Even the grueling summer coastal heat won’t derail Buc-ee’s from opening its first-ever Mississippi mega travel center as soon as possible.
Crews have already started work that will expand Interstate 10 in Harrison County as the famous and beloved roadside chain is expected to bring an influx of traffic to the Menge Avenue exit. As of now, the Magnolia State’s first Buc-ee’s franchise is expected to sprawl a colossal 74,000 square feet, with 120 fuel pumps and 350 employees.
A bridge will also be replaced on the interstate overpass, and entrance and exit ramps will be widened. Additional lanes will also be added to Firetower Road around the multi-million-dollar project.
The Texas chain and Harrison County will foot the bill and the 24-hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year trip oasis is expected to boost business and tourism on the Gulf Coast.
“We expect this project to fuel economic growth in the region, and this construction is an exciting step forward in this highly anticipated development,” Harrison County Supervisor Marlin Ladner said, adding the roadwork and construction in that area are expected to last about a year.
The Buc-ee’s chain prides itself on being home to the world’s cleanest bathrooms and offers thousands of snack and meal and drink options for visitors who love the store chain with a cult-like devotion and is set to open its Mississippi location in December 2024.
Once completed, the Mississippi Buc-ee’s location will dwarf the four Alabama franchises in Loxley, Athens, Leeds, and Auburn, each of which sits at about 55,000 square feet. The Magnolia State location is so far the only megastore comparable to the newest country store hybrid that opened in June in Sevierville, Tenn., which is currently being touted as the “World’s Largest Buc-ee’s.” The new Tennessee convenience store has the same square footage and number of pumps and employees as slated for the Harrison County location.
New to Buc-ee’s and don’t understand the hype? Here are all the reasons you need to visit this beloved travel spot that’s headed up by a jolly cartoon beaver who loves his beaver nuggets.
- The massive size of the store.
- The iconic beaver mascot whose lovable cartoon face is plastered all over the gas pumps, stores, and merchandise.
- The beef jerky wall literally has a sign that says “World Famous Jerky” on it.
- The branded candy and snacks are prominently displayed—especially the Beaver Nuggets.
- The barbecue brisket is chopped daily and just might be the most popular food in the place.
- The sheer amount of gas pumps. The Harrison County location will have 120 pumps, including diesel and 22 electric vehicle stations. And it’s geared toward families and not a truck stop. Semis, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers are not permitted.
- Clean, safe, and humongous bathrooms are a major reason to stop at the travel centers.
And it looks like Buc-ee’s is eager to call the Magnolia State home as soon as possible.
