Today I'm going to do what every camper that I've ever followed (save one) has done, and tell you about Buc-ee's. Yes, I have for ages thought what is the big deal, I mean IT. IS. A. GAS. STATION. It's not like a tourist destination, and then we visited one coming home from Texas a year and a half ago. It may just be a gas station, but it is unlike any gas station I've ever seen. I heard someone say one time it's as if Walmart and a Loves Gas Station had a baby in Texas. So if you've ever asked yourself, "What's so special about Buc-ee's anyway?" today I thought I'd share some of our observations about the famous gas stationam and you can decide for yourself if it is worth the visit.
Last week we didn't have an Adventure Friday because we travelled to Mississippi for a Church meeting. We heard spirit-filled sermons, enjoyed deep fellowship, and ate great food. The weekend was both a long one and a short one all at the same time. The car ride stretched out, but then we blinked and it was time to get back into the car and head home. On the way back, along around sunset, we stopped at that quintessential Texas store - Buc-ee's, and you wouldn't believe it but we ran into some of our friends from Church also heading home. That would never happen at just a regular gas station, but it's not the first time we have run into Church family at Buc-ees.
The first thing you would notice when you pull in is that they have around 100 pumps at each location, and I'm not exaggerating in the least. The idea is that a ton of people can be there at the same time, and easily get in and out. These pumps aren't shoved so close together that you can't get out around the cars next to or in front of you, either. It's very spacious and clean. The pumps are also quick. We lucked out and pulled right into an open spot and Gary was done pumping gas before all the kids had their shoes back on. There was a short line waiting before we left, but it was moving quickly. They do ask that you move your car to a parking space when you are done pumping gas if you plan on heading inside, and that's something you'll definitely want to do.
One of Buc-ee's main goals is to offer the cleanest restrooms that you can find, and in 2012 they actually won in a nationwide restroom contest for cleanest restrooms. They have around 40 stalls in each bathroom so there is rarely a long line, even for the women. Also, they have several dedicated works who solely keep the bathroom cleaned and stocked. We weren't there at a particularly busy time, and there were still two women working in the bathroom. One neat thing they do is hang nice art for sale along the bathroom walls to pretty up the space.
The store portion of Buc-ee's is really divided into two areas, there are home goods and then there is food. The home good's section of the store is unique in each Buc-ee's that you visit, because while there are certain standbys that you will find in each location, such as western style leather pursues, cow hides, fun t-shirts, jewelry and kitchenware. There are also a variety of items specific to the area that you find the store in. In Texas, we found wall hangings and coffee mugs about being the biggest and best state. Near Mobile on Sunday we found Mardi Gras decorations, bless your heart coasters, and sweet home Alabama tea towels. There is also a second smaller section of home goods with clothing, toys, and stuffed animals for kids as well.
The food section of Buc-ee's has the largest variety of snacks and meals that you can imagine. In the snack section there are many specific to their own brand. Ruth got herself some spicy peach rings to try, while Rebecca and Kate got grape and watermelon cotton candy. Britt got ice cream, while the twins got gummy bears. Gary and I split a candied nut tray. Probably the snack they are most famous for would be their jerky. They have about 50 different flavors, so Gary always gets a couple to try. Last night he picked up Korean BBQ, Teriyaki, and Steakhouse Style. They of course also have a wall full drink options with all sorts of regional specialties. But their real draw is their sandwiches. As a rule I don't care for gas station food, you have no idea how long it's been sitting or under what conditions, and every time I've tried it (other than two places back home) I have hated the taste of it, and later regretted eating it. Not so at Buc-ee's, we actually planned to stop there just so we could get supper. My favorite is their sliced brisket sandwich but they also make a great chopped pork sandwich. They have breakfast sandwiches as well, but we've never been near one that early in the day. There are also packaged meats and cheeses, as well as fruits and veggies. It's very easy to eat healthy, and make a meal of it, if you don't want snack foods.
In addition to all the other positives surrounding this company, there is one thing that I really love them for. They pay far above minimum wage to their employees. They are known for being a quality company that values their employees, and because they value them it's easy to see why their customer service is so good. People who are appreciated work harder and take pride in their work. It's a great idea all around, but so few companies invest in their employees, like Buc-ee's does.
Buc-ee's definitely isn't your typical gas station, and when there is one along our route we definitely try to stop coming, going, or both. Tell me, have you been to a Buc-ee's before? What's your favorite part? Would you try gas station BBQ?
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