The legendary Texas-based travel center chain Buc-ee’s is bringing its famous beaver mascot and supersized convenience store experience to Northern Virginia. Known for their impeccably clean restrooms, vast selection of snacks, and cult-like following, Buc-ee’s has announced plans to open a location in the Northern Virginia region, marking another milestone in the company’s ambitious East Coast expansion. The news has generated considerable excitement among local residents and travelers who have long heard about the Buc-ee’s phenomenon but haven’t had a location within reasonable driving distance.
Proposed Location
The Buc-ee’s travel center is proposed for a site along I-95 in Stafford County, strategically positioned to capture traffic along one of the East Coast’s busiest corridors. The specific location is near the Garrisonville Road area, which already features significant commercial development and easy highway access. This positioning makes it ideal for both local residents and the countless travelers who pass through Stafford County on their way between Northern Virginia, the Washington D.C. metro area, and points south.
Stafford County’s location roughly halfway between Washington D.C. and Richmond makes it a natural stopping point for road trippers, and the I-95 corridor sees millions of vehicles annually, providing Buc-ee’s with the high-volume traffic the company typically seeks for its locations.
Proposed Details and Features
The proposed Stafford Buc-ee’s is expected to feature the chain’s signature massive footprint, with plans calling for a travel center spanning approximately 74,000 square feet. The facility is designed to include around 120 fueling positions, making it one of the largest gas station operations in the region. Additionally, 833 parking spaces including 24 Tesla Superchargers, 12 RV/Bus spaces, and 24 ADA-accessible spots. Tractor-trailers will be prohibited. The site is designed for cars, SUVs, buses, and RVs only.
Inside, customers can expect the full Buc-ee’s experience: walls lined with the company’s famous Beaver Nuggets (sweet corn puff snacks), fresh-made brisket sandwiches, jerky bars stretching dozens of feet, and an extensive selection of Texas-themed merchandise and quirky souvenirs. The store will also feature Buc-ee’s award-winning restrooms, which have become almost as famous as their food offerings.
Current Status
The Stafford Buc-ee’s project is currently navigating the local land use and zoning approval process. The proposal has been presented to Stafford County planning officials, and the project requires various permits and approvals before breaking ground. This includes site plan approvals, environmental reviews, and traffic impact studies given the significant volume of vehicles the travel center would generate.
Community reaction has been largely positive, with many residents expressing excitement about the jobs and tax revenue the project would bring, though some neighbors have raised typical concerns about traffic, lighting, and the impact of such a large commercial operation. County officials are reviewing these concerns as part of the standard approval process.
Timetable
Based on typical timelines for developments of this scale and Buc-ee’s previous expansion projects, construction could potentially begin within the next year, assuming all necessary approvals are obtained. Once construction commences, Buc-ee’s locations typically take 12-18 months to complete, meaning the Stafford location could potentially open sometime in 2026 or 2027, though this timeline remains tentative and subject to change based on permitting and construction schedules.
Final Notes
The arrival of Buc-ee’s in Stafford represents more than just another gas station—it signals the continued evolution of the travel center concept and brings a beloved brand to Virginia travelers who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. If approved and constructed, the Stafford location will join Buc-ee’s growing network of East Coast stores and provide I-95 travelers with a unique rest stop experience that has garnered a devoted following across the country. As the project moves through the approval process, anticipation continues to build for what could become one of the most talked-about retail destinations in the region. For Stafford County, the Buc-ee’s development promises economic benefits, job creation, and a distinctive addition to the local commercial landscape that will undoubtedly draw curious visitors from across Virginia and beyond.
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