Buc-ee’s opens largest store yet in Mississippi

Jun 27

Written By Harrison County Development Commission

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WVUE) - Buc-ee’s brought its signature mix of barbecue, brisket, clean bathrooms and fanfare to the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Monday, opening its largest store yet in Harrison County.

The Texas-based chain’s newest location near the Menge Avenue exit on I-10 became the 52nd Buc-ee’s nationwide and the first in Mississippi. It also became one of the region’s largest private employers overnight.

“We have 200+ employees with livable wages,” said Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin. “I hope and I believe this will be meaningful economically.”

Some jobs at the massive convenience center pay six-figure salaries.

“It will do $50–$60 million a year in sales tax revenue,” said Bill Lavers with the Harrison County Development Commission. “There’s so many people proud of working here.”

The site is a marvel of scale: over 75,000 square feet, more than 100 gas pumps, and a dozen EV charging stations. Inside, the store offers a vast selection of fresh food, snacks, and Buc-ee’s merchandise—from beaver nuggets and barbecue to brisket sandwiches that keep fans coming back.

“They don’t have brisket like this in Baton Rouge,” said Tom Becker, who made the drive across state lines for the store’s grand opening. “This is my birthday celebration.”

Hundreds packed into the travel center throughout the day despite stormy weather. New Orleanian Casey Hebert said she’s likely to stop in every time she passes.

“Probably every trip,” Hebert said.

The store’s economic impact extends beyond its walls. Buc-ee’s opening spurred the creation of a special tax district to help fund road improvements, including expanding I-10 to six lanes toward the Louisiana line.

Buc-ee’s remains privately owned and is reportedly exploring two future locations in Louisiana.

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