PENNSYLVANIA - The question on every road-tripper and snack-lover's mind in the Keystone State is a simple one: "Will Pennsylvania get a Buc-ee's?" The iconic Texas-based travel center, renowned for its massive stores, countless fuel pumps, pristine restrooms, and cult-favorite snacks, has been aggressively expanding across the Southeast and is now making its way up the East Coast. While the beaver-branded giant has made moves in neighboring states, the answer for Pennsylvania remains a mix of high hopes, logistical challenges, and strategic patience.
Current Status: No Official Announcement
As of mid-2025, Buc-ee's has not officially announced or confirmed any specific plans to open a location in Pennsylvania. Despite persistent rumors and intense public desire, the company has not purchased land or filed plans for a travel center within the Commonwealth.
The Expansion Nears Pennsylvania's Borders
The anticipation in Pennsylvania is fueled by Buc-ee's rapid expansion in states nearby, bringing the brand closer than ever before.
- Virginia: The first Virginia Buc-ee's is slated to open in Rockingham County in 2025, with another in New Kent County planned for 2027.
- Ohio: A location is currently under construction in Huber Heights, Ohio, and is expected to open in 2026.
- West Virginia: While no construction has begun, Buc-ee's has plans for a future location near Morgantown.
This strategic push north along major interstate corridors, such as I-81 and I-70, makes a future move into Pennsylvania seem like a logical next step.
What Would It Take for Buc-ee's to Come to PA?
Buc-ee's has a specific and demanding set of criteria for its locations, which explains its slow and deliberate expansion. A potential Pennsylvania location would need:
- A Large Parcel of Land: Buc-ee's stores are enormous, typically requiring 50-60 acres of land to accommodate the 74,000-square-foot store, over 120 gas pumps, and hundreds of parking spots.
- Major Interstate Access: The site must be located directly on a busy, high-traffic interstate highway, such as I-81, I-76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-80, or I-95.
- Favorable Local and State Regulations: The company must navigate zoning, traffic impact studies, and permit approvals, which can be a lengthy and complex process.
- A Welcoming Community: Buc-ee's often works with local governments that are eager to bring the significant job creation (typically 200+ full-time jobs) and tourism draw that a new location provides.
So, When Could It Happen?
While purely speculative, if Buc-ee's were to announce a Pennsylvania location, the timeline from announcement to opening is typically two to three years. This includes land acquisition, permitting, extensive site work, and construction.
So, will Pennsylvania get a Buc-ee's? The answer is very likely, eventually. The company's expansion pattern points directly toward the Keystone State's major travel corridors. However, when that will happen remains the big question. For now, Pennsylvanians will have to get their Beaver Nuggets fix by road-tripping to neighboring states, all while keeping a hopeful eye on news from the most beloved beaver in Texas.
