Fan-favorite Buc-ee’s gas station confirms new location near I-75
A potential battle is brewing over which Florida gas station will be the go-to choice for customers seeking delectable goods.
Texas-based Buc-ee’s was approved this week to open a third location in the Sunshine State, TV station WTSP reported. Marion County approved a zoning proposal on Tuesday for Buc-ee’s to come to Ocala, which is roughly 40 miles south of Gainesville where the University of Florida is located.
The latest Buc-ee’s location will sit in a key position less than two miles from two major Florida highways, Interstate 75 and U.S. 301. A main competitor for the franchise as it adds to its existing Daytona Beach and St. Augustine locations is Wawa, with its plethora of locations across the state.
Buc-ee’s, which was founded in 1982, is a fan-favorite convenience store that offers beaverthemed merchandise with their Texas barbecue and famed beaver nuggets.
Buc-ee’s teased a potential addition to Florida on social media, but spokeswoman Rachel Austin declined to confirm the Ocala store to the Miami Herald in January. The proposed Ocala location is set to feature an 80,000-squarefoot travel center as well as spaces for 120 fueling stations, WTSP reported.
St. Augustine opened the first Buc-ee’s in Florida in 2021, with Daytona Beach getting one a month later.
Besides selling pulled pork, fried chicken, brisket sandwiches, beef jerky, burritos, fudge, home decor, merchandise and gas among other items, Buc-ee’s touts clean bathrooms with its New Braunfels, Texas, location winning an award for America’s Best Restroom, MySanAntonio.com reported.