Fan-favorite c-store chain Buc-ee’s has officially opened its first site in Arizona, located in Goodyear. In typical Buc-ee’s fashion, the 74,000-square-foot store offers 120 fueling positions, Texas barbecue, homemade fudge, merchandise and much more, according to a statement from the company.
City Manager Bryan Langley, Mayor Joe Pizzillo and other local dignitaries were in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We could not have picked a better location for our first store in the Grand Canyon state. Perfectly placed for our road-trippers headed out to California or coming in for the destination-rich Phoenix area, Goodyear will be the place to stop,” said Stan Beard of Buc-ee’s.
The retailer now operates 56 stores across Texas, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia and Ohio.
“We are incredibly excited that Buc-ee’s chose Goodyear as its newest home,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “Their investment highlights the powerful economic momentum driving our city forward. This project brings new jobs, new visitors and new opportunities for our community. We can’t wait to welcome travelers who come for the iconic Buc-ee’s experience and discover why Goodyear is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic cities in the nation. While they’re here, we encourage visitors to explore our vibrant downtown at Goodyear Civic Square, enjoy our local restaurants and businesses and experience everything that makes Goodyear such a special place to live, work and visit.”
Buc-ee’s Goodyear will bring more than 200 jobs to the area, with starting pay beginning well above minimum wage, full benefits, a 6% matching 401k and three weeks of paid vacation.
Rapid Expansion
Buc-ee’s move to Arizona comes as it continues to build out its store network and grow to new markets. Most recently, earlier this month, the chain began construction on its first travel stop in North Carolina, located in Mebane.
Buc-ee’s hosted a grand opening ceremony that featured talks from CEO Arch Aplin III, Mebane Mayor Ed Hooks and State Sen. Amy Galey, according to local outlet WKML.
The project was first announced in late 2023. The announcement, however, was not welcome news for everyone, as Mebane residents were quick to flag their concerns about the construction of a new, 74,000-square-foot travel stop in their small town.
In February 2024, the Mebane planning board denied the retailer’s rezoning plans, which led to a lengthy city council hearing that brought in dozens of concerned individuals.
More than 70 Mebane residents gathered to speak out against the project in an eight-hour meeting that stretched from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., citing concerns about traffic, tourists, environmental worries, health exposures and risk to local small businesses. Others simply did not want to see their small town transformed into something different than what they have known.
City council eventually came around on the rezoning, voting unanimously to approve the opening of the site.
While many have spoken out against the project, there is a large portion of residents in favor of adding the travel center, which is expected to bring in an estimated $1.8 million in sales tax revenue to the city.
Now in 2026, the site is well underway, with Buc-ee’s constructing a second bridge over the interstate to account for the additional traffic flow.
Buc-ee’s expects the site to generate 200 full-time jobs, starting at $18 an hour for cashiers, bathroom attendants and warehouse staff, and $21 an hour for foodservice workers with benefits.
The travel center will boast 650 parking spaces, 120 fuel pumps and EV charging capabilities. It will offer a wide range of foodservice products, including the chain’s signature Beaver Nuggets, jerky and more.
