ATHENS, Ala. — Buc-ee’s, home of the world’s cleanest bathrooms, freshest food and friendliest beaver, opened its doors this morning and local leaders including Mayor Ronnie Marks of Athens, Athens Council President Chris Seibert, Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly, Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, Senator Arthur Orr, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell were all in attendance.
Located at the southeast corner of I-65 and Huntsville Brownsferry Road, Buc-ee’s Athens is the first Buc-ee’s location in North Alabama and the third location in the state. Construction is also underway at the fourth Buc-ee’s in Alabama, located in Auburn. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon spoke to the economic impact this project brings.
"You stop and think about the economic development in North Alabama of coming together to have something like this, this is so important," McCutcheon stated. "And we hear so many negative things about politicians in government. But I want you to know that here in the state of Alabama, we are pro economic development and quality of life for the people that we represent."
Buc-ee’s Athens will occupy more than 53,470 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions just outside its store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go, as well as a state-of-the-art car wash. The new travel center will also offer the same award-winning restrooms, gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions in the South for four decades.
Buc-ee’s favorites including Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries were all available today and guest like Mason Young couldn't get enough. "This is like my fifth time. I like their brisket sandwiches and I like their warm nuts."
Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee’s is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Buc-ee’s operates 43 stores across Texas and the South. Since beginning its multi-state expansion in 2019, Buc-ee’s has opened travel centers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Buc-ee’s is now headed West with store groundbreakings in Colorado and Missouri.
“Alabama has been a great partner to Buc-ee’s, and we expect to continue that success in Athens and Limestone County,” said Stan Beard of Buc-ee’s. “Our first location on I-65 naturally belongs in Athens, one of the friendliest and busiest communities in the Southeast.”
Buc-ee's owner Arch “Beaver” Aplin also spoke today about his favorite part of the franchise, job opportunities. "There's career opportunities here that you can start out as your first job and make your career here," Beaver stated." And that's probably one of the things that I'm most happy about is the career opportunities here for so many people and right here in Athens will be the case as well. There'll be well over 200 full time employees here."
Buc-ee’s Athens will bring 250 new jobs to the area with starting pay ranging between $16 and $22 an hour, full benefits, a 6% matching 401k, and three weeks of paid vacation. Hiring information can be found on their website.