Last Updated on March 31, 2023 by Jess
Usually, you only hear positive stories about Buc-ee’s. While people usually love almost everything about this beaver-loving chain, that’s not always the case. One of their latest menu items has stirred up quite a bit of controversy among their loyal fan base.
The passionate fans of this growing chain are at odds over this new menu item. Opponents fear that this is a sign that Buc-ee’s is moving in the wrong direction.
What’s the reason for the uproar? Let’s find out!
What is Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s, a popular chain of travel centers, was founded in Clute, Texas in 1982. Texans and travelers passing through the Lone Star State have come to love these travel centers.
They popped up all over the state, and in 2018, the first Buc-ee’s outside of Texas opened. They can now be found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
For lack of a better description, Buc-ee’s is what you’d get if a Love’s Truck Stop and a Cracker Barrel had a baby. That may sound strange, but it’s probably the perfect description. Even though drivers have everything they need to get in and out quickly, many want to take their time.
The first thing many patrons notice is the 100 or so gas pumps and huge parking lots that surround these stores. However, when you walk through the doors, you can be overwhelmed.
There are so many snacks, drinks and merchandise that it’s hard to choose. You may want to watch the clock and your wallet, or you may spend more time and money than you had planned.
Why is Buc-ee’s so popular?
When it comes to companies that treat their customers well, Buc-ee’s is at the top of the list. They do everything they can to give customers the best experience possible. They don’t disregard a single step of the process.
If you’ve ever stopped at a rest stop or gas station to use the restroom, you know it can be a risky endeavor. However, Buc-ee’s takes pride in its restrooms and has even won awards for the cleanliness of its restroom facilities.
Customers can rest assured that they won’t have to worry about answering nature’s call in a shabby or dirty restroom if they stop here.
For many travelers, the appeal of Buc-ee’s was that they were a facility unique to Texas. Since they were not found everywhere, visiting a Buc-ee’s was a big deal for many travelers.
Snapping a photo with the bronze beaver statue out front became commonplace for many. The brand spread like wildfire on social media, attracting many new customers.
What did Buc-ee’s do to upset customers?
Texas is known for its barbecue, and Buc-ee’s offers guests the opportunity to experience it. The menu is full of brisket and barbecue options that draw attention.
But the Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL now steals the show. But it’s not the taste or the quantity that bothers people; it’s the price.
On February 17, Facebook user Andrew Mast posted his frustration with Buc-ee’s online. In his post to the Everything New Braunfels Texas group, he complained about the sandwich’s $12.99 price.
The posting quickly went down the tubes as fanboys jumped in to defend Buc-ee’s honor, and opponents hurled insults. We’ll never know if Mast knew what a can of worms he was opening, or if he even cared.
It was clear, however, that many consumers disagreed with the price. With almost everything getting more expensive these days, they feel cheated because their beloved Buc-ee’s is also paying on top.
What is the Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL?
When you charge $12.99 for a gas station sandwich, you should. The Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL is just under a pound of delicious, chopped beef brisket.
The delicious meat is served on a soft bun and wrapped in aluminum foil until guests can get their hands on it.
Many in the discussion did not understand that the sandwich is twice the size of the original brisket sandwich. The original costs $8.49 instead of nearly $13. In comparison, the Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL offers more for the money than the original.
Other products to try at Buc-ee’s include.
If you’re anything like us, you might laugh at spending $13 on a gas station sandwich. But if you don’t mind, we won’t judge you. We’d just remind you to bring a few extra napkins. We did, however, find a handful of other options worth trying at Buc-ee’s.
Let’s take a look!
Beaver Nuggets
One of the most popular snacks at Buc-ee’s is Beaver Nuggets. These are small, sweet, caramel-flavored corn balls. They resemble the taste of caramel corn, but without the kernels. Some even think they have a syrupy flavor and find them irresistible.
They are an inexpensive snack that travelers can take with them every time they visit. For the money, it’s hard to find a better snack on the go.
Be careful when opening the bag; you won’t want to stop eating them until you reach the bottom of the bag.
Read more: See what other menu items RVers recommend trying at Buc-ee’s!
Jerky
Another popular snack at Buc-ee’s is the jerky. The selection of jerky is one of the largest you’ll ever see. In addition to the different flavors, customers appreciate the high quality of beef they can find. You get an almost perfect piece of tender and tasty meat.
Some popular flavors include original, peppered, teriyaki, and sweet and spicy. With so many flavors, you’re sure to find one you like. The most difficult decision you will have to make is how much to buy.
Caramel
If you love fudge, Buc-ee’s might make you feel like you’re in heaven. You can watch it being made and even taste the delicious treats.
Popular fudge varieties include chocolate, peanut butter, pecan, rocky road and maple walnut. The store sells the fudge by the pound, but also cuts it into bite-sized slices or pieces as needed.
If you’re looking for a gift for your friends, family or favorite travel bloggers, fudge is a great choice. It will satisfy even the sweetest sweet tooth imaginable.
Kolaches
A kolache is a pastry that originated in Eastern Europe, but has become a popular tradition in Texas. They are popularly eaten for breakfast or as a quick snack to lift the spirits. This soft, sweet and doughy pastry is just the thing when you need something to perk you up.
Like most of the food at Buc-ee’s, the company makes its kolaches fresh daily and in-house. Get there early, though, because they sell out quickly.
You can choose from a traditional sausage and cheese variety or a more adventurous version with jalapeno and cheese or even bacon and egg. They are all delicious!
Breakfast Tacos
Another Buc-ee’s product that we recommend is the breakfast tacos. These tacos have become a popular treat because Buc-ee’s makes them to order.
When you receive your breakfast taco, it is hot and just the way you want it. It usually consists of eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage and potatoes in a soft flour or corn tortilla. But you can also prepare it just the way you like it.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also extremely inexpensive. What more could you want when you want a quick bite to eat? Just grab a coffee or other beverage before you head out to wash them down.
Don’t forget: Next time you go camping, try one of these easy camping taco recipes!
Is the Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL worth it?
The Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich is everything Texas. It’s a ton of beef that demands your attention and respect.
However, most people don’t like paying $13 for a gas station sandwich without fries and a drink. At many restaurants, you can get a full meal for the same money.
Unfortunately, the Big Buckin’ Brisket Sandwich XXL is another example of too much of a good thing. We – and probably your cardiologist – would recommend you opt for the much more manageable Original Brisket Sandwich.
But the decision is yours. Which would you choose?