

ETA - maybe it doesn’t have cheese - can’t remember but for gas station food is crazy good.

 

[ChiefD]

Memphis bbq >>>>> Texas style bbq.

Sorry, I said it.

Kansas City and Memphis are both better.

Texas can do brisket. KC and Memphis can do it all.

 

[Bogart]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Agree with everything in this post - except you failed the Texas BBQ snob test.

That's fair. As much as I want to be a BBQ snob and only follow the Texas Monthly Top 50, sometimes I just want a sloppy chopped brisket from Angelo's or even Riscky's, God forbid.

I wasn’t criticizing your love for sloppy chopped brisket. It’s just that every Austin foodie will instantly and snidely correct you that it’s “Franklin Barbecue” not “Franklin’s” - I’ve been sneered at before for the same faux pas.

I've said this in other threads and don't mean to disrail the Buc-ee's love, but in my six years in Austin I went to Franklin's a grand total of zero times. I was always good with Rudy's or if someone was in from out of town we'd go out to Salt Lick.

You know who LOVES Salt Lick? @General Malaise

 

[msudaisy26]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

 

[bigbottom]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

Why? Do you not like sparkling clean bathrooms? Or endless aisles of snacks and candy? Or a literal mountain of beef jerky?

 

[ChiefD]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

You clearly do not love America.

 

[Snoopy]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

You clearly do not love America.

Maybe if the lyrics of A Horse with No Name made sense.

 

[coyote5]

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

interesting, whereabouts in WI?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Agree with everything in this post - except you failed the Texas BBQ snob test.

That's fair. As much as I want to be a BBQ snob and only follow the Texas Monthly Top 50, sometimes I just want a sloppy chopped brisket from Angelo's or even Riscky's, God forbid.

I wasn’t criticizing your love for sloppy chopped brisket. It’s just that every Austin foodie will instantly and snidely correct you that it’s “Franklin Barbecue” not “Franklin’s” - I’ve been sneered at before for the same faux pas.

Have you responded with armpit farts? I sure would. Or reams of sarcasm. Ask me how.

 

[KarmaPolice]

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

near the border?

No, at the DeForest exit just past Madison.

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

interesting, whereabouts in WI?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

I was always good with Rudy's

We tried the one that opened here in Houston. It was absolutely disgusting. We left the leftovers. Ugh.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

And if I wanted sugar on my food, I'd go to KC. Otherwise, no. Just no.

 

[humpback]

Most overrated thing in America. Food is just not great. Maybe I’d call it ok, but the hype it gets is just wild.

Kind of like Disney?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

You clearly do not love America.

Maybe if the lyrics of A Horse with No Name made sense.

After all that time in the desert, you'd think he could come up with a name for the horse.

 

[coyote5]

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

near the border?

No, at the DeForest exit just past Madison.

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

interesting, whereabouts in WI?

Sorry missed that. Well **** I'm in Madison I'll have to remember this, pull the kids out of school etc!

 

[bigbottom]

The Ultimate Guide To Eating At Buc-Ee's - The Daily Meal

Buc-ee's is so much more than a gas station. Offering everything from pastries to BBQ sandwiches to tacos, jerky, fudge, and more, this place has all the foods.

www.thedailymeal.com

 

[Snoopy]

We have one getting built right across the interstate from our restaurant in the next couple years. I think one of the first in the Midwest or at least one of the first in WI? I'm sure that will kill quite a few businesses in our part of town here. It will be interesting to see how this goes.

interesting, whereabouts in WI?

A little north of Madison off I-39/90/94.

 

[HellToupee]

We always stop at the Florence SC Bucs since it opened the couple times a year we drive MA/FL. Really like the brisket sandwiches, Turkey is ok. Beaver nuggets are great road trip junk snack. Exceptional bathrooms

 

[Zow]

I had never heard of this place before. We take several road trips every year so I thought this might be something cool to stop at, but I can't lie, I looked this place up and I would have a difficult time stopping at a place named buc-ees with a big toothed beaver wearing a hat as a mascot that serves barbecue.

Odd take, here.

 

[plinko]

Rocks

 

[jwb]

On a recent drive from NC to FL, I was told I had to stop at one. I did... it was big, noisy, crowded, kids running everywhere, tons of stuff, clean bathrooms, and a "meh" brisket sandwich. I could see why people with kids would want to stop and spend a half hour there but to me it was no big deal.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

We always stop at the Florence SC Bucs since it opened the couple times a year we drive MA/FL. Really like the brisket sandwiches, Turkey is ok. Beaver nuggets are great road trip junk snack. Exceptional bathrooms

This is the one I have been to, on our ride back from Disney World last spring. The bathrooms were indeed all they were cracked up to be and the gas prices were quite a bit lower than anywhere else. Unfortunately my son has severe ADHD and was overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise, so we did not stick around to explore the store itself.

 

[Spanky267]

We usually stop at the one in Baytown, TX to fuel up on our trips from Austin to Alabama or Florida for Christmas or other family events. The food is decent, not great. But its a fair bit better that what you'll get in most gas stations. They have a ton of snack offerings and other things to buy. We can usually refuel, use the bathroom and grab some snacks/drinks for the road in about 30 minutes. Generally faster than stopping for gas and going somewhere else for food/drinks. And on a day when we are on the road for 12 hours or more its a nice little diversion. We are generally pulling in around 5 or 6 in the morning. So its not too terribly busy.

The one on I-10 in Alabama is a mad house all the time especially in the spring and summer because of its proximity to the gulf beaches. I only go there at off hours to refuel.

 

[In The Zone]

Worth a stop? Yes. Worth a drive? Perhaps. Worth a flight? Nah.

The BBQ sandwiches are good, not at a Franklin's BBQ snob level, but fresh, plenty of sauce and good size. Everything at Buc-ee's is over the top. Want jerky? Here are 50 different kinds. Want candy, here is a whole wall. My kids love when we stop for gas and clean bathrooms when we drive from Fort Worth to Austin. But I'm prepared to spend 45 minutes min. There is just a lot of everything and my kids can't make a decision quickly.

Yep, I meant to mention the bathrooms as well. As crowded as the parking lot is at times when we've stopped, I have never had to wait in the restroom. And they are always clean.

There's also some cool art for sale as you walk Into the bathrooms.

 

[In The Zone]

For the most part people either love or hate Buc-ee's. I personally am a big fan but I can definitely understand why people are not. I was just in the Florence, SC location last week and loaded up on snacks and got a brisket sandwich. I also bought and recommended their cinnamon rolls and Beaver tails.

I own like 4 Buc-ee's t-shirts, a couple of hats, beach towels, tumblers, and such.

I've visited both Florida locations, Florence 3 times and the largest convenience store in the world ( for now) in Sevierville, Tennessee on their 3rd day open.

One nice perk while at Buc-ee's is that you can pretty much sample anything they make in house. Everything from the brisket, candied nuts to the beef jerky and fudge.

 

[bigbottom]

I don’t understand how anyone can hate Buc-ees. I guess the crowds can be a turn off but the big ones have about 50 cashiers so I’ve never had to stand in line for more than about 60 seconds even when there are a couple hundred people in the place.

 

[ChiefD]

For the most part people either love or hate Buc-ee's. I personally am a big fan but I can definitely understand why people are not. I was just in the Florence, SC location last week and loaded up on snacks and got a brisket sandwich. I also bought and recommended their cinnamon rolls and Beaver tails.

I own like 4 Buc-ee's t-shirts, a couple of hats, beach towels, tumblers, and such.

I've visited both Florida locations, Florence 3 times and the largest convenience store in the world ( for now) in Sevierville, Tennessee on their 3rd day open.

One nice perk while at Buc-ee's is that you can pretty much sample anything they make in house. Everything from the brisket, candied nuts to the beef jerky and fudge.

So, you would recommend them?

 

[Bogart]

For the most part people either love or hate Buc-ee's. I personally am a big fan but I can definitely understand why people are not. I was just in the Florence, SC location last week and loaded up on snacks and got a brisket sandwich. I also bought and recommended their cinnamon rolls and Beaver tails.

I own like 4 Buc-ee's t-shirts, a couple of hats, beach towels, tumblers, and such.

I've visited both Florida locations, Florence 3 times and the largest convenience store in the world ( for now) in Sevierville, Tennessee on their 3rd day open.

One nice perk while at Buc-ee's is that you can pretty much sample anything they make in house. Everything from the brisket, candied nuts to the beef jerky and fudge.

So, you would recommend them?

I think he might still be on the fence about them.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Never heard of it, but sounds like a shrine to many of the things that have made this country great, and awful at the same time.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Never heard of it, but sounds like a shrine to many of the things that have made this country great, and awful at the same time.

It is the cathedral of restrooms. They sparkle.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I don’t understand how anyone can hate Buc-ees. I guess the crowds can be a turn off but the big ones have about 50 cashiers so I’ve never had to stand in line for more than about 60 seconds even when there are a couple hundred people in the place.

Wouldn’t feel strongly enough to hate a ginormous convenience store, but I reaaally dislike crowds, and not a fan of most junk food.

What does Buc-ees offer to pretentious eaters with a touch of agoraphobia?

Are clean bathrooms really that important?

 

[Ron Swanson]

I don’t understand how anyone can hate Buc-ees. I guess the crowds can be a turn off but the big ones have about 50 cashiers so I’ve never had to stand in line for more than about 60 seconds even when there are a couple hundred people in the place.

Wouldn’t feel strongly enough to hate a ginormous convenience store, but I reaaally dislike crowds, and not a fan of most junk food.

What does Buc-ees offer to pretentious eaters with a touch of agoraphobia?

Rumor has it they're installing cavernous Thomas Keller inspired bistros.

 

[bigbottom]

I don’t understand how anyone can hate Buc-ees. I guess the crowds can be a turn off but the big ones have about 50 cashiers so I’ve never had to stand in line for more than about 60 seconds even when there are a couple hundred people in the place.

Wouldn’t feel strongly enough to hate a ginormous convenience store, but I reaaally dislike crowds, and not a fan of most junk food.

What does Buc-ees offer to pretentious eaters with a touch of agoraphobia?

Are clean bathrooms really that important?

Are you a fan of giant metal roosters?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I don’t understand how anyone can hate Buc-ees. I guess the crowds can be a turn off but the big ones have about 50 cashiers so I’ve never had to stand in line for more than about 60 seconds even when there are a couple hundred people in the place.

What does Buc-ees offer to pretentious eaters with a touch of agoraphobia?

Clean bathrooms and cheap gas. 'Merica!

 

[MTskibum]

Never heard of it, but sounds like a shrine to many of the things that have made this country great, and awful at the same time.

I have been to buc-ees more than almost any poster in this thread. Every time I go fishing or to the beach I stop at buc-ees. I have eaten at buc-ees hundreds of times over the 12 years I have lived here and have stopped at buc-ees at least 3 times that amount.

For years I was probably the most pro buc-ees person that you could find, my offshore fishing buddies were disappointed when I would choose buc-ees as our late dinner instead of anywhere else(they should have owned the boat/truck if they want to choose where to eat).

My buc-ees store has the exact fishing equipment needed to fish salt water in south east Texas. You go to Walmart, and half of the sport section or more is useless. The store I visit optimizes it's space by someone who understands what the customers want from a fishing/beach destination convenience store. The buc-ees that I go to do not resemble the buc-ees that most posters in this thread reference.

The owners managed to customize each store to the specific scenario that the consumer wants most. If you go to a buc-ees in West Texas/hill country you will find corn feeders and smokers. However since people on road trips want clean bathrooms the mega-buc-ees you see popping up all over the country almost always feature an employee in the bathroom ready to clean at all times.

Absolute geniuses that run the company, my one real complaint is that the selection of food has gotten worse as they standardized their stores. My favorite foods they used to offer have not been available for years.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

sounds like a one time thing. my awesome wife and daughter would rather just pee on the side of the road than hover over some nasty rest stop/fast food/gas station bathroom. if i come across one of these things, i'll check it out. but it sounds like they're a midwest and east thing.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Never heard of it, but sounds like a shrine to many of the things that have made this country great, and awful at the same time.

I have been to buc-ees more than almost any poster in this thread. Every time I go fishing or to the beach I stop at buc-ees. I have eaten at buc-ees hundreds of times over the 12 years I have lived here and have stopped at buc-ees at least 3 times that amount.

For years I was probably the most pro buc-ees person that you could find, my offshore fishing buddies were disappointed when I would choose buc-ees as our late dinner instead of anywhere else(they should have owned the boat/truck if they want to choose where to eat).

My buc-ees store has the exact fishing equipment needed to fish salt water in south east Texas. You go to Walmart, and half of the sport section or more is useless. The store I visit optimizes it's space by someone who understands what the customers want from a fishing/beach destination convenience store. The buc-ees that I go to do not resemble the buc-ees that most posters in this thread reference.

The owners managed to customize each store to the specific scenario that the consumer wants most. If you go to a buc-ees in West Texas/hill country you will find corn feeders and smokers. However since people on road trips want clean bathrooms the mega-buc-ees you see popping up all over the country almost always feature an employee in the bathroom ready to clean at all times.

Absolute geniuses that run the company, my one real complaint is that the selection of food has gotten worse as they standardized their stores. My favorite foods they used to offer have not been available for years.

Well, I’ll be in Kentucky in a few weeks…looks like there’s one in Richmond, about an hour away from my destination (Red River Gorge). If I ever need a clean bathroom, highly processed calories, or whatever the locals enjoy (bourbon?), I’ll make a side trip.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

sounds like a one time thing. my awesome wife and daughter would rather just pee on the side of the road than hover over some nasty rest stop/fast food/gas station bathroom. if i come across one of these things, i'll check it out. but it sounds like they're a midwest and east thing.

Please tell me they aren't really "hovering" over a toilet seat. That leads to bladder infections and other nastiness.

And the bathrooms are clean there. Probably cleaner than yours.

 

[AAABatteries]

Are clean bathrooms really that important?

Yes

 

[Terminalxylem]

Are clean bathrooms really that important?

Yes

Surprised to see you post this - don‘t you camp/backpack?

Reminds me of one of my good friends. When asked what he looked for in a romantic partner, he had only two requirements. She must:

1. Return his calls.
2. Be willing to sh!t in the woods.

The first is clearly a joke, but #2 is a pretty good judge of character imo.

 

[bigbottom]

Are clean bathrooms really that important?

Yes

Surprised to see you post this - don‘t you camp/backpack?

Reminds me of one of my good friends. When asked what he looked for in a romantic partner, he had only two requirements. She must:

1. Return his calls.
2. Be willing to sh!t in the woods.

The first is clearly a joke, but #2 is a pretty good judge of character imo.

Woods ≠ Nasty truck stop

 

[Todem]

As the Mall of America is just a big mall, Buc-ees is just a big truck stop.

Except they don’t allow rigs.

 

[Todem]

Cleanest bathrooms bar none. Cheap gas, very tasty BBQ pork/Brisket

Icee’s, drinks and coffee dirt cheap.

Any snack you can imagine.

Very friendly staff….like they love their jobs nice.

We stop at 2 of them going up and back from Florida to NC.

Required.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Cheap ice is another big benefit if you travel, camp, hunt, or fish. .99 for a 10 pound bag. I got so used to it that I thought that's what ice normally sells for. Then I moved to Florida and got shocked by the 8 pound bag for 2.99 BS damn near everywhere.

 

[In The Zone]

For the most part people either love or hate Buc-ee's. I personally am a big fan but I can definitely understand why people are not. I was just in the Florence, SC location last week and loaded up on snacks and got a brisket sandwich. I also bought and recommended their cinnamon rolls and Beaver tails.

I own like 4 Buc-ee's t-shirts, a couple of hats, beach towels, tumblers, and such.

I've visited both Florida locations, Florence 3 times and the largest convenience store in the world ( for now) in Sevierville, Tennessee on their 3rd day open.

One nice perk while at Buc-ee's is that you can pretty much sample anything they make in house. Everything from the brisket, candied nuts to the beef jerky and fudge.

So, you would recommend them?

I think he might still be on the fence about them.

Most definitely!!!