Buc-ee’s North Carolina: Opening Date, Location

Buc-ee’s  North Carolina is coming soon, but the state does not have an open location yet. The first Buc-ee’s broke ground in Mebane, NC, on June 10, 2026, and the new travel center is expected to open in Q4 2027 (October–December 2027). It will be located at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302, near the I-40/I-85 interchange.

The planned Mebane location will feature a 74,440-square-foot travel center, 120 fuel pumps, 20 EV charging spaces, and 600+ parking spots. It is also expected to create 200–300 full-time jobs, with reported pay ranging from $18 to $33 per hour. Until it opens, the closest operating Buc-ee’s to North Carolina is in Florence, South Carolina, along I-95, about 95 miles south of Charlotte.

Detail	Info
Any open NC location?	No — not yet
First NC location	Mebane, NC — under construction
Address	1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Rd, Mebane NC 27302
Highway	I-40/I-85 interchange
Groundbreaking	June 10, 2026
Projected opening	Q4 2027 (Oct–Dec 2027)
Size	74,440 sq ft (1.3 football fields)
Fuel pumps	120
EV charging	20 areas
Parking	650 spaces
Jobs	200–300 FT + 100 PT at $18–$33/hr
Nearest open Buc-ee’s	Florence, SC (I-95) — ~95 miles from Charlotte

The Groundbreaking: June 10, 2026

North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s officially broke ground in Mebane on June 10, 2026. The project follows several years of planning that started with discussions in 2021. After an earlier site in Orange County was blocked, Buc-ee’s eventually chose Mebane in Alamance County for its first North Carolina location.

Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the groundbreaking and spoke about traffic concerns surrounding the project. He explained that most Buc-ee’s visitors are already traveling along the interstate, so the store will simply give them a convenient place to exit, shop, refuel, and continue their journey.

Buc-ee’s also praised Mebane as an ideal location for its first store in the state. The company highlighted the community, local leadership, and the convenient I-40/I-85 corridor as key reasons for choosing the site.

The Confirmed Opening Date: Q4 2027

Buc-ee’s has confirmed that the Mebane, North Carolina, location is expected to open in Q4 2027, which means sometime between October and December 2027. A Buc-ee’s spokesperson has specifically identified November 2027 as the current target opening month.

WRAL reported the November 2027 target in its June 10, 2026, groundbreaking coverage, while an earlier WCNC report from March 2026 gave the broader Q4 2027 timeframe. Both reports point to the same expected opening period, making November 2027 the best current estimate.

However, the date is not guaranteed. Large Buc-ee’s projects can face delays due to construction, permits, road improvements, and other infrastructure work. Since construction officially began on June 10, 2026, the project is now further along than it was during the planning stage. For now, November 2027 remains the expected opening date, but travelers should watch for any official updates from Buc-ee’s.

Address and Location

The first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina will be located at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302, near the I-40/I-85 interchange.

The planned travel center will cover approximately 74,000 square feet and sit in a strategic location along two major interstate routes. The I-40/I-85 corridor connects important North Carolina areas, including Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, and Chapel Hill, giving Buc-ee’s easy access to both local drivers and long-distance travelers.

The Mebane site had already entered the early construction stage by 2026, with grading work underway. Buc-ee’s later confirmed that the project was targeting an opening in Q4 2027, with November 2027 currently expected as the opening month.

Size and Scale

The planned Buc-ee’s in Mebane will be one of the chain’s larger travel centers. Plans submitted to Mebane officials in 2024 called for a 74,440-square-foot main building, 120 fuel pumps, and a 65,000-square-foot fuel canopy. The property will cover more than 30 acres and include 20 EV charging areas and space for approximately 650 vehicles.

The building’s size is impressive. At nearly 75,000 square feet, the store is roughly comparable to 1.3 football fields, giving Buc-ee’s plenty of room for its famous food counters, bakery, convenience store, merchandise, restrooms, and other traveler amenities.

The 120 fuel pumps are another major feature. This puts the Mebane location among Buc-ee’s highest-capacity stores and gives a large number of travelers the ability to refuel without waiting long for a pump. The location will also be significantly larger than the nearby Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina.

With its combination of a large store, extensive parking, high pump count, and EV charging areas, the Mebane Buc-ee’s is being designed to handle heavy interstate traffic. Its scale should make it more than just a quick fuel stop—it is expected to become a major travel destination along the I-40/I-85 corridor, offering drivers a convenient place to fuel up, grab food, shop, and take a break during their journey.

Jobs and Pay

The new Buc-ee’s in Mebane is expected to create a major number of employment opportunities. The store is projected to bring 200 to 300 full-time jobs and around 100 part-time positions to the area.

Hourly employees are expected to earn between $18 and $33 per hour, depending on their role and responsibilities. This pay range is well above North Carolina’s minimum wage and could make Buc-ee’s a competitive employer for workers in Mebane and surrounding communities.

The higher end of the pay range is also notable, with $33 per hour offering compensation that can compete with some entry-level skilled trade positions. Beyond the direct jobs, the new travel center could also support additional local economic activity as employees and thousands of visitors spend money in the surrounding area.

Overall, Buc-ee’s is expected to bring at least 200 full-time jobs to Mebane, making employment one of the project’s biggest potential benefits for the local community.

EV Charging

The planned Buc-ee’s in Mebane will include 20 electric vehicle charging areas, giving EV drivers another convenient option along the busy I-40/I-85 corridor.

The addition of 20 charging areas puts the Mebane store in line with Buc-ee’s newer-generation locations, including the Rockingham County, Virginia, store, which also features 20 EV chargers. This is an important feature as EV travel continues to grow across North Carolina, particularly around major technology and business centers such as the Research Triangle.

For travelers driving electric vehicles, the charging facilities will make it easier to stop, recharge, eat, shop, and continue their journey from the same location. Along with its 120 fuel pumps, the Mebane Buc-ee’s will be equipped to serve both traditional gas-powered vehicles and EVs.

From Orange County to Alamance County

The journey to bringing Buc-ee’s in North Carolina to Mebane was not straightforward. Discussions about a North Carolina location began as early as 2021, with the original proposal focused on a site in Orange County.

That plan faced strong community opposition. Residents raised concerns about traffic, environmental effects, and the large scale of the proposed development, ultimately preventing the Orange County project from moving forward.

Buc-ee’s then turned its attention to nearby Mebane in Alamance County. The new site offered a strong alternative because of its location near the I-40/I-85 interchange, providing direct access to major travel routes across the Piedmont. At the same time, Mebane offered a more suitable environment for the large-scale travel center.

The move allowed Buc-ee’s to keep its plans for a major North Carolina location while choosing a site with strong interstate access, available space, and better support for the project. Today, Mebane is set to become home to the state’s first Buc-ee’s.

The I-40/I-85 Strategic Value

The I-40/I-85 interchange near Mebane gives Buc-ee’s access to one of North Carolina’s busiest and most important travel corridors. I-40 stretches across the state, connecting major cities such as Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, while I-85 links the Charlotte region with communities across the Piedmont before continuing north toward Virginia.

For more than 30 miles between Greensboro and Durham, the two interstates share the same major corridor, creating a steady flow of long-distance and regional traffic. Mebane’s position along this route makes it an attractive location for a travel center designed primarily to serve highway travelers rather than only local customers.

That strategy fits Buc-ee’s business model. The company has explained that many customers are already traveling along the interstate; the goal is to give them a strong reason to take an exit, refuel, grab food, shop, and continue their trip.

The amount of time visitors spend at Buc-ee’s also helps explain its appeal. A 2024 report found that the average Buc-ee’s visit lasts just over 20 minutes, compared with roughly 8 to 9 minutes for a typical gas station visit. That longer stop gives the Mebane location an opportunity to capture more spending from travelers passing through the I-40/I-85 corridor.

Until Buc-ee’s in Mebane opens in late 2027, North Carolina residents will need to cross the state line to visit an operating Buc-ee’s. The closest location depends heavily on which part of the state you are traveling from.

Nearest to Charlotte: Florence, South Carolina

Buc-ee’s Florence
Address: 3390 N. Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506
Highway: I-95, Exit 160-A
Distance from Charlotte: Approximately 95 miles
Drive time: About 1.5–1.75 hours

For Charlotte-area residents, the Florence, South Carolina, Buc-ee’s is currently the most practical option. The usual route is I-77 South to I-20 East and then I-95. Located directly along I-95, the Florence store is also a convenient stop for travelers heading along the East Coast.

It is currently the only operating Buc-ee’s in either North Carolina or South Carolina, making it the closest major option for much of the southeastern part of North Carolina and the Charlotte region.

Nearest to Greensboro and the Triad

Buc-ee’s Florence, SC
Distance from Greensboro: Approximately 155 miles
Drive time: About 2.25–2.5 hours

Buc-ee’s Rockingham County, VA
Location: Near Mount Crawford, Virginia, along I-81
Distance from Greensboro: Approximately 175 miles
Drive time: About 2.5–3 hours

For Greensboro and Triad residents, Florence is generally the more direct choice, although the Rockingham County, Virginia, location provides another option for travelers heading north. The Virginia route can also be appealing during fall foliage season, when the drive through the mountain region becomes part of the trip.

Nearest to Raleigh and the Research Triangle

Buc-ee’s Florence, SC
Distance from Raleigh: Approximately 200 miles
Drive time: Around 3 hours via I-95 South

Raleigh and Research Triangle residents currently have a longer journey to reach Buc-ee’s. Florence is roughly a three-hour drive from Raleigh, highlighting the gap that the Mebane location is expected to fill.

Mebane’s position between the Triangle and Triad makes it especially important. The new store will provide a much more convenient Buc-ee’s option for travelers moving between Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Burlington, and surrounding communities.

Nearest to Asheville and Western North Carolina

Buc-ee’s Sevierville, Tennessee
Address: 170 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Highway: I-40
Distance from Asheville: Approximately 60 miles
Drive time: About 1 hour

For residents of Asheville and parts of Western North Carolina, the Sevierville, Tennessee, location is currently the closest Buc-ee’s. It is accessible directly from I-40 West and is considerably closer than the Florence or Virginia locations.

The Sevierville store is also one of Buc-ee’s larger locations, featuring approximately 74,707 square feet and 120 fuel pumps, along with 24 Tesla Supercharger stalls. For Western North Carolina travelers already heading toward Tennessee, it can be a natural Buc-ee’s stop along the I-40 corridor.

What Changes When Mebane Opens?

The opening of the Mebane Buc-ee’s in late 2027 will significantly change the map for North Carolina travelers. Instead of crossing into South Carolina, Virginia, or Tennessee, many residents will have a Buc-ee’s directly along the I-40/I-85 corridor.

For drivers between the Triangle and Triad, Mebane will become the most convenient in-state option and could turn the location into one of Buc-ee’s busiest travel centers in the region.

NC City	Nearest Buc-ee’s	Distance	Highway Route	Drive Time
Charlotte	Florence, SC	~95 miles	I-77 S → I-20 E → I-95	~1.5 hrs
Greensboro	Florence, SC	~155 miles	I-85 S → I-26 or I-77 S	~2.25 hrs
Winston-Salem	Florence, SC	~175 miles	I-85 S → I-77 S → I-95	~2.5 hrs
Raleigh	Florence, SC	~200 miles	I-95 S	~3 hrs
Durham	Florence, SC	~215 miles	I-40 E → I-95 S	~3 hrs
Chapel Hill	Florence, SC	~220 miles	I-85 E → I-95 S	~3.25 hrs
Fayetteville	Florence, SC	~65 miles	I-95 S	~55 min
Wilmington	Florence, SC	~115 miles	US-74 W → I-95	~1.75 hrs
Asheville	Sevierville, TN	~60 miles	I-40 W	~1 hr
Hickory	Sevierville, TN	~85 miles	I-40 W	~1.25 hrs
Boone	Sevierville, TN	~95 miles	US-421 S → I-40 W	~1.5 hrs
Jacksonville (NC)	Florence, SC	~130 miles	US-17 S → I-95	~2 hrs
Goldsboro	Florence, SC	~120 miles	US-70 E → I-95	~1.75 hrs
Rocky Mount	Florence, SC	~90 miles	I-95 S	~1.25 hrs

Note for Fayetteville residents: At approximately 65 miles from Florence, South Carolina, Fayetteville currently has some of the closest access to an operating Buc-ee’s in North Carolina. The trip is a straightforward drive south on I-95 and can take less than an hour, making Florence a convenient option for Fayetteville residents who want to visit Buc-ee’s without traveling several hours.

For North Carolina residents visiting Buc-ee’s for the first time, the Mebane location is expected to offer the full Buc-ee’s experience. Based on the chain’s larger travel centers, visitors can expect a mix of fuel, fresh food, snacks, shopping, EV charging, and famously clean restrooms under one roof.

120 Fuel Pumps — Built for Fast Stops

The Mebane store will feature 120 fuel pumps under a large canopy, giving travelers plenty of options to refuel. Buc-ee’s also does not allow 18-wheelers in its parking and fueling areas, helping keep the site focused on cars, SUVs, RVs, and other passenger vehicles.

74,440 Square Feet of Food and Shopping

The main building will span approximately 74,440 square feet, making it larger than a football field. Inside, visitors can expect many of Buc-ee’s signature offerings.

Fresh Food: The food program is expected to include Texas-style smoked brisket, pulled pork, turkey, kolaches, pastries, baked goods, hot meals, tacos, loaded baked potatoes, soups, and rotating specials.

The Wall of Jerky: One of Buc-ee’s most recognizable features is its large jerky selection. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of beef jerky flavors and styles, making it a popular stop for first-time visitors.

Beaver Nuggets: No Buc-ee’s visit is complete without trying Beaver Nuggets, the brand’s famous caramel-coated corn snack. They are one of the store’s most popular signature products and a favorite souvenir for many visitors.

Merchandise: The store will also offer a large selection of Buc-ee’s clothing, accessories, gifts, home items, and outdoor merchandise featuring the famous beaver mascot.

Clean restrooms are one of Buc-ee’s biggest selling points. The company is known for investing heavily in restroom cleaning and maintenance, giving travelers a more comfortable place to stop during long highway trips.

20 EV Charging Areas

The Mebane location is planned to include 20 EV charging areas, giving electric vehicle drivers another reason to stop along the I-40/I-85 corridor. The exact charger types and network availability should be confirmed closer to the store’s 2027 opening, as the charging setup could change during construction.

The journey to bringing Buc-ee’s in North Carolina to Mebane has included both excitement and opposition. Community reaction has changed over time, moving from early interest in the project to concerns about the original Orange County proposal and, eventually, stronger acceptance of the Mebane site.

Phase 1 — Early Excitement (2021–2022)

When Buc-ee’s first began exploring a North Carolina location, the news generated considerable excitement across the Triangle and Triad. Local residents and Buc-ee’s fans followed the plans closely, while news coverage presented the potential store as a major economic development opportunity for the state.

Phase 2 — Opposition to the Orange County Site (2022–2023)

The original Orange County proposal faced organized community opposition. Concerns centered on the potential traffic impact, environmental effects, and the large scale of the development.

Some residents also questioned whether a massive commercial travel center was appropriate for an area near Chapel Hill and its surrounding communities. After public concerns and local opposition, the Orange County proposal did not move forward, leading Buc-ee’s to search for another location.

Phase 3 — Mebane Acceptance (2024–2026)

The proposed Mebane site received a more favorable response from local officials and economic development groups. The location in Alamance County, near the I-40/I-85 interchange, is better suited to a large highway-focused travel center and provides direct access to major regional traffic.

The project is also expected to bring 200–300 full-time jobs and around 100 part-time positions, with hourly pay projected at $18–$33. For Mebane, a growing city of roughly 16,000 residents, the new jobs and additional visitor spending could provide a meaningful boost to the local economy.

The June 10, 2026 groundbreaking, attended by Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, marked an important milestone. With construction underway, the Mebane project has moved beyond the proposal stage and is now progressing toward its expected Q4 2027 opening.

For North Carolina residents planning their first visit to Buc-ee’s in Mebane when it opens in November 2027, a little planning can make the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

i. Plan for more time than you expect: A typical Buc-ee’s visit lasts more than 20 minutes, but first-time visitors can easily spend 30–45 minutes exploring the large store, food counters, snacks, and merchandise. It is better to treat your first visit as a full stop rather than a quick gas-and-go break.

ii. Best items to try first: Start with some of Buc-ee’s most popular offerings. Beaver Nuggets, a fresh brisket sandwich, and kolaches are three good choices that showcase what makes Buc-ee’s different from a regular gas station convenience store.

iii. Expect crowds on opening day: The Mebane opening is likely to attract heavy traffic and large crowds, especially during the first few days. New Buc-ee’s locations often receive significant attention when they enter a new state. If you prefer a calmer experience, consider visiting one or two weeks after opening, when the initial excitement should begin to settle.

iv. Where to park: The Mebane location is planned to have around 650 parking spaces, providing plenty of room for visitors. However, the lot could become busy during holidays and peak travel periods. Weekday mornings or mid-afternoon are likely to offer a more relaxed experience.

v. Fuel prices: Buc-ee’s is known for offering competitive fuel prices, often matching or coming in slightly below nearby stations. With 120 fuel pumps, the Mebane location should also provide plenty of fueling capacity, helping reduce the long waits often seen at smaller gas stations.

I. Is there a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina?

Not yet. The state’s first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina is under construction in Mebane and is expected to open in Q4 2027 (October–December), with November 2027 currently the specific target month.

II. Where will Buc-ee’s be located in North Carolina?

The first location will be in Mebane, NC, at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, near the I-40/I-85 interchange in Alamance County.

III. When is Buc-ee’s opening in North Carolina?

The Mebane store is targeting Q4 2027. November 2027 is currently the expected opening month.

IV. When did Buc-ee’s Mebane break ground?

The project officially broke ground on June 10, 2026, with Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attending the ceremony.

V. How big will Buc-ee’s Mebane be?

The travel center is planned to cover approximately 74,440 square feet on a 30+ acre site, with 120 fuel pumps, 20 EV charging areas, and around 650 parking spaces.

VI. How many jobs will Buc-ee’s Mebane create?

The location is expected to create 200–300 full-time jobs and approximately 100 part-time positions, with hourly wages ranging from $18 to $33.

VII. What is the nearest Buc-ee’s to North Carolina right now?

For much of the state, Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina, is the closest operating location. For Western North Carolina and Asheville, Sevierville, Tennessee, is a closer option via I-40.

VIII. Why was the original Orange County Buc-ee’s proposal blocked?

The original site near Chapel Hill faced community opposition over traffic, environmental concerns, and the scale of the proposed development. Buc-ee’s later moved the project to Mebane in Alamance County.

IX. Will Buc-ee’s Mebane have EV charging?

Yes. Current plans include 20 electric vehicle charging areas.

X. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Raleigh?

Mebane is approximately 30 miles west of Raleigh, making it a convenient Buc-ee’s option for travelers from the Triangle.

XI. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Charlotte?

The location is approximately 100 miles northeast of Charlotte, primarily via I-85 North.

XII. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Greensboro?

Mebane is roughly 25–30 miles east of Greensboro, with convenient access through the I-40/I-85 corridor.

Buc-ee’s North Carolina is officially on the way. The state’s first location broke ground in Mebane on June 10, 2026, and is currently expected to open in November 2027, within the broader Q4 2027 window. The Mebane travel center is planned as a full-size Buc-ee’s, featuring approximately 74,440 square feet, 120 fuel pumps, 20 EV charging areas, and around 650 parking spaces. The project is also expected to create 200–300 full-time jobs, with hourly pay ranging from $18 to $33.

Its location near the I-40/I-85 interchange gives the store strong access to travelers moving between the Research Triangle, Greensboro, Burlington, and other major Piedmont communities. This strategic position should make Mebane an important stop for both local drivers and long-distance interstate travelers. Until the Mebane store opens, Florence, South Carolina, remains the most convenient operating Buc-ee’s for many residents in eastern and central North Carolina. For travelers in Western North Carolina and Asheville, the Sevierville, Tennessee, location is generally the closer option.