Buc-ees AMA (4 Viewers)

[NCCommish]

So what do you want to know? I'll do my best to answer.

So what kind of discount can you get me?

None. There is no employee discount.

 

[NCCommish]

Is Buc-ees trolling by putting a billboard on the NJ turnpike? NJ’s law banning self-serve gas stations would seem to make the Buc-ees model not viable in the state.

As far as I know they don't plan a store there but I can't say for certain.

 

[NCCommish]

and I am not trying to be snarky, I literally don't know anything about Buc ees. Never been, never seen one.

Think a huge truck stop but meant for families not truckers.

So, the lot lizards dress as Disney Princesses and hand out balloons?

And the meth looks like Skittles

 

[NCCommish]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

 

[NCCommish]

Have you ever had your picture with Bucky the Beaver?

Not yet.

 

[-OZ-]

We’ve been buc-ees fans since before they opened one here a few years ago. Our oldest works as a cashier and subs in for maintenance when needed. It’s our first stop for every road trip - either the one in Athens or Leeds, depending where we’re going.
The coffee is the best from any place, the nuts are great, tots, chips, the bbq, andb jerky is fantastic.
But I can’t stand the beaver nuggets. They remind me of Corn Pops.

 

[Osaurus]

The nuts are a hit. Just had pecans for the first time from there last weekend and very impressed.

 

[AAABatteries]

The nuts are a hit. Just had pecans for the first time from there last weekend and very impressed.

BEAVER NUTS

 

[skillz]

We have a new Buc-ees in my town now (Springfield MO).

The brisket is quite good and I like their sodas too.

Not sure if anyone has tried their loony cousin, Wally's, but it just isn't as good. Similar size and bathrooms but the food isn't close to as good.

Agreed - Wally’s is similar concept but not as good. I still try to hit the one in Pontiac, IL when driving to visit my son in college. When I visited Buccee’s in Alabama it was nuts. Took like 15 minutes just to get back to the freeway it was like leaving a sporting event. Worth the visit though.

 

[Max Power]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

 

[Mjolnirs]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

 

[Osaurus]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

I’d say brisket slinger

 

[-OZ-]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

I’d say brisket slinger

My son said jerky jockey would be his goal.
He’s been Bucky, hated it.
ETA - this was in July, in Alabama. So it got hot.

 

[BassNBrew]

What took you form Charlotte to Knoxville? Glad to see you back around these parts.

 

[kupcho1]

So what do you want to know? I'll do my best to answer.

What's with the hyphenated name? Is there a story behind it?

 

[NCCommish]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

Not really. But it's also not the worst. In our store a couple different people do it.

 

[NCCommish]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

Not here. We're priced around 50 cents more per gallon than local stations. There's a reason they don't have a sign denoting the gas price.

 

[NCCommish]

What took you form Charlotte to Knoxville? Glad to see you back around these parts.

After my wife passed I moved to Tennessee to help out my elderly parents.

 

[NCCommish]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

I’d say brisket slinger

Not really. It's very hot in the round up area and a lot of people don't want to work that.

 

[NCCommish]

Is being the Bucky mascot the most coveted position in the store?

I’d say brisket slinger

My son said jerky jockey would be his goal.
He’s been Bucky, hated it.

I run the jerky counter here. It's OK but there's a lot more than just selling jerky to it. Today I made about 300 portion cups, light day, and I've got 130 nut cones to roll. All while waiting on customers. It'll keep you hopping.

 

[NCCommish]

So what do you want to know? I'll do my best to answer.

What's with the hyphenated name? Is there a story behind it?

It's a combination of the founders childhood nickname and his dog's name.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

So, the lot lizards dress as Disney Princesses and hand out balloons?

yes, sure ...those are balloons

 

[belljr]

We’ve been buc-ees fans since before they opened one here a few years ago. Our oldest works as a cashier and subs in for maintenance when needed. It’s our first stop for every road trip - either the one in Athens or Leeds, depending where we’re going.
The coffee is the best from any place, the nuts are great, tots, chips, the bbq, andb jerky is fantastic.
But I can’t stand the beaver nuggets. They remind me of Corn Pops.

I actually think their coffee is a little subpar, but I love pretty much everything else that I've had

 

[belljr]

Huge fan of the chicken sandwich. I remember a time where you had to order the chicken sandwich on a digital menu that they got rid of

 

[-OZ-]

We’ve been buc-ees fans since before they opened one here a few years ago. Our oldest works as a cashier and subs in for maintenance when needed. It’s our first stop for every road trip - either the one in Athens or Leeds, depending where we’re going.
The coffee is the best from any place, the nuts are great, tots, chips, the bbq, andb jerky is fantastic.
But I can’t stand the beaver nuggets. They remind me of Corn Pops.

I actually think their coffee is a little subpar, but I love pretty much everything else that I've had

To each their own, my whole family loves it. But then, we use the flavorings, creamer, etc.

 

[-OZ-]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

Not here. We're priced around 50 cents more per gallon than local stations. There's a reason they don't have a sign denoting the gas price.

Interesting. We’ve generally found buc-ees to be cheaper than most. Just checked google map, Buc-ees is 10-20 cents cheaper than any other gas station in the area except BJs which is cheaper by 1¢, and on post is comparable.

 

[SWC]

great to see you brohan are these better or worse or the same as kwik trips or what take that to the bank

 

[NCCommish]

Huge fan of the chicken sandwich. I remember a time where you had to order the chicken sandwich on a digital menu that they got rid of

Yeah no more orders too much of a labor sink

 

[Mjolnirs]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

Not here. We're priced around 50 cents more per gallon than local stations. There's a reason they don't have a sign denoting the gas price.

wow, that's crazy.

 

[ChiefD]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

Not here. We're priced around 50 cents more per gallon than local stations. There's a reason they don't have a sign denoting the gas price.

wow, that's crazy.

If that is true their customers are complete idiots.

 

[belljr]

Every bucees I've stopped at was 15-20 cents cheaper on gas...shrug

 

[Corporation]

We’ve been buc-ees fans since before they opened one here a few years ago. Our oldest works as a cashier and subs in for maintenance when needed. It’s our first stop for every road trip - either the one in Athens or Leeds, depending where we’re going.
The coffee is the best from any place, the nuts are great, tots, chips, the bbq, andb jerky is fantastic.
But I can’t stand the beaver nuggets. They remind me of Corn Pops.

I know both of those locations well!

The first time we stopped at a Bucees it was in Texas on a church mission trip with 130 students. Those stops are always a nightmare, because we usually overwhelm whatever gas station we stop at. At Bucees it was no problem. Dozens upon dozens of toilets, all super clean. Great eating options, allows the kids to shop. On band and mission trips we often to see if there is a Bucees on the way and will try to usually hit it. Big fan!

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Just had pecans for the first time

You've never had pecans before? What part of Outer Slabovia do you live in?

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Stopped at my first one a couple years ago on a trip to Florida. Since then, one has opened here in SC, and another in GA on the way to Florida.
Here's a question, especially since you work in the Food Service side:
My wife has Celiac Disease, therefore has to be 100% gluten free. Y'all are able to provide pulled pork that she can eat. The first time we stopped there, they got her a sandwich sized serving from the back kitchen. Since that time, they will only do it if she buys it by the pound. Why is that? Most people stopping there are travelling, and a pound is a lot to buy while on a road trip.

We do now have half pounds of the brisket by itself in a container. Generally loose meat is only sold by the pound but I'm surprised they won't hook her up. I'd just charge her for a sandwich and dump the buns.

This is generally what we ask. Just a sandwich worth of pulled pork, but it can't be from out front because those folks have been handling the buns.

I don't think it has been mentioned in here yet, but the gas prices are usually lower. With the large number of pumps, they buy in such volume they get a great price.

Not here. We're priced around 50 cents more per gallon than local stations. There's a reason they don't have a sign denoting the gas price.

Really? That's illegal here in Texas.

 

[NCCommish]

So I figured out the gas issue. I checked the price at the pumps and it was 10 cents cheaper. The only have the price up inside for the ethanol free.

 

[Kanil]

Bucees BBQ is legit good. And not super expensive. Their road-trip snack selection is great also. The only one in Colorado is about 5 minutes from my house and we stop there any time we go camping.

Coincidentally, this week is spirit week at my kid's high school and today is pajama day. Kaniljr is wearing his Bucees pajamas.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

It's absurd how cheap they charge for gas, not just 87 but i have a vehicle that performs better on the 93 and they beat everyone by at least 50-75 cents a gallon, ridiculous
What is also ridiculous is the mobs of people that stop in at these places, huge swaths of families and children running in every direction

Big ice bags $1 and $2 for the 10 and 20lb bags, keeps my beer nice and cold for when I find rest stops to pull off and pop one...just one don't worry and this is usually where the Mrs will take the wheel for a little while and give me a nice break

-I don't understand why they want to force folks to buy their snacks vs Lay's/Doritos etc...
Bathrooms are a delight mostly except when the stores are overcrowded, I prefer Buc'ees in the off hours when you can get in and out in under10 minutes and that includes fuel time, bathroom, quick shopping. I try to stay out of the Wal Mart section of the store but I will admit I have Halloween T-Shirts with the beaver on them, easy party shirt to spill stuff on

I like turkey and they actually have BBQ turkey sammiches, not sure how they cook the meat but it can be tasty after being on the road for hours...they do something with the BBQ, I have to be careful what I order at the meat counter but the convenience of grabbing a hot sandwich to go even when the counter is busy, it's a man's dream after a long car ride

Buc'ees is opening a store in Ft Pierce, think that will be the most Southern spot in Florida they've gone ahead with, 2026 is what I read
It's a good trek from my house but mostly interstate or turnpike, there's no doubt it will be a major hit and a great stop point where folks can likely go the rest of the way North up to Georgia
Might cut into some of the revenue at the two spots further north but south of Jacksonville, there's one not far from Yeehaw Junction/Daytona Beach, that one is especially difficult to get in and out of, I would likely skip it.

On another note, I'm very happy for you NCC, I bet you actually enjoy showing up to work and yeah some days are btter than others but you have a solid company that is expanding and constantly needs people, I'm sure if you expressed interest in any management role they would gladly put you on a training program for all that if you're not on one already
I would think this place would be very appealing for Seniors that don't want to work a full 40 hours. Most of the people I come across are typically pretty cheery in there but there's always a couple of them that look like they want as little interaction as possible. But mostly folks are nice, certainly anyone in a manger's shirt is always glad to step in and fix anything although I never have any issues, there's a reason why Buc'ees is flourishing. WaWa's exploded down here in South Florida over the last 5-7+ years, they've opened a lot of them.I really don't get the appeal
I hope Buc'ees keeps expanding

Cheers NCC, glad to hear someone is doing well and enjoying their life

 

[playin4beer]

We stopped at 2 of them taking my youngest to Florida to drop her off for the Disney College Program.

BIG fan.. love the brisket, the clean bathrooms, etc etc..

 

[FarFromHome]

The Buc-ees phenomenon was one of those things I quickly noticed moving to the south. The clothing on people was everywhere. You mention it to anyone and people light up with joy. I remember asking what it was and people explaining it to me. I would always respond with it's just a gas station right? My favorite is the billboard signs on I75. 30 miles to Buc-ees. 25 miles to Buc-ees. 20 miles to Buc-ees. 15 miles to Buc-ees. 10 miles to Buc-ees. 5 miles to Buc-ees. Next exit Buc-ees. Ha ha. I liked it. Clean. Good restrooms. Good food. I think for me it's still just a gas station I stop at on my way somewhere, but people here view it as a Sunday afternoon destination.

 

[NCCommish]

The Buc-ees phenomenon was one of those things I quickly noticed moving to the south. The clothing on people was everywhere. You mention it to anyone and people light up with joy. I remember asking what it was and people explaining it to me. I would always respond with it's just a gas station right? My favorite is the billboard signs on I75. 30 miles to Buc-ees. 25 miles to Buc-ees. 20 miles to Buc-ees. 15 miles to Buc-ees. 10 miles to Buc-ees. 5 miles to Buc-ees. Next exit Buc-ees. Ha ha. I liked it. Clean. Good restrooms. Good food. I think for me it's still just a gas station I stop at on my way somewhere, but people here view it as a Sunday afternoon destination.

Yeah I have more than a few regulars. People who tend to start their days early like construction, delivery, etc.

 

[NCCommish]

It's absurd how cheap they charge for gas, not just 87 but i have a vehicle that performs better on the 93 and they beat everyone by at least 50-75 cents a gallon, ridiculous
What is also ridiculous is the mobs of people that stop in at these places, huge swaths of families and children running in every direction

Big ice bags $1 and $2 for the 10 and 20lb bags, keeps my beer nice and cold for when I find rest stops to pull off and pop one...just one don't worry and this is usually where the Mrs will take the wheel for a little while and give me a nice break

-I don't understand why they want to force folks to buy their snacks vs Lay's/Doritos etc...
Bathrooms are a delight mostly except when the stores are overcrowded, I prefer Buc'ees in the off hours when you can get in and out in under10 minutes and that includes fuel time, bathroom, quick shopping. I try to stay out of the Wal Mart section of the store but I will admit I have Halloween T-Shirts with the beaver on them, easy party shirt to spill stuff on

I like turkey and they actually have BBQ turkey sammiches, not sure how they cook the meat but it can be tasty after being on the road for hours...they do something with the BBQ, I have to be careful what I order at the meat counter but the convenience of grabbing a hot sandwich to go even when the counter is busy, it's a man's dream after a long car ride

Buc'ees is opening a store in Ft Pierce, think that will be the most Southern spot in Florida they've gone ahead with, 2026 is what I read
It's a good trek from my house but mostly interstate or turnpike, there's no doubt it will be a major hit and a great stop point where folks can likely go the rest of the way North up to Georgia
Might cut into some of the revenue at the two spots further north but south of Jacksonville, there's one not far from Yeehaw Junction/Daytona Beach, that one is especially difficult to get in and out of, I would likely skip it.

On another note, I'm very happy for you NCC, I bet you actually enjoy showing up to work and yeah some days are btter than others but you have a solid company that is expanding and constantly needs people, I'm sure if you expressed interest in any management role they would gladly put you on a training program for all that if you're not on one already
I would think this place would be very appealing for Seniors that don't want to work a full 40 hours. Most of the people I come across are typically pretty cheery in there but there's always a couple of them that look like they want as little interaction as possible. But mostly folks are nice, certainly anyone in a manger's shirt is always glad to step in and fix anything although I never have any issues, there's a reason why Buc'ees is flourishing. WaWa's exploded down here in South Florida over the last 5-7+ years, they've opened a lot of them.I really don't get the appeal
I hope Buc'ees keeps expanding

Cheers NCC, glad to hear someone is doing well and enjoying their life

Management is a younger man's game. They work those folks hard. And a team lead only makes 2.00 more an hour than I do which is the next step up. Now if I were younger and looking at the start of my career I'd be all over it. Store managers make very, very good money. 175k or so IIRC. But that takes a while and I hope to go part time when I hit 67. 5 years to go.

 

[NCCommish]

Don't sleep on batteries at Buc-ees. My parents were paying a small fortune for hearing aid batteries Buc-ees had them for about a quarter of what they were paying.

 

[jhib]

A bit of an aside here, but dang, coincidences are weird. On Saturday, my wife and I were in Syracuse, NY, which is (as far as I can tell) over 400 miles from the nearest Buc-ees. Neither of us have ever been to one, but we recognize the character. Anyway, we stopped at a Chick-fil-A for lunch and three young guys came in and sat at the next table over, with two of them wearing Buc-ees onesies. Thought that was odd. At our next stop, there were some (other) people getting out of their car parked right next to us and we noticed it had a Buc-ees sticker - not a little bumper sticker or anything, but a big ol' sticker covering most of one of the rear windows. I've never seen either in this general area before. Then I get home and see this thread started the same evening. I know, nothing special, cool story bro, etc... just struck me as a weird coincidence.