Buc-ee’s has built a cult following with its spotless restrooms, 100-pump gas stations, and shelves stacked with Beaver Nuggets and brisket. Now its CEO is making clear where the company wants to park its next stores: conservative states that roll out the welcome mat.
In a video clip posted this week by Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Buc-ee’s co-founder and CEO Arch Aplin III said the chain is deliberately steering its growth toward states that appreciate what it brings β and away from those that don’t.
“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 said.
He added: “And 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’re building.”
The comments, first reported by The Daily Wire, come as Buc-ee’s continues a rapid expansion across the South and Midwest. The chain currently operates locations in Texas, Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Colorado, Missouri, Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee β and its newest store is now open in Arkansas.
For a company known for its cheerful beaver mascot and oversized travel centers, the political undertone of Aplin’s remarks is notable. He framed the company’s growth strategy not just in terms of market demand, but in terms of state-level policies and culture.
“Business-friendly” has become a standard phrase in economic development circles, but Aplin tied it directly to a preference for conservative governance. His comments echo a broader trend among some high-profile executives who have publicly weighed in on the business climate in blue versus red states.
Why Buc-ee’s Is a Big Deal
For the uninitiated: Buc-ee’s is not your average gas station. The Texas-based chain is famous for its cavernous stores, spotless bathrooms, and an almost absurd array of snacks and merchandise. Locations typically feature around 100 fuel pumps, making them a destination in their own right.
Shoppers flock to the stores for exclusive food items like Beaver Nuggets β crunchy, bite-sized puffed corn coated in a sweet buttery brown sugar glaze β along with house-made fudge, fresh pastries, an extensive beef jerky selection, and Texas barbecue brisket. The brand has become a social media staple, with travelers regularly snapping photos of their hauls.
It’s also known for paying well above industry norms. According to the company’s careers website, general managers can earn between $200,000 and $275,000 or more annually, and assistant general managers start at $125,000. Hourly positions are also well-compensated: cashiers, maintenance workers, and grocery stockers start at $20 per hour with no experience required, while team leads earn $23 to $28 per hour and department managers start at $33 per hour.
Not Without Controversy
Buc-ee’s hasn’t been immune to criticism. The company has filed several trademark infringement lawsuits in recent months, including one against Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio. Buc-ee’s claims the local convenience store’s cartoon beaver logo, red color scheme, and name create consumer confusion.
That lawsuit drew backlash from people who saw it as a corporate giant picking on a small family-owned business. Even Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, called it “ridiculous.” The suit was filed shortly after Buc-ee’s expanded into Ohio for the first time.
Despite that pushback, Aplin’s latest comments suggest the company isn’t deterred from pursuing growth in friendly territory. And in Arkansas, at least, the welcome mat is clearly out.
Governor Sanders touted the new Buc-ee’s location in her state, sharing Aplin’s video clip with her followers. The store adds to a growing list of Buc-ee’s locations across the country, and the company shows no signs of slowing down.
For now, Buc-ee’s fans in blue states may be left hoping their leaders take notes β because if they don’t, the nearest Beaver Nuggets might be a long drive away.
Source: www.dailywire.com β https://www.dailywire.com/news/buc-ees-ceo-lists-reasons-he-wants-to-expand-into-conservative-states