South Carolina Buc-ee’s draws customers from North Carolina

The South Carolina Buc-ee’s is off Interstate 95 in Florence. The interstate also cuts through North Carolina.

The 53,000-square-foot outlet that opened in 2022 draws customers from North Carolina, which has not had a Buc-ee’s. But that’s about to change, after the Texas-based chain broke ground Wednesday on a location in Mebane.

For travelers, there’s a lot of reasons to stop at the store. For instance, there’s the 120 gas pumps. And electric charging stations.

Most folks, though, want to know what to expect when they go inside. Beverly Mahone, a writing consultant from Durham, was a recent visitor to the Florence Buc-ee’s. 

“A Target, WalMart, gas station all rolled into one,” she said. “There’s so much, from the moment we got into the parking lot.”

“We were greeted immediately,” she said. “Soon as we walked in the door, someone said, ‘Welcome to Buc-ee’s.’ And that was a good impression to me.”

Many people say their nose attracts them right to the center of the store. There’s food, food, food, and a treasure trove of jerky.

“There was many different types of jerky that I had never imagined they could make jerky,” Mahone said. “You know, there was garlic parmesan, and then there was some jalapeño honey.”

Managers say whatever travelers need, they find here.

“We should be able to take care of everybody in that car that’s out on the road,” said Kirk Boerner. He’s the district manager for Buc-ee’s.

“Different things from barbecue to chicken tenders, to dessert cups, package candy,” he said. “Whatever you want for your trip, we’re going to have at Buc-ee’s.”

Construction on the Mebane store is expected to finish in 2027. It will be bigger than the Florence outlet, at 74,000 square feet. 

Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.