Buc-ee’s new gas payment policy
Buc-ee’s new pay-at-the-pump policy will no longer allow customers to pay by card in-store.
Convenience megastore Buc-ee’s plans to open a new location in Northeast Ohio after the company pledged to cover $15 million in infrastructure needed to get up and running.
Buc-ee’s, a chain of convenience stores, gas stations and megamarts known for its large, clean bathrooms and beaver mascot, said its Mansfield, Ohio, store is one of more than a dozen it is considering opening over the next few years, according to the USA TODAY Network’s Mansfield News Journal.
Here’s what you need to know about the deal and where the Buc-ee’s go next.
Buc-ee promises to cover costs as part of deal
On June 2, the Mansfield City Council unanimously approved plans to develop a new Buc-ee’s Travel Center in Richland County, Ohio, approximately midway between Columbus and Cleveland.
The plan was approved after Buc-ee’s promised to cover the necessary infrastructure costs, which are expected to cost $15 million, according to the Mansfield News Journal.
“They’re paying all the money upfront for the infrastructure,” Greg Daniels, outside counsel for the development agreement, told the outlet. “They are paying the full amount up front and out of pocket, and it will be paid back in turn through sales tax.”
The deal is part of the New Community Authority, which Daniels said is common in the Columbus area.
Ohio’s new community authorities are public-private partnerships that allow cities, counties, and developers to share the cost of building public infrastructure within defined districts.
Daniels said the sales tax surcharge applies to items that do not include fuel. 2%, of which 1.75% will be donated to Buc-ee’s, which is expected to be recovered in 20 years. An additional 0.25% will be reinvested in infrastructure projects across the region.
“We worked a lot with Buc-ee’s. They were really collaborative,” Daniels said. “We’re very pleased with the results. I think this is a great example of public-private partnership.”
The project is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2028, but that is subject to change.
More than a truck stop
Buc-ee’s was founded in 1982 and has since expanded to more than 50 locations across 12 states, with the majority of its stores located in Texas.
The company sees itself as more than your average truck stop or roadside convenience store.
“First and foremost, we are not a truck stop. We want to be known as a family-centered travel center,” Angela Janik, who oversees project coordination and development for Buc-ee, told the Mansfield City Council. “We’ve essentially turned the industry upside down. We’re more of a multi-purpose stop than a convenience stop.”
Buc-ee’s expansion plans through 2031
Mansfield isn’t the only U.S. city to introduce new Buc-ee’s this year.
Buc-ee media coordinator Crissy Gonzales previously confirmed the opening dates for the following locations in an email to USA TODAY:
- Goodyear, Arizona: June 22nd
- San Marcos, Texas: July 27th
- Benton, AR: August 17th
She added that the Murfreesboro, Tenn., store is scheduled to open Nov. 16.
The company’s contact page says several more locations will open by 2031.
2027
- Ruston, Louisiana
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Gallaway, Tennessee
- St. Lucie, Florida
- bern, texas
- monroe county georgia
2028
- Mebane, North Carolina
- Lafayette, Louisiana
From 2029 onwards
- Ocala, Florida
- west memphis arkansas
- oak grove, ky
- Hardeeville, South Carolina (2031)
Contributor: James Powell, USA TODAY
Drew Pittock covers trending news from around the country for USA TODAY. He can be reached at DPittock@usatodayco.com.
