Buc-ee’s has caused a stir in some quarters. Usually, however, because of the delicious food and clean restrooms, not because they cause trouble.
But in 2019, the beaver-loving franchise was in the middle of a strange legal battle. What illegal acts could they have committed?
Today, we take a look at why Buc-ee’s was accused of breaking the law. Let’s dive in.
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is a Texas-based grocery franchise company. The empire was founded in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas, and has expanded to more than 40 locations throughout the Southeast. You can find locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Through their lovable mascot and exceptional customer service, they have built a relatively loyal following. Whether you’re traveling in a large RV or a compact car, a stop at Buc-ee’s is well worth it.
There’s no shortage of gas pumps, restrooms or snack options. All Buc-ee’s locations have the same look and feel, combining a large gift store with a truck stop.
Since there is so much to see and consider, don’t be in a hurry when you visit. Plan on spending more time and money than you might expect.
Why was Buc-ee’s sued?
Buc-ee’s opened its first Alabama location in early 2019 and almost immediately faced legal trouble. In a lawsuit filed by Oasis Travel Center LLC, Buc-ee’s was accused of violating the Alabama Motor Fuel Marketing Act passed in 1984.
The act requires oil companies to sell gasoline to the public at least at the cost of purchase and transportation to the retailer. Oasis Travel Center LLC alleges that Buc-ee’s sold gasoline at an unreasonably low price when it opened its location.
On January 21, 2019, Buc-ee’s was selling gasoline for $1.80 per gallon, while the average price in the area was closer to $2.00. Area retailers were upset that Buc-ee’s was stealing their business and negatively impacting their bottom line.
Why would Buc-ee’s intentionally lose money on gasoline?
Many gas station operators are willing to lose money on gasoline sales to attract customers. Profit margins on fuel are so low that most gas stations make very little money on these transactions.
However, selling food, beverages, and other merchandise inside the store is much more profitable.
Most customers are not tied to a particular gas station chain and are usually looking for the lowest price when they fill up. Buc-ee’s knows that customers are more likely to go into stores to use the restroom or grab a bite to eat if they can get them to stop for gas.
The more people they can get into their stores, the more money they make. This is a brilliant business strategy that they can use to attract customers. However, many of their competitors don’t have the same luxury.
Have other gas stations faced similar lawsuits?
The allegations against Buc-ee’s are not new. Costco and Walmart are other popular gas stations facing similar lawsuits. Only a handful of states in the country have such fuel price restrictions, including Alabama.
Buc-ee’s attorney Jeff Nadalo told CSNEWS, “Buc-ee’s has always provided its customers with the best experience on the highway, from the cleanest restrooms in the world to great food.”
He went on to say, “That experience also includes quality fuel at fair and competitive prices, and we will always strive to be our customers’ first choice in the markets in which we operate.”
Why do people love Buc-ee’s so much?
Cheap fuel prices are just one of the many reasons people love Buc-ee’s so much. Let’s look at a handful of other reasons why people take a detour to stop at this gas station.
Tons of gas pumps
Some gas stations only have a handful of pumps, and the lines can get insanely long at times.
However, many Buc-ee’s locations have more than 100 gas pumps. Whether you need unleaded gasoline, premium, or diesel, you generally don’t have to wait in a long line for a pump.
Many people love the simplicity of being able to pull in and out of a gas station as quickly as possible while driving. However, as you will soon discover, most people who stop at Buc-ee’s spend more time than planned.
Paradise for snack lovers
After you’ve refueled, grab some snacks. The store has earned a reputation for having one of the largest selections of snacks of any convenience store.
You’ll find items like Beaver Nuggets, a specialty of Buc-ee’s, trail mix and a selection of fresh caramels.
This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on snacks for you and your fellow travelers to enjoy during your trip. However, the stores offer much more than just snacks. The hot foods, such as sandwiches and chips, are some of the best in the business.
Don’t forget: Buc-ee’s has great food, but this new menu item has caused an outcry!
Beef Jerky Wall
Many consider beef jerky one of the best on-the-go snacks, and Buc-ee’s has dedicated an entire wall to it. Here you’ll find dozens of jerky varieties, including original, teriyaki and pepper.
But maple bacon, ghost pepper and jalapeno jerky take beef jerky to the next level.
Customers love it because Buc-ee’s uses the highest quality beef. Some stores have entire stations where customers can sample the different flavors before buying.
Clean bathrooms
Not many gas stations can boast of having award-winning restrooms, but Buc-ee’s can.
Year after year, they receive awards for having some of the cleanest and best maintained restrooms. Every 15 to 30 minutes, the staff checks the facilities to make sure guests have everything they need to answer nature’s call.
Aside from cleanliness, as with the gas pumps, there are also plenty of cabins for both men and women. Although queues can form at peak times, things move quickly thanks to the large, clean toilets.
Remember: See what else RVers love about Buc-ee’s with this list of things RVers recommend trying at Buc-ee’s!
Souvenirs for days
If you’re looking for something special as a gift or to remember your trip, Buc-ee’s is the place to go. The stores have just about every kind of souvenir you can imagine.
Here you’ll find pajamas, magnets, and cooler bags inspired by beavers. If you can imagine it, Buc-ee’s probably has it branded with its logo.
You’ll also find various decorative items and merchandise not made by Buc-ee’s. These give the store’s retail a very Cracker Barrel gift shop-like feel. However, you will also find some high quality items that you can use to decorate almost any living space.
Litigation or not, travelers love Buc-ee’s
Even though the results of the lawsuit are elusive, it doesn’t change how customers feel about Buc-ee’s.
Buc-ee’s has done an incredible job marketing and expanding its locations, especially now that the company is expanding outside of Texas. People are taking a long way to visit one of their locations.
If you want to experience Buc-ee’s, just look for the signs along the interstates in the southeast. You will see them about 100 miles from their locations. They will help you count the miles and increase the excitement in your vehicle.
What do you love about Buc-ee’s?