In a world of clogged inboxes full of press releases, it takes a little something special to stand out.
Amid the endless pitches, solicitations and shysters, the folks at Buc-ee’s know how to make their voices heard.
So when the self-styled “home of the world’s cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver” announced its intention to build the world’s largest convenience store in Sevierville, I must say I granted it my full and undivided attention.
At the time of this writing, Buc-ee’s has more than 40 stores. And Buc-ee’s is continuing its expansion throughout the Southeast.
Stores are also now open in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, and yes, Tennessee.
The Buc-ee’s store in Crossville, Tenn., is now open.
The Sevierville Tennessee location, which is projected to open in the summer of 2023, will offer the same Buc-ee’s staples as its Texan counterparts such as fresh BBQ, homemade fudge, their popular Beaver Nuggets, jerky, kolaches, fresh pastries and of course, their famous Buc-ee’s Brisket Sandwich.
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Is there a Buc-ee’s in Sevierville TN?
Construction is currently underway. The new location for this massive convenience store will be Exit 407 on I-40 in Sevierville, TN.
Sevierville, for the uninitiated, is the gateway to popular tourist attractions including Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Exit 407 is one of the most heavily traveled sections of interstate in the country.
For many, it will be the first stop when they come to town for their family vacation.
The gargantuan Buc-ee’s will be located on land owned by Kituwah, LLC and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The land was acquired previously after being dormant for years due to a failed development.
How big is Buc-ee’s in Sevierville TN?
Buc-ee’s will cover a whopping 74,000 square feet of the 200-acre development.
It will provide a mind-blowing total of 120 fueling positions, EV charging stations and a car wash (nearly the length of a football field).
The previous largest Buc-ee’s location came in at 66,000 square feet.
Read Also: Things to do, area attractions in the Smoky Mountains
In short, it’s going to be a big dang deal
As a side note, I’m glad. I’ve been less than impressed with the gas stations near Exit 407 of late. Recently, I pulled into one – which shall remain nameless – and none of the gas pumps were working correctly.
Did they have any signs that let me know? Nope. They just let me drive from pump to pump like a fool.
In addition, several of the bathrooms at those stations near the exit are extremely sketchy. However, the humongous Buc-ee’s features world-famous clean potties.
In fact, their website claims you can “potty like a rock star”.
Anyway, I welcome our beaver-loving, gas station overlords.
Somewhere, a single tear drips down the face of the giant papier-mache head of NASCAR legend Richard Petty that used to sit on a bluff at a gas station located where the Beef Jerky outlet now sits.
Which reminds me, Buc-ee’s should totally drop the beaver mascot and bring that giant papier-mache head back. It would fit with the theme of the development, “The 407: Gateway to Adventure”.
What says adventure more than a giant foam-like head of an aging NASCAR legend?
But I digress.
Does Buc-ee’s have food?
As for the rest, I’m sorry to say the opening salvo of the Buc-ee’s press release promising clean bathrooms, fresh food and friendly beavers was simply a Trojan horse. A way to get my jaded eyes to read past the first paragraph.
Once they’d grabbed my attention, it was time for regular press release synergistic hyperbole of carefully curated exciting words in which everybody gets a little too worked up about gas station barbecue and its potential to affect positive change in the world.
“Buc-ee’s is known for pristine bathrooms, a large amount of fueling positions, friendly service, Buc-ee’s apparel and fresh, delicious food,” reads the original press release.
“Originally launched and still headquartered in Texas, Buc-ee’s has combined traditional quality and modern efficiency to redefine traveling for their customers.”
Read Also: What is the best food at Buc-ee’s? 18 top Buc-ee’s snacks, ranked
Other notable developments at Exit 407
Developers indicated that the rest of the site will feature a “world-class” golf attraction, (Editor’s Note: It better be a Top Golf) a go-kart facility and a distillery experience.
Throw in a place to get some pancakes and you’ll have distilled the entire Smokies experience into one 200-acre site.
Additionally, European theme park company Puy Du Fou is bringing a unique historical attraction to the site. The immersive show will be inspired by Cherokee Indians who served in World War I.
When will Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, TN open?
The Sevierville Buc-ee’s is projected to open in the summer of 2023, according to job postings from the company.
The site seems to be making considerable progress, as shown in the construction photos, taken in late September 2022.
Why Sevierville, TN?
For Buc-ee’s officials, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains is the ideal stop to build their Taj Mahal of travel plazas. But don’t take my word for it, just ask Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate for Buc-ee’s.
“It is not a coincidence that we chose the 407 as our first big store location outside of Texas. We will be the proverbial welcome sign at the front door of the exceptional travel experience that the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville and Sevier County have to offer. You won’t forget your first visit to Buc-ee’s and it won’t be your last!” the exclamation point enthusiast said.
“We are thrilled to share our over-the-top customer experience and be a pivotal part of the Kituwah and EBCI vision for the Gateway to Adventure.”
And we’ve not even mentioned the best part.
What’s the only thing more exciting than giant gas stations and beef jerky you might ask?
Jobs.
Buc-ee’s will bring many permanent, full-time jobs with benefits to the region. And starting pay is above minimum wage.
Are you familiar with this popular chain from the Lone Star state? Will you be starting out your Smoky Mountain adventure with a stop at Buc-ee’s?
Let us know in the comments below!
View the web story version of this article here.