Buc-ee’s has cleared the latest stage in its Ohio expansion process, which kicked off in April with the opening of its first site in the state, located in Huber Heights.
The retailer is looking to expand to Mansfield after receiving annexation approval in May. Now, Buc-ee’s has received a conditional use permit by the Mansfield City Planning Commission in a 5-1 vote.
The permit includes plans for a 70,000-square-foot c-store, in addition to a variance that would allow the retailer to build a 100-foot sign near the interstate on the southwest side of the property, according to local outlet The Richland Source.
Construction and development of the Buc-ee’s is expected to create 200 full-time jobs. Mansfield City Council is scheduled to consider a development plan on June 2.
The site, according to development plans, will feature three roundabouts designed to assist with traffic flow from the interstate on Ohio 39.
“Ingress and egress will be handled by a roundabout over 600 feet east of the I-71 offramp. Parcel area is over 35 acres, well above the needed 20,000 square feet,” the plan read. “Underground tanks are located near the center of the front yard, over 750 feet from any property line/residential area. There is no auto repair and they do not allow truck traffic other than deliveries of gas and items for the store. The 125-foot tall sign is typical for Buc-ee’s along interstate highways for visibility both directions.”
CStore Decisions will continue to monitor the development process.
Success in the Buckeye State
Buc-ee’s cut the ribbon to its first location in Ohio on April 6 with a grand opening ceremony featuring Governor Mike Dewine, Mayor Jeff Gore and many more local dignitaries.
“We are excited to count Huber Heights as our first location in Ohio; they’ve been a great community to work with,” said Stan Beard of Buc-ee’s in March.
Buc-ee’s fans from across the U.S. flocked to Huber Heights to catch a glimpse of the store. In fact, NBC affiliate WDTN reported that nearly all the hotels in the area were fully booked the night before the celebration.
Not only that — WDTN revealed that Buc-ee’s did more than $1 million in sales during its first day in Ohio, marking its largest opening day ever.
Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore told WDTN that he’s “heard reports back from Buc-ee’s that this location was their single biggest grand opening they’ve had at any store location, anywhere in the country.”
The Huber Heights site was first announced in August 2023. The location stands at 74,000 square feet on 35 acres of land. Originally slated to open in late 2025, the project was pushed back to 2026 in March 2025 due to “early project hiccups,” company representatives told Dayton Daily News last year.
While Buc-ee’s did not elaborate on the causes of the delay, that was not the first time the site saw hurdles. In November 2024, construction was halted due to a legal dispute between Huber Heights and Clark County. At the time, the counties were at odds over the rights to service the c-store’s water and sewage, reported WHIO TV. Court documents filed by Buc-ee’s attorneys in October 2024 called for a timely resolution on the lawsuit.
“Crews have been ready and willing to work to meet an anticipated construction deadline of late 2025. However, construction is now delayed due to the ongoing dispute,” the court filing read. “… (I)f the court delays a decision granting one of the cross-motions, or otherwise denies both requests for summary judgement, Buc-ee’s and the Huber Heights community will face delays with opening this location.”
Clark County and Huber Heights were engaged in litigation for more than a year before the lawsuit was eventually dropped in December, leaving Clark County with rights to provide water and sewage services. As a result, reported Dayton Daily News, Clark County is responsible for pumping 25,000 more gallons of water per day to the area to better accommodate the large site.
Construction started back up in late 2024 and continued through the winter before being halted once again.
Now that the site is up and running, Buc-ee’s is looking to build off of its momentum in Ohio with its proposed Mansfield location.
