Buc-ee’s Benton Arkansas: Address, Maps & Menu Info

Buc-ee’s Benton AR is finally here. Opening Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6 a.m. CDT, the new location at 1400 Highway 229 in Benton, Arkansas, is set to become a major stop along Interstate 30. Located off Exit 114, this 75,000-square-foot travel center will feature 120 gas pumps and create around 250 jobs. It also marks a big milestone as the first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas.

The Benton opening is more than just another Buc-ee’s launch. It is the result of nearly three years of waiting, planning, and excitement in Saline County. What began as a land rumor later turned into a surprise announcement at a high school football game, followed by a rain-delayed groundbreaking. Now, the wait is over, and Buc-ee’s Benton is ready to welcome its first visitors.

The new Buc-ee’s Benton Arkansas is set to be one of the largest and busiest travel stops in the area. The 75,000-square-foot store will offer 120 fueling positions, around 750 parking spaces, and more than 250 full-time jobs. With its location near Interstate 30 Exit 114, it is expected to attract millions of visitors each year.

Buc-ee’s Benton will also operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, giving travelers a convenient place to stop for fuel, food, shopping, and a break from the road. As the first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas, its opening is an important moment for both Benton and the state.

Detail	Information
Opening Date	Monday, August 17, 2026
Doors Open	6:00 a.m. CDT
Ribbon Cutting	10:00 a.m. CDT
Address	1400 Highway 229, Benton, AR 72015
Highway	Exit 114, Interstate 30
Store Size	75,000 sq ft
Gas Pumps	120 fueling positions
Parking	~750 spots
Jobs Created	250+ full-time positions
Hours	24/7, 365 days a year
Expected Annual Visitors	5 million
Second AR Location	West Memphis (planned, no date confirmed)

After months of construction, the new Buc-ee’s Benton AR is almost ready to open its doors. Local residents have watched the massive building take shape, and recent footage gives a clear look at how close the project is to completion. The huge fuel canopy, expanding parking area, and signature yellow-and-black Buc-ee’s signs are making the opening feel very real.

With 120 fueling positions, a massive store, and plenty of space for travelers, Buc-ee’s Benton is set to become a major stop along Interstate 30. For people across Central Arkansas, this is more than a new travel center. It is the arrival of Arkansas’s first Buc-ee’s, bringing the famous food, snacks, fuel, shopping, and road-trip experience to Benton for the first time.

The arrival of Buc-ee’s Benton AR was years in the making. What began with a quiet land purchase in 2023 eventually became one of the most talked-about developments in Central Arkansas. From early rumors and planning approvals to a surprise football-game announcement and a rain-delayed groundbreaking, the project had plenty of memorable moments.

July 2023 — The First Rumors

The story began with a land deal that immediately caught local attention. In July 2023, the Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission approved the purchase of property near the Haskell exit along Interstate 30. Soon after, CSMS Management LLC, a Buc-ee’s real estate subsidiary based in Pearland, Texas, acquired the site.

At the time, Buc-ee’s did not officially confirm its plans, and local officials remained quiet. Still, the location seemed like a perfect fit. The property was close to I-30, and residents quickly began wondering if the famous beaver was finally heading to Arkansas.

April 2024 — More Clues Appear

The rumors became harder to ignore in April 2024. Benton’s planning commission approved the site plan and utility work for a large gas station, with Buc-ee’s representatives reportedly present at the meeting. The city also approved a traffic signal for the future entrance.

Then came the biggest clue of all. The entrance road was planned as Buc-ee’s Boulevard. The company still had not made its official announcement, but the name made it clear that something big was coming to Benton.

August 31, 2024 — The Salt Bowl Announcement

The big announcement finally came during the Salt Bowl, the annual high school football rivalry between Benton and Bryant. Thousands of fans gathered at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock when the stadium lights suddenly went down before kickoff.

A video featuring Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appeared on the screen, officially confirming that Buc-ee’s was coming to Arkansas, with Saline County chosen as its home.

The Stadium Erupted

The surprise announcement became even more exciting when Buc-ee the beaver mascot walked onto the field. Fans immediately erupted in celebration, turning the announcement into one of the most memorable moments of the game.

The City of Benton also celebrated the news on Facebook that night, officially welcoming Buc-ee’s to the community. After months of rumors and speculation, the arrival of Buc-ee’s Benton AR was finally confirmed.

April 16, 2025 — Groundbreaking Day

The original groundbreaking was planned for February 19, 2025, but heavy rain forced the ceremony to be postponed. It eventually took place on April 16, 2025, marking the official start of construction.

Buc-ee’s co-founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the ceremony and described it as the biggest groundbreaking in Buc-ee’s history at that time. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, local leaders, and a large crowd of Benton residents also attended. After months of anticipation, construction could finally begin.

February 2026 — A Look Inside

By early 2026, construction on Buc-ee’s Benton AR had progressed enough for Saline County Judge Matt Brumley and Benton officials to tour the 75,000-square-foot facility while it was still under construction.

“How Much Longer?”

After the tour, Brumley shared a simple comment that perfectly captured the excitement in Benton:

“I take my daughter to school and she asks dad, how much longer?”

The question reflected just how much anticipation had built around Buc-ee’s Benton AR. After years of waiting, local residents were finally watching the massive travel center come together and getting closer to the opening they had been looking forward to.

May 13, 2026 — Opening Date Announced

After months of estimates pointing to an early or mid-August opening, the official date was confirmed on May 13, 2026. Buc-ee’s Benton would open its doors on August 17, 2026, at 6 a.m., with the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m.

The announcement turned years of planning and construction into a real countdown. Local officials were preparing for a huge turnout as Arkansas got ready to welcome its first Buc-ee’s.

July 7–9, 2026 — Buc-ee’s Starts Hiring

With opening day approaching, Buc-ee’s began building its Benton team. From July 7 through July 9, 2026, the company held a large hiring event at Embassy Suites in Little Rock.

The company was looking to fill 250 full-time positions. Jobs came with competitive starting pay, employee benefits, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation. The hiring event was another clear sign that the long-awaited Buc-ee’s Benton AR opening was almost here.

The location of Buc-ee’s Benton AR makes perfect sense for a major travel center. Interstate 30 connects Little Rock with Hot Springs and brings a steady flow of local and long-distance travelers through Benton.

Buc-ee’s is located at Exit 114, where I-30 meets Highway 229, creating an easy gateway between Benton and Haskell. From this location:

• Little Rock is about 20 miles northeast.
• Hot Springs is around 30 miles southwest.
• Bryant is only about 5 miles away.
• I-30 connects travelers between Dallas-Fort Worth and Memphis.

The location is also expected to provide a strong boost to the local economy. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders projected around 5 million annual visitors, many coming from outside Arkansas. These travelers will spend money on fuel, food, snacks, and merchandise, helping keep more tourism and travel spending within Saline County.

The new Buc-ee’s Benton AR will bring the full Buc-ee’s experience to Arkansas. At 75,000 square feet, the store will have plenty of room for food, snacks, merchandise, restrooms, and fuel. Travelers can expect the same popular Buc-ee’s favorites that have made the brand a famous road-trip stop across the country.

1. Food

i. Texas BBQ (11:30 a.m. – midnight): Buc-ee’s famous BBQ will be one of the biggest attractions. Guests can enjoy fresh-smoked brisket, served chopped or sliced on a soft bun with Buc-ee’s signature sauce. The BBQ station is one of the brand’s best-known food options.

ii. Breakfast (4 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.): Early travelers can start their day with kolaches, fresh pastries, biscuit sandwiches, and hot breakfast items. Popular kolache choices include savory sausage, jalapeño and cheese, along with sweet flavors such as cherry, cream cheese, and strawberry.

iii. Snacks (24/7): Buc-ee’s Benton will also offer many of the snacks that fans look for on every visit, including:

• Beaver Nuggets:  sweet, caramel-coated corn snacks.
• Beef Jerky:  a wide selection of flavors and varieties.
• Homemade Fudge:  freshly prepared in multiple flavors.
• Beaver Chips:  thick-cut potato chips served fresh and warm.

2. Fuel

With 120 gas pumps, Buc-ee’s Benton will have one of the largest fueling areas in the region. The large number of pumps is designed to keep traffic moving, even during busy travel periods. Drivers can quickly pull in, fuel up, and get back on Interstate 30 without a long wait.

3. The Restrooms

Buc-ee’s is also famous for its large, clean restrooms, and Benton will follow the same focus on cleanliness and comfort. Buc-ee’s restrooms are known for frequent cleaning and dedicated staff. The company has even received national recognition, including a Best Restroom in America award for its New Braunfels, Texas location in 2012.

4. Jobs: 250 Full-Time Positions

The Benton location is also bringing significant employment opportunities to the area. Buc-ee’s plans to create 250+ full-time positions, with employees eligible for benefits such as health insurance, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation. For Saline County, the new jobs add another important economic benefit alongside the millions of travelers expected to visit the store each year.

Opening day at Buc-ee’s Benton AR is expected to bring a huge crowd. Based on recent Buc-ee’s grand openings, visitors may start arriving well before the doors officially open. With Benton and Bryant residents waiting since the 2023 land rumors, the excitement around Arkansas’s first Buc-ee’s is likely to be especially strong.

Before 6 a.m.: Expect visitors to begin lining up early. If you want to experience the opening-day excitement, arriving before 5:45 a.m. may be a good idea.

6:00 a.m. CDT: The doors officially open. Guests can expect 120 fueling positions, food service, BBQ, snacks, fudge, jerky, and Buc-ee’s famous Beaver Nuggets to be ready for visitors.

10:00 a.m. CDT: The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place, marking the grand opening of the first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas.

Tips for Opening Weekend

I. Arrive early: Before 9 a.m. is a good choice if you want to experience the opening while avoiding some later crowds.

II. Consider visiting later: After 7 p.m. may be less crowded than the busiest daytime hours.

III. Allow extra time: A first visit can take longer than expected because there is so much to see, eat, and shop.

IV. Bring a card and some cash: Having both payment options can make your stop easier.

V. Set a shopping budget: Plan to spend around $30–$75 if you want to try food and pick up Buc-ee’s merchandise or snacks.

Buc-ee’s Benton AR is only the beginning of the company’s growth in the Natural State. With the first location now opening in Benton, Buc-ee’s is already looking ahead to additional Arkansas locations.

A second Buc-ee’s location is planned for West Memphis, along Interstate 40 between Little Rock and Memphis, Tennessee. The project is still in the earlier stages, with infrastructure and development work continuing, and no official opening date has been confirmed yet.

Buc-ee’s co-founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III has also indicated that the company is exploring a third Arkansas location. If those plans move forward, Arkansas could go from having zero Buc-ee’s locations to three within just a few years, showing the company’s growing interest in the state.

For Benton, the arrival of Buc-ee’s is about more than a new store, jobs, and tax revenue. The project has become a major part of the community’s story after years of rumors, planning, construction, and anticipation. Residents have followed every step, from the early land deal to the surprise Salt Bowl announcement and the long-awaited opening date.

That excitement is captured perfectly by Saline County Judge Matt Brumley, whose daughter kept asking, “Dad, how much longer?” Many people in Benton have been waiting for the same answer. Families, local shoppers, road-trippers, and Buc-ee’s fans have all been counting down to the moment Arkansas would finally have its first location.

Now, that wait is over. August 17, 2026, is the answer. With Buc-ee’s Benton AR ready to welcome visitors, the community is about to experience a new landmark that has been nearly three years in the making.

i. When is Buc-ee’s Benton Arkansas opening?

Buc-ee’s Benton opens Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. CDT. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CDT.

ii. Where is Buc-ee’s in Benton, Arkansas?

The new Buc-ee’s Benton AR is located at 1400 Highway 229, Benton, AR 72015, near Exit 114 on Interstate 30.

iii. How big is Buc-ee’s Benton?

The Benton store covers approximately 75,000 square feet. It will also have 120 fueling positions and around 750 parking spaces.

iv. Is Buc-ee’s Benton the first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas?

Yes. Buc-ee’s Benton is the first Buc-ee’s location in Arkansas, bringing the brand to the state for the first time.

v. How many jobs will Buc-ee’s Benton create?

The location is expected to create 250+ full-time jobs, with employee benefits including health insurance, a 6% 401(k) match, and paid vacation.

vi. Is Buc-ee’s Benton open 24 hours?

Yes. Buc-ee’s Benton is expected to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.

vii. How many gas pumps does Buc-ee’s Benton have?

The travel center will feature 120 fueling positions, giving

drivers plenty of options to fuel up during busy travel periods.

viii. How many people are expected to visit Buc-ee’s Benton each year?

Officials have projected approximately 5 million visitors annually, including travelers from Arkansas and other states.

ix. When was Buc-ee’s Benton officially announced?

The project was officially announced during the Salt Bowl in August 2024, when Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders revealed that Buc-ee’s was coming to Saline County.

x. Is there another Buc-ee’s planned in Arkansas?

Yes. A second Buc-ee’s is planned for West Memphis, although an official opening date has not yet been confirmed. A potential third Arkansas location has also been discussed.

Buc-ee’s Benton AR is finally here after nearly three years of planning, construction, and excitement. The 75,000-square-foot travel center will bring 120 gas pumps, popular Buc-ee’s food and snacks, shopping, and 250+ full-time jobs to Saline County. Its convenient location near I-30 Exit 114 also makes it an easy stop for local residents and road travelers.

As the first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas, Buc-ee’s Benton is more than just a new travel center. It is a major milestone for Benton and the entire state. With millions of visitors expected each year and a second location planned for West Memphis, Buc-ee’s Benton AR could be the beginning of a much larger Buc-ee’s presence across Arkansas.