The Fairfax Girl Team We all saw the headlines this summer about Texas-based convenience store chain Buc-ee’s opening its first location in Virginia. The store’s mascot, Bucky the Beaver, has an almost cult-like status among fans of the business, which is so much more than a gas station with a convenience store. Its Virginia location is off of I-81 in Rockingham County, a highway that many Northern Virginia residents are familiar with, especially if you went to college or have a loved one in school at Virginia Tech, Washington + Lee, James Madison University, or Radford University. Who better to tell us about what Buc-ee’s is really like than two Virginia Tech sophomores? Aimee Pimentel and Audrey Jay are two contributors to The Fairfax Girl who shared their impressions of the rest stop. Read on for more about Buc-ee’s in Virginia, and why it should be your next road trip rest stop.
What Is Buc-ee’s
What is Buc-ee’s? Perhaps the better question is what isn’t Buc-ee’s. There are 55 nationwide locations of the chain, which was founded in 1982 in Texas. In 2006, the business started adding gas stations to the convenience stores. What started as a low-key regional chain of convenience stores took a turn for the enormous in 2012 when it opened the at-the-time world’s largest convenience store, at 68,000 square feet. The Rockingham County location is 74,000 square feet.
The gas station is designed for passenger vehicles, meaning there’s no getting stuck behind an 18-wheeler trying to enter or leave the parking lot. The gas station is its own large-volume spectacle, with 80–120 pumps in operation. The brand holds two world records: one for the world’s largest convenience store and another for the world’s longest car wash.
Why Buc-ee’s Is Different From a Typical Rest Stop
At the heart of the brand are its ultra-clean restrooms. We’re serious: the chain has won accolades and awards in recognition of its cleaning practices. The motto of the brand is “Clean, friendly and in stock,” which is no small feat for a store that has 22 kinds of fudge, 13 kinds of house-made jerky, and a brisket station, among other amenities.
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This isn’t your average highway rest stop. There are sandwiches made fresh, packaged snacks, an entire wall dedicated to nuts, bakery items, coolers full of beverages, and everyday convenience items. Since the brand has Texas roots, there are Texan specialties like kolaches and the aforementioned brisket. The Buc-ee’s branded snacks include items like the cult-favorite caramel-coated corn puffs known as Beaver Nuggets.
Buc-ee’s Merchandise and the Famous Beaver
We can’t forget to mention the Buc-ee’s branded merchandise that makes this place feel a bit like a theme park. Silly souvenirs, oversized drinkware, stickers, and anything else that can be printed with the instantly recognizable red-and-yellow branding is available. Buc-ee himself is featured prominently on these items.
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Buc-ee is a cartoon beaver, inspired by the company co-founder’s childhood nickname of Beaver, and his dog, named Buck.
Buc-ee’s in Virginia
The Virginia Buc-ee’s has 120 fueling stations, 600 parking spaces, and 20 electric vehicle charging stations. Its opening created 200 jobs. There are two more Buc-ee’s locations coming to Virginia. A 2027 opening is anticipated for a location in New Kent County at Exit 211 off I-64, east of Richmond. Another project is planned in Stafford County near Exit 140 off I-95.
Our Take
As students at Virginia Tech whose families live in Northern Virginia, Aimee and Audrey have made the trek on I-81 several times over the recent months. Here’s what they shared about Buc-ee’s.
The new Buc-ee’s on Interstate 81 has quickly become a popular stop in Virginia because of how convenient it is to access compared to driving into Harrisonburg. For travelers, it’s an easy on-and-off-the-highway experience, making it ideal for road trips or quick breaks. Since it’s Buc-ee’s first location in Virginia, it feels fresh and exciting, drawing people who are curious to see what makes it different. It’s not just a gas station — it’s a destination that feels new, fun, and original for the area.
Inside, Buc-ee’s offers a huge variety of food and snacks you won’t find at a regular convenience store. From candies and freshly baked fudge to cookie dough, Beaver Nuggets, and brisket sandwiches, there’s something for almost everyone. Many items are made fresh in-house, and Buc-ee’s even has its own line of chips, snacks, sodas, and sweet tea. Whether you’re stopping for gas or just grabbing food, the wide selection makes it more than just a quick pit stop.
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Beyond the food, the overall experience is what really stands out. The store is open 24 hours, the workers are friendly, and the bathrooms are famously clean, well-maintained, and designed for privacy. It’s a convenient halfway stop for Tech students traveling along I-81 and a fun, enjoyable place to stop with friends. Between the atmosphere, cleanliness, and unique offerings, the new Buc-ee’s has quickly become a memorable and enjoyable stop for travelers in Virginia.
Aimee’s favorite: Beaver Nuggets
Audrey’s favorite: Brisket sandwich
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