Buc-ee’s breaks ground on first North Carolina travel center
Large-scale site near I-40/I-85 to feature 120 pumps, EV charging and 650 parking spaces.
Buc-ee’s has begun construction on its first travel center in North Carolina, marking the company’s entry into the state. Groundbreaking took place in Mebane, Alamance County, in June 2026, with the site located near the I-40/I-85 interchange, a key corridor expected to attract significant regional traffic. The project is scheduled to open in late 2027.
The development will introduce Buc-ee’s large-format travel center model to the region, combining fuel retail with extensive amenities. Plans include 120 fuel pumps across 60 fueling stations, electric vehicle (EV) charging points and approximately 650 parking spaces, including designated areas for buses and recreational vehicles.
The project is expected to generate around 200 full-time jobs, as reported by abc11 with hourly wages starting at $18 for roles such as cashiers and facility staff, and $21 for food service positions, alongside employee benefits.
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway to support the anticipated increase in traffic. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is advancing road improvements in the surrounding area, with Buc-ee’s contributing to associated costs.
In addition to fueling and retail services, the site will feature digital kiosks providing information on local attractions, positioning the location as a regional stop for both travelers and tourists.
The Mebane development reflects Buc-ee’s continued expansion beyond its Texas base, as the company scales its high-capacity travel center model across new U.S. markets.
