After months of anticipation, Buc-ee’s officially opened its doors in Amarillo early Monday morning, delighting fans of the beloved Texas-based travel center.
At precisely 6 a.m., the store welcomed its first customers, who eagerly arrived to experience its iconic offerings, including fresh brisket, buttery beaver nuggets, and a wide range of merchandise. This marks the first Buc-ee’s west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the first in the Panhandle region. Notably, the Amarillo location opened two months ahead of schedule, a feat celebrated by Buc-ee’s CEO and president, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III.
“It’s hard to open a project on time, much less early,” said Aplin. “To be able to get open before the Christmas holiday is substantial because so many people will be traveling. Now, on their trip, they’ll be able to stop here versus missing it had we opened after Christmas. I think this will give a big opportunity for a lot of people traveling to have this experience and to hopefully put it on their map next time they travel.”
A Strategic Location
Aplin highlighted the careful planning behind selecting Amarillo for Buc-ee’s latest location.
“We needed something further west on the interstate for the people traveling here, so it just made sense,” he explained. “We are looking for the right community, the right population base to hire from, on the interstate for this traffic. We did a lot of research, and Amarillo made total sense to be the spot.”
The new Buc-ee’s, located at 9900 E I-40, just south of the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, is expected to attract significant traffic along the I-40 corridor, a major route for cross-country travelers.
A Humbling Fan Reception
Aplin also spoke about the enthusiasm surrounding the brand’s arrival in Amarillo.
“It’s exciting to see the people show up fully dressed in Buc-ee’s shirts or onesies here before daylight, standing in line before the store opening,” Aplin said. “That’s a humbling thing, it really is. I think it’s a tribute to the fact that they really love what we do, and we love what they love.”
The store’s grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., with Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley praising Buc-ee’s for its alignment with the city’s values.
“Buc-ee’s represents what Amarillo is. It’s a true Texas brand and embodies hospitality, which is what we think of when we think of our city of Amarillo—making everyone feel welcome,” Stanley said.
Economic Boost for Amarillo
The opening of Buc-ee’s is expected to have a significant impact on Amarillo’s economy.
“I think you will see millions in sales, and that hits our sales tax right off the bat,” Stanley noted. “Sales tax for us is a big component in how we support our local heroes, first responders, how we put in infrastructure, and how we grow. They will be a key component and new partner that really complements the city of Amarillo.”
The mayor also teased further developments along the I-40 corridor.
“There are some other centers and business plans in the works just one mile up the street,” he said. “You’ll hear about that next year, but it’s good momentum. The dominoes are starting to fall, and we’ll continue to see growth and opportunity here on I-40.”
A Holiday Destination
With its early opening, the Amarillo Buc-ee’s is well-positioned to become a popular stop for holiday travelers. As the only Buc-ee’s location west of the DFW metroplex, it offers a unique opportunity for those passing through the Panhandle to experience what makes the brand a Texas icon.
For Amarillo residents and visitors alike, the store is already proving to be more than a pit stop—it’s a destination.
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