Residents in the Mid-South anticipating the convenience and amenities of Buc-ee's will have to wait a little longer, as the Texas-based chain has reconfigured its opening timeline for two eagerly awaited locations. The Fayette County store, situated just off Interstate 40 near Gallaway, Tennessee, is now on track to welcome customers in May 2027, while the West Memphis store will follow suit in June 2028, a year's delay from previous projections that promised a 2026 launch. These updates come in the wake of logistical recalibrations and were first reported by Action News 5 and FOX13 Memphis.
While the exact cause for the delay has not been made public, Buc-ee's has assured the updates, the original launch having been set for 2026, as reported by Commercial Appeal, the wait is expected to be worthwhile, considering the brand's reputation for generous amenities. Travelers who are yearning the arrival of the large convenience stores, which are known for an abundance of gas pumps, varied food options, spotless restrooms, and unique merchandise, must continue to direct their paths to Tennessee's two existing Buc-ee’s locations in Cookville and Sevierville until the new additions open their doors.
Municipalities are also preparing for the economic injection Buc-ee's promises; in a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon highlighted the financial benefits, "The store would bring 225 jobs starting at $19 per hour," and he continued, "That’s $40,000 a year," which was instrumental in city leaders approving a $5 million incentive package for the project. Both the land and infrastructure concessions by the city are expected to be offset by earnings from a 3% sales tax on prepared foods and state gas tax refunds, implying a substantial fiscal uplift for the region.
Moreover, ahead of its groundbreaking, Fayette County believed in the enterprise's potential by advancing Buc-ee’s $15 million to ignite construction on the Gallaway store, despite the revised launch date, officials are optimistic about an annual economic surge of $12 million for the county, such proactivity and investment demonstrating a strong confidence in the long-term viability and success of these establishments.
