Buc-ee's co-founder says conservative, business-friendly states drive new store rollouts

A large crowd arrived early Monday to mark the debut of Buc-ee's in Benton, Arkansas, with many wearing branded apparel to be among the first inside. Co-founder and CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III used the ceremony, attended by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Senator Tom Cotton, to explain the chain’s focus on conservative, business-friendly jurisdictions. He emphasized that supportive state leadership accelerates projects like one outlet,000-square-foot store, which includes 120 gas pumps and will generate more than 200 jobs.

Aplin contrasted this with locations where officials are less appreciative of the brand’s model. The governor echoed his sentiment, noting the rapid development thanks to the company’s proactive approach. The opening underscores Buc-ee's broader plan to add multiple sites across Arkansas and similar states.