Since it opened in March of 2024, the Buc-ee’s, a national chain of mega gas stations, located in Johnston has raised lots of attention. Known for its over 100 gas pumps, large and squeaky clean restrooms, barbecue, and unique food items, Buc-ees is in a class of its own.
What makes Buc-ee’s truly unique though is that they develop their own cultural footing and branding–with Buc-ee’s-themed merchandise being found across the state. The loveable beaver mascot is instantly recognizable and a cultural phenomenon across all 50 states.
This national recognition is even more astounding when taking into account the exclusivity of Buc-ee’s location strategy. Currently, there are fifty locations operating in nine states, predominantly in the south. Colorado has the only location outside of the cultural south.
With Buc-ees being only a 20-minute drive from campus, the Buc-ee’s fever has reached Fort Collins and Rocky Mountain High School, thus The Highlighter conducted an in-depth review of all Buc-ee’s offers.
Perhaps beyond all else, Buc-ee’s is best known for its barbecue. With sausage on a stick, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and brisket there is something for everyone who isn’t a vegetarian!
The pulled pork sandwich is a great option. With lots of barbeque sauce, it is flavorful but is not soaked in sauce to an annoying degree. It is well-balanced and there was a generous serving of pork in the sandwich.
While the pulled pork sandwich was good, the brisket sandwiches really stood out. Bu-cee’s offers two types of brisket sandwich–sliced or chopped. Both deliver incredible cuts of brisket, flavorful sandwiches, and generous serving sizes.
Choosing the two sandwiches comes down to personal preference. If you’d prefer more barbecue sauce and a mix of fatty and lean meats, then the chopped is likely to be a better fit. If you’re looking for a more balanced flavor profile, favoring traditional cuts of brisket, and willing to risk getting an all-fatty or lean sandwich, then the sliced is likely preferable for you.
Regardless, the sandwiches all stand out as delicious, and fairly generous in serving size. While the brisket isn’t smoked fresh at the store, it is freshly cut behind the glass, and new sandwiches are laid out regularly. Sandwiches typically run $4-7 each, depending on the type.
Buc-ee’s also has a wide offering of desserts. They are famous for their banana pudding, which comes in two sizes and is truly a great sweet treat. While their banana pudding is a staple of the South they also offer many other options. From chocolate chip cookies to delicious cookie dough bites and from fudge to warm nuts, there is something for everyone in the sweets area of the store.
Buc-ee’s also has its own classic Beaver Nugget snacks, a unique maple-flavored puffed corn. While the snack may initially feel similar to “Pirates Booty” the maple flavor makes beaver nuggets a wonderful sweet snack.
The Buc-ee’s in Johnston boasts over 100 gas pumps–116 to be exact. When Buc-ee’s in Johnston was initially announced it was actually larger than any Buc-es’s anywhere in the world. Since then, several other gas stations have been announced including a location in Luling, Texas coming in at 75,000 square ft and 120 gas pumps.
Getting gas at Buc-ee’s is similar to any other gas station but is a little more intimidating. The large wall of pumps stretching down for what seems like hundreds of feet creates almost too much pressure with the amount of options in front of you. Once you find a pump you will actually find the experience to be exactly the same and maybe a bit more enjoyable– at least on your wallet. Buc-ee’s has cheaper gasoline than the average gas station, up to a dollar less per gallon. This is a commitment to the consumer in more ways than one.
