Buc-ee’s is continuing its rapid expansion across the country, with its 58th location recently opening in Benton, Arkansas, continuing a trend leadership says is part of the popular travel center and convenience store chain’s strategic growth plan.

Arch Aplin III, Buc-ee’s co-founder, president and CEO, was joined by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Tom Cotton at the grand opening ceremony on Aug. 17, where he touted his company’s expansion opportunities and expressed a preference for opening locations in “conservative, business-friendly states.”

“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 in a video shared by Huckabee Sanders on social media. “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.”

“So that leadership, that concept, that idea of conservative, business-friendly, family-oriented concept works so much better if it trickles down from the very leadership,” Aplin said. “From the very top at the governor’s office, at the congressman, at the senator, at the mayor (and) the representatives.”

Buc-ee’s opened its first locations in Ohio and Arizona this year. In 2025, it opened its first location in Virginia, and a year earlier, it debuted in Colorado. The company anticipates adding inaugural locations in Louisiana, Kansas and Wisconsin by the end of 2027.

The travel center, founded in 1982, has become one of the Lone Star State’s most recognized exports. The sprawling gas stations have a cult-like following centered on their preternaturally clean restrooms and unique culinary offerings.

Where else is Buc-ee’s anticipated to open?

Crissy Gonzales, Buc-ee’s media coordinator, previously said in an email to USA TODAY that the Murfreesboro, Tennessee, location will open on Nov. 16.

The company’s contact page lists the following locations as opening without specific grand opening dates:

2027

• Ruston, Louisiana
• Kansas City, Kansas
• Gallaway, Tennessee
• St. Lucie, Florida
• Boerne, Texas
• Monroe County, Georgia

2028

• Mebane, North Carolina
• Lafayette, Louisiana

2029 and beyond

• Ocala, Florida: 2029
• West Memphis, Arkansas: 2029
• Oak Grove, Kentucky: 2029
• Hardeeville, South Carolina: 2031

USA TODAY contacted Buc-ee’s for opening dates for these locations on Aug. 21.

Buc-ee’s draws controversy for lawsuits

Buc-ee’s has drawn controversy in recent weeks for a string of lawsuits tied to its trademarks.

Most recently, the company sued Beaver’s Mini Mart, a small corner store in the middle of a neighborhood in Beavercreek, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton.

The Cincinnati Enquirer, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that despite the mini mart having no gas pumps and being miles from the nearest interstate, Buc-ee’s says its customers may be confused by the business’s logo, which features a smiling beaver standing tall next to the store’s name in a red-letter font.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has said Buc-ee’s should drop its “ridiculous” lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart.

On the July 26 episode of “Last Week Tonight,” Oliver detailed Buc-ee’s penchant for suing small businesses whose logos feature cartoon animals, even when they bear very little or no resemblance to Buc-ee’s famous – and trademarked – grinning beaver logo.

He dared the company to sue him over the launch of a line of satirical merchandise labeled “Buc-Off,” with proceeds going to charity. The apparel features a squirrel logo, based on the Mr. Nutterbutter character, that mirrors the Buc-ee’s logo.

“If any prominent gas station chain out there has an issue with our new logo and products and wants to get lawyers involved, then you know what? Bring it the f— on,” Oliver said.

In the Aug. 9 edition of “Last Week Tonight”, Oliver announced that the apparel would remain available until the lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart is resolved.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.