Residents of Florida's Treasure Coast are set to gain a colossal new landmark, as plans advance for a massive Buc-ee's travel centre in Fort Pierce. The proposed development, which promises to be a major economic and tourism driver, is slated to open its doors in early 2027.
A Texas-Scale Pit Stop for Florida's East Coast
The new site will be a behemoth, covering 76,245 square feet and offering 120 fuel pumps alongside 18 electric vehicle charging stations. With over 700 parking spots, it is designed to handle vast volumes of road-trip traffic. This will become the fourth Buc-ee's location in the state, joining existing outlets in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and Ocala.
As with all its sites, the Fort Pierce store will feature the chain's famously spotless, award-winning bathrooms, an enormous food service operation, and ubiquitous merchandise featuring its grinning beaver mascot. Fan-favourite offerings include the 'Sausage on a Stick', 'Beaver Nuggets' (a caramelised corn puff snack), and Dr Pepper Icees.
More Than Fuel: A Destination with Economic Clout
The project is currently navigating final approvals, including confirmation from utility providers. Local expectations are high, with the development predicted to bring hundreds of new jobs to the area and significantly boost visitor numbers to Florida's east coast.
Often called the 'Disneyland of gas stations', Buc-ee's has cultivated a dedicated following, particularly among younger generations drawn to its social media-friendly scale and snacks. What began as a single Texas convenience store in 1982 has grown into a 24/7 empire with 54 locations across 11 states.
The Cult of Buc-ee's: From Texas Roots to National Phenomenon
The chain's expansion beyond its Texas heartland is consistently met with fanfare. New openings often cause traffic snarls and generate significant online buzz, with travellers treating them as experiential events rather than simple store launches.
Each travel centre functions as a destination, packing in football-field-sized retail spaces with fresh-made barbecue, house-brand jerky, and aisles of themed apparel. The privately-owned company is famously secretive about its finances, adding to the brand's unique mystique.
The forthcoming Fort Pierce location is part of a wider expansion push. While the current largest Buc-ee's in Luling, Texas, spans 75,000 square feet with 120 pumps, new even larger sites are in development. Alongside the Florida project, additional openings are planned for 2026 in Texas, Ohio, and Arizona, signalling the brand's relentless growth.
