Do your best to avoid these social faux pas during your next trip to Buc-ee’s
As the Buc-ee’s brand is growing across the South, the Texas-based gas station has transformed road-tripping across the nation. I used to evaluate road trips based solely on the time we made. Now? We’re checking for Buc-ee’s stops along the route. If our 10-hour trip becomes an 11-hour trip with a Buc-ee’s stop in the middle, so be it. Also, there’s a certain level of method to the madness. For example, the family is excited about a Buc-ee’s stop. It gives them something to look forward to as the miles drag on. Like many, my family has become a Buc-ee’s family.
And as a veteran Buc-ee’s fan, while I’m not one to harsh anybody’s good time, I thought it might be prudent to get some pro-tips to make your, and everyone else’s next trip to the superstore just a bit better. After all, within the bounds of any society, there is a proper way to comport yourself. Buc-ee’s is no different.
Buc-ee’s is a popular destination when you’re on a road trip. When you’re visiting, there may be a few things you want to avoid doing. For example, don’t skip on the popular snacks like Beaver Nuggets. Also, don’t worry about the stigma of gas station food. You’ll be in good hands at Buc-ee’s. Finally, be sure to take your time and don’t get into a rush.
1. Don’t forget the Beaver Nuggets
Let’s be honest, skipping on a bag of these is a rookie move. That’s right – we’re talking about Buc-ee’s signature snack. They’re puffy, crunchy corn nuggets with a brown sugar caramel coating. They remind me slightly of Sugar Smacks but better. No trip to Buc-ee’s is complete without a bag of corn nuggets.
2. Don’t leave your cell phones in the car
Buc-ee’s is vast. It contains multitudes. So, by the time you use the restroom, pick a snack and get your picture made with the Beaver, you will have inevitably lost contact with the other members of your party. A couple of “I’m near the jerky wall, where are you” texts should clear things up a little better.
3. Don’t leave trash around the coffee bar
This is a good rule anywhere. But please think of the Buc-ee’s workers. Buc-ee’s pays well and has good benefits. But it also seems like one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Whether that’s shouting about the fresh pulled pork every 45 seconds or putting on an extra chipper façade at the checkout line, Buc-ee’s work looks hard. So, don’t make it harder by leaving your mess at the coffee bar, the snack bar or the soda drink bar.
4. Don’t abuse refills
You’ve seen the culprits. The first thing they do is fill up a large drink at the soda fountain and then partake of their drink as they wander the store only to return to the soda fountain and refill before leaving to pay. Is this illegal? Will it get you banned from Buc-ee’s? Maybe, maybe not. Is it bad Buc-ee’s karma and rude to the other paying patrons? Yes.
5. Don’t get political
Look, we all have beliefs. My guy. Your guy. Blah, blah, blah. I’m not here to say you shouldn’t have your beliefs or stand proudly for them. But can’t we just agree that Buc-ee’s is the Switzerland of gas stations? We came for the barbecue. We didn’t come to turn the Buc-ee’s into the marketplace of ideas. Buc-ee’s is a thing we can all agree on. Let’s just keep our respective traps shut and enjoy the moment.
6. Don’t bring a semi-truck
Buc-ee’s is a gas station, not a truck stop. Big trucks and rigs are not welcome at Buc-ee’s.
7. Don’t hog a gas pump while shopping
This is a tough one for me. A lifetime of driving has taught me that unless there’s a line of cars at the pump, you can get your gas, go inside and handle business without having to move your car. The Sevierville Buc-ee’s has 120 gas pumps. You might think that’s enough for you to go inside for a minute. But you don’t go inside for a minute. Buc-ee’s is a time warp, and it takes at least half an hour. Be a good sport and move that car to one of the many Buc-ee’s parking spots before heading inside.
8. Don’t feel weird about getting a gas station lunch
There are parts of the country that would be aghast at thinking of a gas station as a proper culinary outlet for anything other than snacks. There are also parts of the country where the best eateries in town are gas stations. Buc-ee’s doesn’t have the best barbecue and isn’t the best food I’ve ever had. But – in my experience – it’s better than almost all of the typical fast food places you find running up and down the interstate. Personally, I like the deli sandwiches. Don’t worry about the stigma around gas station food. You’ll be fine.
9. Don’t order crazy food for the road
Some foods are not meant to be consumed in confined spaces with other people. I’m looking at you, pickled quail eggs. Other foods aren’t packaged in such a way as to be conveniently consumed while bouncing down the interstate. Order with a sense of responsibility and an understanding of purpose.
10. Don’t be in a hurry
I know the purpose of your road trip is to get from A to B so you can enjoy as much B as you can before you have to go back to A. We were riding with some family recently – they are not Buc-ee’s people. But they decided to stop to let the kids enjoy Buc-ee’s. As a result, about 10 minutes in, they were ready to get back on the road. I was aghast. 10 minutes? Sir, I have not yet begun to Buc-ee. It is a place where you take your time.
What is your don’t-do tip at Buc-ee’s? Let us know in the comments!
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#1 Pump & move ur vehicle 2 a designated parkin spot tank’s!
Exactly
I got my Buc-ee’s fix at the Crossville TN store in August. I was a Totally Buc-smacked child!!!! I was at the Cold Soda counter talking to the attendant when I turned 1/4 turn to the right and who did I see exit the back storeroom???? Yess, indeed it was the king rodent hisself Buc-ee!!!!! #Igeekedout and had my picture made with the dude. I am 57 years old goin’ on 10!!!!!!
Please tell my husband to be patient while waiting on my to get out of Bucee’s! He has to stay outside with our dogs, and gets frustrated when I take too long! I can’t possibly see or buy much in a couple of minutes! Hey, wait, now I know why he wants me to hurry! Lol! Can’t wait for another ‘short’ visit to Bucee’s!
some times the husband needs to use the restrooms as well , and he is stuck waiting with the dogs and also hungry.
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I’ve been to 4 different Buccees. All had ample green space. I don’t understand why they don’t set up a few picnic tables for people to eat at instead of having to eat in the car. The lady above husband might not be as frustrated if he could sit in fresh air while she shopped. It’s a great stop but we’ve stopped grabbing lunch there because there’s no where to sit and rest for a few minutes outside the car. Oh how i wish they’d invest in some picnic tables.
I think they want you to move on down the road… I agree they need a place to sit but I believe (am I am sure they have done the research after so many request) they if they have table people would not just sit and eat and then move on – they would sit and sit and sit. No way they could ever have enough tables to satisfy the customer load. They are a stop not a destination and some would abuse this.
I also think they should have somewhere for people to sit down to eat. Picnic tables outside would be great too.
I would tend to agree, if EVERYONE could be polite and pick up after themselves, not litter, keep a rein on their brats, etc etc etc. I’d be worried that would just add to the list of to-dos for employees, that could be averted if, well, go back to sentence #1.
Commercial buses should not be allowed, No Trucks means No Buses
Don’t steal!!! Eating and not paying hurts everyone when prices have to increase to cover the cost of thieves. I work there and I see so many people eat a brisket sandwich or a burrito and then throw the wrapper away.
Allow semis.
If they did, there would be nowhere to park all the other vehicles.
Buc-ee’s has a good thing going now they’re a lot of store’s trying to be like the buc-ee store’s the restroom stalls are by far they best in the country I was proud that it as a Texas thing but hay they’re all over the country now i think we passes 8 or 9 just going to Key West Florida this year and a lot going to Seattle Washington hey it was great clean restrooms everywhere!!!
Think about this. If BE’s had picnic tables, they would be full constantly, and patrons would leave behind a ton of trash. They don’t do this for very good reasons.