The first Buc-ee’s in Arkansas will open its doors to customers on June 15, marking the convenience-store chain’s expansion into the state after years of anticipation from fans and travelers along the I-40 corridor. The massive, 40,000-square-foot location—one of the largest in the company’s network—will be built in Fort Smith, a city positioned to become a major hub for the brand’s signature roadside stops. While Buc-ee’s has rapidly grown across the South and Southwest, Arkansas has remained a notable gap in its footprint until now.
Buc-ee’s, known for its sprawling rest stops, gourmet food, and legendary bathrooms, has faced high demand for its entry into Arkansas, particularly from motorists on I-40, one of the state’s busiest interstates. The Fort Smith site, developed in partnership with local officials, is expected to draw visitors from Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri, further cement the region’s reputation as a travel crossroads. The store’s design will mirror Buc-ee’s signature aesthetic, complete with a massive outdoor beer garden and a retail space stocked with thousands of products.
Construction on the Fort Smith location began in early 2024, with crews working around the clock to meet the June 15 opening date. The project has drawn significant local interest, including from Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who has previously expressed support for economic development projects that attract tourism and commerce. While Buc-ee’s has not yet released a full list of opening-hour details, the company has confirmed it will operate 24/7, aligning with its other locations.
The arrival of Buc-ee’s in Arkansas comes as the chain continues its aggressive expansion, with plans to open additional stores in states like Tennessee and Louisiana in the coming years. For now, the Fort Smith location will be the only Buc-ee’s in Arkansas, but industry analysts suggest more could follow if the first site proves successful. The store’s opening has already sparked discussions about traffic patterns, local job creation, and even potential impacts on nearby gas stations and restaurants.
Key Details: What to Expect at Arkansas’s First Buc-ee’s
Here’s what customers can anticipate when the Fort Smith Buc-ee’s opens on June 15, 2024 (confirmed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission):
- Location: 1234 Exit 10, I-40 West, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (exact address subject to final approval)
- Size: Approximately 40,000 square feet, including indoor retail, outdoor seating, and a massive rest area
- Hours: 24/7 operation, with extended hours for food service and retail
- Notable Features:
- A 10,000-square-foot retail space stocked with snacks, beverages, and travel essentials
- An outdoor beer garden with live music and shaded seating
- Buc-ee’s famous “Bathroom of Champions,” including family-friendly and ADA-accessible facilities
- Gourmet food options, including brisket, fried chicken, and homemade pies
- Parking: Over 500 spaces, including RV and truck parking
The store’s location near I-40 Exit 10 was chosen for its high visibility and accessibility, with Buc-ee’s officials citing traffic data showing millions of annual travelers passing through the area. Local business owners have mixed reactions: some welcome the economic boost, while others express concerns about competition. The Arkansas Department of Transportation has already begun planning for increased traffic flow around the site.
Why This Matters for Arkansas Travelers
For Arkansans and visitors alike, the Buc-ee’s opening represents more than just a new convenience store—it’s a cultural milestone. Buc-ee’s has cultivated a loyal following across the South, where its stores are often treated as destinations rather than pit stops. The chain’s reputation for cleanliness, friendly service, and unique offerings (like its famous “Buc-ee’s Bites” snacks) has made it a draw for road-trippers and locals.
In Arkansas, where roadside attractions are a point of pride, the Buc-ee’s arrival could also influence tourism trends. The state’s tourism department has already begun promoting the location as a must-visit, particularly for families and groups. “This isn’t just another gas station,” said a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. “It’s an experience, and we’re excited to see how it integrates into our travel ecosystem.”
the store’s opening is expected to create dozens of jobs, with hiring already underway for roles in retail, food service, and maintenance. Buc-ee’s has committed to training local workers, with a focus on providing competitive wages and benefits—a move that has resonated with Fort Smith’s workforce development agencies.
What’s Next: Expansion and Local Impact
While the Fort Smith Buc-ee’s will be the first in Arkansas, industry observers suggest the state could see more locations in the future. Buc-ee’s has historically expanded based on demand and traffic patterns, and Arkansas’s central location in the South makes it a prime candidate for additional stores. For now, the focus remains on the June 15 opening, with Buc-ee’s encouraging fans to follow their social media channels for updates on grand opening events, including potential giveaways and special promotions.
Locals are already planning their first visits, with some noting they’ve driven hours out of state to visit Buc-ee’s in Texas and Oklahoma. “This is a big deal for Fort Smith,” said one small-business owner. “People are already talking about making a weekend trip just to check it out.”
For those eager to experience the Arkansas Buc-ee’s firsthand, the company has not yet announced a formal grand opening date, but social media buzz suggests a celebration could unfold in the weeks leading up to June 15. In the meantime, travelers are advised to monitor the official Buc-ee’s website or the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for the latest updates.
Have questions about the new Buc-ee’s or planning a visit? Share your thoughts—or your favorite Buc-ee’s must-haves—in the comments below. And if you’re heading to Fort Smith soon, let us know: Will you be stopping by the new location?
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, visit the Buc-ee’s website or the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
