Another Buc-ee’s is opening in Florida. What to know if you’re traveling in the state
Buc-ee’s vs. Wawa? Hoagies vs. brisket?
A potential battle is brewing over which eat here/get gas Florida highway stop will be the go-to choice for Florida travelers.
Here’s what to know:
Location of the new Florida Buc-ee’s
Approved: Texas-based Buc-ee’s was approved last 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 open in Ocala, about 40 miles south of Gainesville, home of the University of Florida. Buc-ee’s will sit in a key position less than two miles from two major Florida highways: Interstate 75 and U.S. 301.
What’s the competition?
Another newcomer: A main competitor as it adds to its existing Daytona Beach and St. Augustine locations is Wawa, with its plethora of places across the state to stop for coffee, gas, hoagies and soup. Wawa is opening a dozen new locations alone in South Florida.
READ MORE: Jack in the Box wants Florida. See the list of cities the burger place is thinking about
What is Bucc-ee’s?
Food and merch: Buc-ee’s, which was founded in 1982, is a fan-favorite convenience store that offers beaver-themed merchandise along with their Texas barbecue and famed beaver nuggets.
Gas: The proposed Ocala location will feature an 80,000-square-foot travel center as well as spaces for 120 fueling stations, WTSP reported.
Bathrooms: Besides selling pulled pork, fried chicken, brisket sandwiches, beef jerky, burritos, fudge, home decor, merchandise and gas, Buc-ee’s touts clean bathrooms. Its New Braunfels, Texas, location winning an award for America’s Best Restroom, MySanAntonio.com reported.
Are there other Florida locations?
Sites in the state: St. Augustine opened the first Buc-ee’s in Florida in 2021, with Daytona Beach getting one a month later.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 1:50 PM.
