Buc-ee’s CEO says the chain will favor conservative states for new sites
Buc-ee’s president Arch "Beaver" Aplin III told the Benton, Arkansas opening that the company prefers expanding in states whose leaders support business-friendly, family-oriented policies.
At the ribbon-cutting for Buc-ee’s newest Arkansas location, co-founder and president Arch "Beaver" Aplin III explained that the Texas-based travel-center chain is prioritizing growth in conservative, business-friendly states. He argued that communities which appreciate Buc-ee’s offerings and have supportive political leadership provide a smoother path for development. Aplin contrasted this with regions where officials appear less receptive, suggesting the company will scale back efforts there.
Buc-ee’s operates massive stations averaging 74,000 square feet with 120 fuel pumps and typically adds more than 200 jobs per site. The chain now counts 58 locations across Texas and 13 other states, and it has announced additional openings through 2028 in places such as Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Ruston, Louisiana, and Kansas City, Kansas.
Why it matters
The comments signal where a major employer will concentrate future job creation and investment.
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