Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based chain of convenience stores with a cult following, is expanding its reach in Alabama with a second location that the chain is set to break ground on next week, according to the company’s attorney.
The chain of convenience stores, gas stations and travel centers is scheduled to break ground on a store in Leeds at 10 a.m. June 26, according to Buc-ee’s general counsel Jeff Nardalo. The store is being built off Exit 140 on I-20 near the Outlet Shops at Grand River.
The Leeds City Council signed off on the proposal last night, which finalized the deal for Buc-ee’s second Alabama location. Neither Leeds Mayor David Miller nor the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce could be immediately reached for comment.
Nardalo, when contacted by AL.com Tuesday night, initially said the plan had not been finalized but later learned city officials had signed off on the proposal.
Buc-ee’s is more than a convenience store. Some locations in Texas have travel centers and car washes, with one location holding the Guinness World Record for longest car wash at 85 yards. The chain is known for its cartoon beaver mascot, 24 flavors of fudge, barbecue and Beaver Nuggets, or cheese puffs covered in caramel instead of cheese.
The chain opened its first non-Texas location in Robertsdale, in Baldwin County, in January. Speculation has been rampant of a second Buc-ee’s, specifically in Leeds, for more than a year.
Updated at 8:04 p.m. with new information from Nardalo.