Buc-ee’s in East Texas: TxDOT’s I-69 Project Opens 9 New Possibilities

There are over 50 Buc-ee's locations covering 9 states. Texas is home to the majority of those locations, but you won't find a single Buc-ee's in northeast Texas or the central section of East Texas.

With the ongoing road construction that will one day turn all of Highway 59 into an interstate highway (I-69), it seems that a Buc-ee's location (or two) on this roadway would be feasible and profitable (and a great place for clean restrooms)

READ MORE: The Updated Completion Dates for 6 Road Projects on Highway 59

The Buc-ee's Location Model

After looking at the numerous locations of the larger Buc-ee's travel centers, there are 3 commonalities for each:

1. It's built near, but not necessarily within, a major city.
2. It's built along an interstate highway
3. It's built near an intersection of that interstate highway and another high-volume roadway.

There are a few minor exceptions to these rules, but for the most part, it's gospel.

What Locations Along US 59/I-69 Fit This Model?

Buc-ee's has shown that it doesn't have to wait for a highway to become an interstate before it will add a location. Their huge travel center in Wharton can testify to that. It lies along Highway 59, southwest of Houston.

So, which areas along US 59/I-69 from Shepherd to Marshall would seem to be best suited for a Buc-ee's location?

READ MORE: Here are More Highway 59 Projects Planned for the Near Future

I believe any new Buc-ee's on a high-volume highway like US 59 will be profitable, but what about busy intersecting highways to sweeten the pool of customers?

Highway 190 in Livingston, the Highway 69 interchanges in Lufkin, the Highway 59/259 interchange in Nacogdoches, or the multiple highway intersections in Carthage all could state cases for a Buc-ee's location.

What Does Buc-ee's Say About a New Location in East Texas?

Right now, not much of anything. In fact, over the past few years, Buc-ee's has been busy as a beaver building more out-of-state stores than in Texas.

READ MORE: New Buc-ee's Locations In The Next 3 Years

Nearly 20 new stores are set to open over the next 3 years, only 2 of those in Texas (Boerne and San Marcos).

It just seems to be common sense that a big beaver sign or two will tower over US 59/I-69 within the next 5 years.

READ MORE: Hilarious Buc-ee's Billboard Mistake

Here are the 9 locations that would be prime spots in East Texas for a new Buc-ee's.