Table of Contents Show
Some people will go out of their way to experience “the world’s largest” of almost anything. The world’s largest pistachio (Alamogordo, New Mexico), cuckoo clock (Sugarcreek, Ohio), and mailbox (Casey, Illinois) are just a few examples. But what about the world’s largest gas station?
If you’re tired of waiting in lines for fuel and dream of 100+ pumps, this might be the place to go. However, we can’t promise there won’t be lines if you go inside.
Today, we’re packing our bags and taking you on a road trip to the world’s largest gas station. Let’s hit the road!
Where Is the World’s Largest Gas Station?
The world’s largest gas station is just down the road from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, Tennessee, opened for business on June 26, 2023.
The previous record holder was the Buc-ee’s location in New Braunfels, Texas. Unfortunately, its days as the champ won’t last long.
About Buc-ee’s Sevierville, Tennessee, Location
None of the Buc-ee’s locations are your typical convenience store, and the world’s largest gas station is no exception. It’s massive at 74,000 square feet, featuring 120 gas pumps and a 250-foot car wash. It took crews nearly two years to construct this behemoth.
It is the start of what’s to come for the area. A massive 200-acre development along Interstate-40 called “Exit 407: Gateway to Adventure” is in the works. It’ll feature restaurants, retail, and entertainment options.
No matter what time of day you need to fill up your tank, this location is open 24/7. Even if your tank is full, you can stock up on snacks, buy some merch, or use the restroom. However, visiting during off-peak hours is best, as almost every Buc-ee’s location feels chaotic.
History of Buc-ee’s
Buc-ee’s was the brainchild of Arch “Beaver” Aplin and Don Wasek. The business started as a single convenience store in Clute, Texas, in 1982.
However, over the last 40 years, it has become a massive empire generating hundreds of millions of dollars. At the same time, the brand has developed a cult-like following.
As its reputation grew, it continued to expand its stores and offerings. It took Buc-ee’s nearly four decades before they ventured outside the Lone Star state. The Robertsdale, Alabama, location opened in January 2019.
Today, you can find locations in Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee. However, they have announced their plans to expand to Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Sorry Texans, but the cat is out of the bag.
Reasons to Visit Buc-ee’s
You don’t need convincing if you’ve visited one of their locations before. However, if you’ve yet to experience the awesomeness of Buc-ee’s, here are a few reasons to visit.
Extensive Snack Selection
If you need to stock up on snacks or grab a bite to eat, there are few better places to do it than Buc-ee’s. They offer snacks like beef jerky, candies, and baked goods. In addition, you can get tacos, fresh sandwiches, and some of the best French fries you’ve ever tasted.
If that’s not enough, prices are generally reasonable, especially for snacks. While some of their sandwiches can get pricey, their self-branded candies and other goodies are often cheaper than you’d think.
And we bet the world’s largest gas station will also have a big selection of food for your trip.
Pro Tip: Before you go to Buc-ee’s, check out what RVers Recommend to Try at Buc-ee’s!
Clean Bathrooms
One of our biggest fears while on the road is using a sketchy gas station bathroom. Luckily, the bathrooms at Buc-ee’s have a reputation for being immaculate.
They’re so clean that they were named the Cleanest Bathrooms in the United States. You don’t want to worry nearly as much about what’s waiting behind the stall door.
In addition to their cleanliness, you’ll also find tons of stalls. While it varies by location, some have over 30 urinals and 50 toilets. However, because of the tremendous popularity of these stores, it’s sometimes not nearly enough. Lines can still form, especially during the busiest times.
Fun Atmosphere
The second you walk through the doors, you’ll realize that Buc-ee’s is more than just a large gas station.
It’s a fun and exciting atmosphere, with employees chanting as they slice and dice fresh brisket and other deliciousness. It functions like a well-oiled machine, and getting caught up in the excitement is easy.
However, Buc-ee’s atmosphere may not be for everyone. While it is a unique place, it can be overwhelming for those who prefer to avoid crowds or loud noises. You’ll also want to keep little ones close as people constantly come and go in every direction.
Plenty of Fuel Stations
Like their restrooms, fuel stations are readily available at all locations. As expected from the world’s largest gas station, you’ll typically find between 80 and 120 pumps.
There’s generally a mixture of unleaded and diesel, but some also offer ethanol-free and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
Don’t worry if you’re one of the many drivers who have switched to an electric vehicle. Reports show that more than half of their locations now feature charging stations. You’ll have no problem killing time inside while you wait for your battery to charge.
Keep in Mind: What Does DEF Fluid Actually Do? Let’s find out!
Unique Merchandise
You can find the brand’s iconic beaver mascot on just about anything throughout the retail section of their stores. This is an excellent opportunity to buy amusing gifts or something to remember the experience.
You get everything from t-shirts to beaver-style pajamas. It may surprise you how they can put their logo on many different things.
In addition, you can also shop plenty of merchandise that doesn’t feature a beaver. You can grab a variety of home decorations, electronic accessories, and so much more. Just be careful; you can easily spend more than you planned.
It Won’t Be Champ for Long
We mentioned earlier that the Sevierville Buc-ee’s won’t be the world’s largest gas station for long. They broke ground on a Texas-based store in November 2022 that will dethrone the 74,000-square-foot Tennessee store.
Unfortunately, they’ve yet to set an opening date. Some estimate that construction typically takes approximately 16 months. If all goes as planned, this would result in a March 2024 opening. However, a variety of delays could cause them to shift this date.
The new location will replace the more than 20-year-old store in Luling, Texas. It will be a 75,000-square-foot store that’s more than double its current size. In addition, it’ll require double the amount of workers. As Texans say, everything is bigger in Texas!
Is Stopping at Buc-ee’s Worth It?
Whether filling your tank or emptying your bladder, stopping at Buc-ee’s can be worth it. Your anticipation will grow as you see their signs for miles before you reach one of the locations.
However, the traffic and crowds can be chaotic, and we realize it’s not for everyone. You’ll have to decide what’s best for you. Will you stop at the world’s largest gas station?
You guys can keep it!
We are supposed to get a Buc-ee’s that will have 150+ fuel pumps, destroy several hundred acres of wetlands, and store several hundred thousand gallons of fuel underground located next door to several neighborhoods. They received tens of millions of dollars in tax relief and received special consideration for their signage.
One of the things that has put a temporary hold on the project- Finding employees who want to work there. One of the employment stipulations is that no employee is allowed to wear a smartwatch or have a cell phone in their possession.