Buc-ee's Memphis Tennessee Attractions People Can't Stop Sharing
- 01. What Makes the Upcoming Memphis-Area Buc-ee's Unique
- 02. Key Features of the New Gallaway Location
- 03. Existing Tennessee Buc-ee's Locations Worth Visiting Now
- 04. Comparison of Tennessee Buc-ee's Locations
- 05. Top Attractions and Must-Buy Items at Any Buc-ee's
- 06. Practical Visit Tips for First-Timers
- 07. Frequently Asked Questions About Buc-ee's Memphis Amenities
- 08. Economic Impact and Local Significance for West Tennessee
- 09. Final Verdict: Should Memphis Travelers Plan a Buc-ee's Trip?
There is currently no Buc-ee's in Memphis itself; the nearest location is the under-construction Fayette County store at Exit 28 on I-40 in Gallaway, roughly 25 miles east of downtown Memphis, with an official opening date scheduled for May 2027. Until that debut, travelers from Memphis can visit the two existing Tennessee stores: the Crossville location (Exit 282, I-40, opened June 2022) and the world's largest Sevierville/Kodak store (170 Buc-ee's Blvd, opened June 2023). The impending Memphis-area attraction promises over 70,000 square feet of retail space, 100+ fuel pumps, 60+ restroom stalls, and the chain's signature Beaver Nuggets, brisket kolaches, and spotless facilities that have earned national acclaim.
What Makes the Upcoming Memphis-Area Buc-ee's Unique
The Gallaway facility will serve as the Mid-South's first Buc-ee's, breaking ground in November 2024 and targeting a summer 2026 debut before being pushed to May 2027 due to construction setbacks. This strategic placement near Ford's upcoming BlueOval City-set to open in 2025-positions the store as a critical pit stop for both local residents and thousands of visitors drawn to the massive automotive complex.
Crowds are expected to be intense during the first month; experts recommend waiting 30 days after opening before visiting if you want to avoid peak congestion. The store will feature the chain's hallmark attributes: immaculate restrooms (often cited as the cleanest gas station facilities nationwide), an extensive wall of private-label jerky varieties, and a dedicated dog-walking grass area for travelers with pets.
Key Features of the New Gallaway Location
- Size: Approximately 70,000-75,000 square feet, making it one of the larger Bac-ee's facilities in the chain
- Fuel Pumps: 100+ positions including double-sided pumps and 20 EV charging stations
- Restrooms: 60+ stalls across men's and women's facilities with 24/7 staffing
- Parking: 30-acre site with pull-through RV parking and ample truck/trailer spaces
- Signature Food: Beaver Nuggets, barbecue brisket sandwiches, savory kolaches (morning-only), and roasted nuts
Existing Tennessee Buc-ee's Locations Worth Visiting Now
While Memphis-area travelers wait for the new store, two operational Tennessee locations offer the full Buc-ee's experience. The Crossville store at 2045 Genesis Road opened first in 2022 and serves as a midpoint stop on I-40. The Sevierville/Kodak location holds the title of world's largest convenience store at 74,000 square feet with 120 fuel pumps and 71 restroom stalls.
Comparison of Tennessee Buc-ee's Locations
| Location | Address | Square Footage | Fuel Pumps | Restroom Stalls | Open Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossville | 2045 Genesis Rd, Crossville, TN | ~60,000 | 80 | 52 | June 2022 |
| Sevierville/Kodak | 170 Buc-ee's Blvd, Kodak, TN | 74,000 | 120 | 71 | June 2023 |
| Gallaway (Memphis-area) | Exit 28, I-40, Gallaway, TN | 70,000-75,000 | 100+ | 60+ | May 2027 (planned) |
Top Attractions and Must-Buy Items at Any Buc-ee's
Regardless of which Tennessee location you visit, certain attractions and products consistently delight first-timers. The Beaver Nuggets-sugar-coated corn puffs sold in gallon-sized bags-are the chain's most iconic snack and a favorite road-trip souvenir. The barbecue brisket sandwich ranks as the biggest-selling menu item across all locations, offering Texas-style smoked meat that rivals many dedicated barbecue joints.
Restrooms function as art galleries with original artwork curated for each location displayed on walls; visitors can purchase pieces while enjoying the spotless facilities. The 250-foot car wash at Sevierville (the longest in the chain) showcases advanced self-service technology that cleans vehicles in under 10 minutes.
- Grab Beaver Nuggets in bulk (gallon bags last weeks)
- Try the morning-only savory sausage kolache, warmed up
- Explore the jerky wall-over 20 varieties including brisket, turkey, and spicy options
- Walk the dog in the dedicated grass area before hitting the road
- Visit the restroom art gallery and consider purchasing a piece
- Fill up at any pump; wait times are typically under 2 minutes due to high pump counts
Practical Visit Tips for First-Timers
Budget at least 30-60 minutes if you plan to shop beyond fuel; serious shoppers often spend over an hour wandering the massive store. Park near the convenience store entrance rather than at the pumps-once you fill gas, move your car to avoid blocking lanes, as the store intentionally lacks seating and encourages car picnics.
Cell service can be spotty inside the building, so establish a meeting point with travel companions before splitting up to explore different sections. Avoid visiting during peak holiday weekends or the first 30 days after a new store opens, when crowds can stretch parking lots for hundreds of yards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buc-ee's Memphis Amenities
Economic Impact and Local Significance for West Tennessee
The arrival of Buc-ee's represents a major economic lift for West Tennessee, creating an estimated 150-200 full-time jobs and boosting I-40 traffic patterns near Gallaway. The store's proximity to Ford's BlueOval City-expected to employ thousands starting in 2025-positions it as a critical amenity for the region's growing automotive workforce.
Local analysts predict the store will draw 50,000+ weekly visitors within the first year, generating significant sales tax revenue for Fayette County while establishing Memphis as a emerging travel hub on the national Buc-ee's map.
Final Verdict: Should Memphis Travelers Plan a Buc-ee's Trip?
Yes, but with timing considerations. If you need Buc-ee's amenities right now, plan a 2.5-hour drive to Crossville or a 3-hour drive to Sevierville for the full experience. If you can wait until May 2027, the Gallaway location will deliver the same iconic attractions within a 30-minute drive from downtown Memphis.
First-timers should prioritize the Sevierville store for its world-record status and expansive layout, while locals waiting for the Gallaway opening should set a calendar reminder for mid-2027 and consider visiting one month post-opening to avoid overwhelming crowds. The attractions-from Beaver Nuggets to spotless restrooms-consistently wow visitors and justify the trip for anyone exploring Tennessee's growing Buc-ee's network.
Helpful tips and tricks for Buc Ees Memphis Tennessee Attractions People Cant Stop Sharing
Is there a Buc-ee's in Memphis Tennessee right now?
No, there is currently no Buc-ee's in Memphis proper. The nearest location is under construction in Gallaway, Tennessee (Exit 28 on I-40), approximately 25 miles east of downtown Memphis, with a planned opening in May 2027.
When will the Memphis-area Buc-ee's open?
The Gallaway location was initially scheduled to open in 2026 but has been delayed to May 2027 due to construction setbacks.
Where is the nearest Buc-ee's to Memphis right now?
The closest operational Buc-ee's to Memphis is in Crossville, Tennessee (Exit 282 on I-40), about 135 miles east. The Sevierville/Kodak location is 175 miles east and is the world's largest store.
What are the most popular items to buy at Buc-ee's?
Beaver Nuggets (sugar-coated corn puffs), barbecue brisket sandwiches, savory sausage kolaches (morning-only), private-label jerky, and roasted nuts are the top-selling items.
Are Buc-ee's restrooms really that clean?
Yes, Buc-ee's has earned the title of cleanest gas station restrooms multiple times from Cintas, GasBuddy, and TripAdvisor, with most locations featuring 40-70+ stalls staffed 24/7.
Does Buc-ee's have EV charging stations?
Yes, the Sevierville location includes 20 EV charging stations, and the upcoming Gallaway store will also feature 20 EV chargers among its 100+ fueling positions.
Can I walk my dog at Buc-ee's?
Yes, every Buc-ee's location includes a dedicated grassy area for dog walking and pet relief, making it traveler-friendly for pets.