Buc-ee’s North Carolina: Opening Date, Location

Buc-ee’s is finally coming to North Carolina, and the first location is being built in Mebane, NC. This is big news for people who have been waiting for a Buc-ee’s closer to home. The new travel center is planned near the I-40/I-85 interchange and will become the first Buc-ee’s in the state.

The Mebane location is currently under construction. It officially broke ground on June 10, 2026, and the current target is Q4 2027, with November 2027 being the more specific target month. The project will include a very large store, 120 fuel pumps, EV charging areas, hundreds of parking spaces, food, snacks, merchandise, and Buc-ee’s famous clean restrooms. For North Carolina drivers, this location should make Buc-ee’s much easier to reach. Until it opens, people in different parts of the state still need to drive to Buc-ee’s locations in nearby states such as South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia.

Detail	Info
Any open NC location?	No — not yet
First NC location	Mebane, NC — under construction
Address	1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Rd, Mebane NC 27302
Highway	I-40/I-85 interchange
Groundbreaking	June 10, 2026
Projected opening	Q4 2027 (Oct–Dec 2027)
Size	74,440 sq ft (1.3 football fields)
Fuel pumps	120
EV charging	20 areas
Parking	650 spaces
Jobs	200–300 FT + 100 PT at $18–$33/hr
Nearest open Buc-ee’s	Florence, SC (I-95) — ~95 miles from Charlotte

Buc-ee’s Mebane, NC

The first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina will be located at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302. The site is close to the I-40/I-85 interchange, making it easy to reach for people traveling through the central part of the state. The location is currently under construction, so it is not open for visitors yet. The latest target is Q4 2027, with November 2027 currently being used as the expected opening month.

The planned travel center will be about 74,440 square feet and will sit on a large property. It is planned with 120 fuel pumps, about 650 parking spaces, and EV charging areas. The store is also expected to create a large number of local jobs. Current plans point to about 200 to 300 full-time positions, along with around 100 part-time jobs. Hourly pay has been reported in the range of $18 to $33 per hour. North Carolina does not have an open Buc-ee’s yet. That means Mebane will be the state’s first location when construction is complete.

North Carolina’s First Buc-ee’s — The Full Story

The story of Buc-ee’s in North Carolina started several years before construction began. The company had been looking at North Carolina for a long time because of the state’s large population, busy highways, and strong travel routes. The original plan was not for Mebane. Buc-ee’s first looked at a location in Orange County, closer to Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle.

That proposal faced strong local concerns. Some residents were worried about traffic, environmental effects, and the size of the planned development. After the original proposal did not move forward, Buc-ee’s looked for another location. Mebane eventually became the preferred site. The city offered a major advantage because of its position near two important highways. The I-40 and I-85 corridor gives the store access to travelers moving between Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, Burlington, Charlotte, and other parts of the region. The Mebane project was approved, and the company moved ahead with construction.

The Groundbreaking: June 10, 2026

The first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina officially broke ground in Mebane on June 10, 2026. The groundbreaking was an important step because it changed the project from a long-planned proposal into an active construction project. Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Local leaders and other officials were also present for the event.

The project has received attention because of its expected size and the number of travelers it could attract. Buc-ee’s believes the location will work well because many of its customers are already traveling on major highways. The Mebane location is being built in an area that is already connected to major transportation routes. That makes it a natural stop for drivers who need fuel, food, restrooms, or a short break during a longer trip.

The project also includes road improvements around the interchange. These changes are important because a large travel center can bring a lot of traffic to an area.

The Confirmed Opening Date: Q4 2027

The current opening target for Buc-ee’s Mebane is Q4 2027, which means the final quarter of the year. This covers October, November, and December 2027. November 2027 is currently the more specific target month reported for the opening. However, an expected opening date is not always a guaranteed date. Large construction projects can experience delays because of road work, permits, weather, utilities, or other construction issues.

For that reason, it is best to treat November 2027 as the current target rather than a guaranteed grand-opening date. The June 2026 groundbreaking is still an important milestone because construction is now underway. As the project gets closer to completion, Buc-ee’s and local officials should provide more details about the exact opening day.

The Mebane Location — Complete Specs

The Mebane Buc-ee’s is planned as a large travel center rather than a small gas station. It will combine fuel, food, shopping, restrooms, EV charging, and other travel services in one location. The large size is one of the reasons the project has received so much attention in North Carolina.

Address and Location

The planned address is 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302. The property is located close to the I-40/I-85 interchange in Alamance County. This is an important highway area because I-40 and I-85 carry travelers through a major part of North Carolina.

Drivers coming from Greensboro can reach the area by traveling east, while drivers from Durham and the Triangle can approach from the west. The location also gives access to travelers moving toward Burlington, Raleigh, Charlotte, and other cities. For Buc-ee’s, this is an excellent type of location because the company depends heavily on highway travelers.

Size and Scale

The planned Mebane Buc-ee’s will be approximately 74,440 square feet. That is a very large building for a travel center. The size is roughly comparable to 1.3 football fields, giving visitors plenty of indoor space for food, snacks, shopping, and other products.

The plans also include 120 fuel pumps under a large fuel canopy. This means many vehicles can refuel at the same time. The property is expected to have about 650 parking spaces. That is important because Buc-ee’s is more than a quick gas stop. Many visitors spend time inside the store looking at food, snacks, drinks, gifts, and clothing. The Mebane location will therefore be one of the larger Buc-ee’s travel centers in the chain.

Jobs and Pay

The new travel center is also expected to create many jobs in Mebane. Current plans point to approximately 200 to 300 full-time jobs, along with about 100 part-time positions. Reported hourly pay is expected to range from $18 to $33 per hour, depending on the position. For a growing community, these jobs can be an important part of the project. Employees will be needed for food service, cleaning, fuel areas, retail, customer service, management, and other store operations.

The store is expected to operate as a large year-round travel center, so the workforce will be an important part of keeping the location running smoothly.

EV Charging

The Mebane plans also include 20 EV charging areas. Electric vehicle charging is becoming more important as more drivers switch from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles. Having charging areas at a major interstate travel center can make long-distance driving easier for EV owners.

The exact charger types and final charging setup may become clearer closer to the store’s opening. For now, the important point is that EV charging is included in the Mebane plans, giving electric vehicle drivers another reason to consider the location during longer trips.

Why Mebane? The Location Decision Explained

Mebane was not the first place considered for Buc-ee’s in North Carolina.The company originally looked at a site in Orange County. That location was closer to Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle, but it faced community opposition.

Mebane offered a different combination of highway access and local support. The city is positioned between several major population centers, and the I-40/I-85 interchange gives the project strong visibility and access.

From Orange County to Alamance County

The original North Carolina proposal was connected to Orange County. The proposed location attracted concerns from some members of the local community. Traffic was one of the biggest issues, along with environmental questions and concerns about the size of the development. The project did not move forward at that location.

Buc-ee’s then shifted its attention to Mebane in Alamance County. The Mebane site provided a strong highway position while being better suited to a large travel center. The area also offered room for the large building, fuel pumps, parking, and other parts of the project. This change eventually led to the current Mebane development.

The I-40/I-85 Strategic Value

The I-40/I-85 interchange is one of the biggest reasons Mebane makes sense for Buc-ee’s. I-40 is a major east-west highway that connects many important North Carolina cities. I-85 is also a major route through the state and connects the Piedmont with areas farther north and south.

Mebane sits in a useful position between the Greensboro area and the Research Triangle. That means the travel center can serve people who are not necessarily local residents. A driver heading to Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Burlington, or another destination can stop at Buc-ee’s during the trip. This is important because Buc-ee’s is designed around the idea of being a highway travel destination.

A visitor may stop for fuel but then also buy a meal, pick up snacks, use the restroom, buy drinks, or look at merchandise. That longer visit is part of what makes Buc-ee’s different from a normal gas station.

Nearest Buc-ee’s to North Carolina Right Now

Until the Mebane store opens, North Carolina residents must cross the state line to visit an operating Buc-ee’s. The best option depends on where you live. For many people in central and eastern North Carolina, Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina, is one of the most practical choices.

For people in western North Carolina, the Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, Tennessee, can be much closer. The Rockingham County location in Virginia is another option for people in the northern part of the state.

Nearest to Charlotte

For many Charlotte residents, Buc-ee’s Florence, South Carolina is a practical option. The Florence location is at 3390 N. Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506, near I-95. The drive from Charlotte is around 95 miles, depending on the exact starting point and route.

Travelers generally use major highways to reach Florence, making it possible to visit Buc-ee’s as part of a longer road trip or a dedicated day trip. Once the Mebane location opens, Charlotte residents will have another Buc-ee’s option to the northeast.

Nearest to Greensboro/Triad

People in the Greensboro and wider Triad area have a few choices. Florence, South Carolina, is one option, although the drive is fairly long. Another option is the Rockingham County, Virginia Buc-ee’s near Mount Crawford. The better choice depends on the direction of your trip.

If you are already traveling south, Florence can make sense. If you are traveling north toward Virginia, the Rockingham County location may be more convenient. After Mebane opens, Greensboro residents should have a much closer Buc-ee’s option.

Nearest to Raleigh/Triangle

People in Raleigh and the Research Triangle currently have to travel farther to reach Buc-ee’s. Florence, South Carolina, is one of the main options for central and eastern North Carolina. The drive can take several hours depending on traffic and the starting point.

This is one reason the Mebane location is so important. Mebane will be much closer to the Triangle and should provide a more convenient Buc-ee’s stop for drivers traveling along I-40.

Nearest to Asheville/Western NC

For Asheville and some other western North Carolina communities, Buc-ee’s in Sevierville, Tennessee, can be the closest option. The Sevierville location is near I-40, which makes it especially useful for people traveling west from Asheville.

The drive from Asheville to Sevierville is roughly 60 miles, although the actual time can change depending on traffic and road conditions. For western North Carolina travelers, Sevierville can therefore be more convenient than driving all the way to South Carolina.

Nearest Buc-ee’s by NC City — Complete Distance Table

The closest Buc-ee’s can vary depending on the city and the route being used. Charlotte is about 95 miles from Florence, South Carolina, while Greensboro is around 155 miles away. Raleigh is roughly 200 miles from Florence, and Durham is around 215 miles.

Fayetteville has one of the shortest drives to Florence, at about 65 miles. For western cities, the situation is different. Asheville is around 60 miles from Sevierville, Tennessee, while Hickory is about 85 miles away. Boone is roughly 95 miles from Sevierville.

These distances are approximate and can change depending on the exact starting point, traffic, road construction, and route chosen. Once Mebane opens, many of these travel distances will become much shorter for people in central North Carolina.

What to Expect at Buc-ee’s Mebane When It Opens

North Carolina residents who have never visited Buc-ee’s may be surprised by how different the experience is from a normal gas station. The Mebane location is planned as a full-size travel center with a large indoor store, a huge fuel area, food counters, snacks, merchandise, restrooms, parking, and EV charging.

The exact menu and product selection can change before the opening, but visitors can expect many of the items Buc-ee’s is known for.

120 Fuel Pumps — No Wait, No 18-Wheelers

The Mebane location is planned to have 120 fuel pumps. That is a very large number and is designed to handle a high volume of highway traffic.

Buc-ee’s is also known for its policy of not allowing 18-wheelers to use its regular customer fuel areas. This helps keep the travel center focused on passenger vehicles and family travelers. With a large number of fueling positions, drivers should have several options when they arrive.

74,440 Square Feet of Retail and Food

The large store will give visitors plenty of space to explore. Buc-ee’s is famous for its food, including BBQ brisket, pulled pork, turkey, kolaches, pastries, sandwiches, and other hot food choices.

Visitors can also expect a large snack selection. One of the most famous areas is the Wall of Jerky, where shoppers can find many flavors and varieties of beef jerky. Another popular item is Beaver Nuggets, the sweet caramel-coated snack that has become one of Buc-ee’s best-known products.

The store will also sell Buc-ee’s clothing, gifts, accessories, snacks, home items, and other merchandise. The restrooms are another major part of the Buc-ee’s experience. The company has built a strong reputation for keeping its bathrooms clean, spacious, and well maintained.

20 EV Charging Areas

The Mebane location is planned to include 20 EV charging areas. This will give electric vehicle drivers a place to recharge while taking a break from the highway. The final charging equipment and charger types should be confirmed closer to the opening.

For EV owners traveling through central North Carolina, having a large travel center with food, shopping, restrooms, and charging in one place could make road trips more convenient.

NC City	Nearest Buc-ee’s	Distance	Highway Route	Drive Time
Charlotte	Florence, SC	~95 miles	I-77 S → I-20 E → I-95	~1.5 hrs
Greensboro	Florence, SC	~155 miles	I-85 S → I-26 or I-77 S	~2.25 hrs
Winston-Salem	Florence, SC	~175 miles	I-85 S → I-77 S → I-95	~2.5 hrs
Raleigh	Florence, SC	~200 miles	I-95 S	~3 hrs
Durham	Florence, SC	~215 miles	I-40 E → I-95 S	~3 hrs
Chapel Hill	Florence, SC	~220 miles	I-85 E → I-95 S	~3.25 hrs
Fayetteville	Florence, SC	~65 miles	I-95 S	~55 min
Wilmington	Florence, SC	~115 miles	US-74 W → I-95	~1.75 hrs
Asheville	Sevierville, TN	~60 miles	I-40 W	~1 hr
Hickory	Sevierville, TN	~85 miles	I-40 W	~1.25 hrs
Boone	Sevierville, TN	~95 miles	US-421 S → I-40 W	~1.5 hrs
Jacksonville (NC)	Florence, SC	~130 miles	US-17 S → I-95	~2 hrs
Goldsboro	Florence, SC	~120 miles	US-70 E → I-95	~1.75 hrs
Rocky Mount	Florence, SC	~90 miles	I-95 S	~1.25 hrs

Community Response to Buc-ee’s Mebane

The response to Buc-ee’s in North Carolina has changed over time. The first proposals created excitement among people who wanted to see the popular Texas-based travel center come to the state.

At the same time, some communities raised concerns about traffic and the size of the project. The Mebane proposal has moved forward with local support and official approval.

Phase 1 — Excitement (2021–2022)

When Buc-ee’s expansion into North Carolina first received attention, many residents were excited. Buc-ee’s already had a large following among travelers who knew the brand from Texas and other states.

People were interested in the company’s food, large stores, clean restrooms, fuel prices, snacks, and merchandise. The possibility of having a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina created strong interest across the Triangle and Triad.

Phase 2 — Opposition (2022–2023)

The original Orange County proposal faced opposition from some local residents. The concerns included possible traffic problems, environmental effects, and the large size of the development.

Some people also questioned whether such a large travel center fit the character of the area near Chapel Hill. These concerns eventually contributed to the original site not moving forward. Buc-ee’s then continued looking for another location.

Phase 3 — Mebane Acceptance (2024–2026)

The Mebane project received a different response. Local officials moved forward with the proposal, and the project was approved. The economic benefits were an important part of the discussion. The store is expected to create hundreds of jobs and attract a large number of visitors to the area.

The location near I-40/I-85 also makes the project easier to connect with existing highway traffic. The June 10, 2026 groundbreaking showed that the project had moved into the construction stage.

Buc-ee’s North Carolina — First-Timer Tips for When It Opens

For North Carolina residents planning their first visit to Buc-ee’s Mebane when it opens in November 2027, it is a good idea to allow more time than you would normally spend at a gas station. An average Buc-ee’s visit can take more than 20 minutes, while first-time visitors often spend around 30 to 45 minutes exploring the large store and its many food, snack, and shopping options. So, do not plan your first Mebane visit as a quick five-minute gas-and-go stop.

1. The best items to try first are some of Buc-ee’s most popular choices. Start with a bag of Beaver Nuggets, which are one of the brand’s signature snacks. You can also try a brisket sandwich from the BBQ counter or get kolaches in the morning. These three choices are a simple way to experience some of the food that makes Buc-ee’s different from a regular gas station convenience store.

2. Opening day is expected to be busy. New Buc-ee’s locations often attract large crowds when the company opens its first store in a state. The Rockingham County, Virginia, opening in June 2025 and the Huber Heights, Ohio, opening in April 2026 both received major attention and drew large numbers of visitors. If you would rather avoid the biggest crowds, consider waiting one or two weeks after the November 2027 opening. The first-week excitement usually becomes calmer after the initial rush.

3. For parking, the Mebane location is planned to have 650 parking spaces. This is much more space than a typical rest stop or convenience store, although the parking lot could still become crowded during major holidays and busy travel periods. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoon are likely to be more comfortable times for visitors who want to avoid the busiest periods.

4. When it comes to fuel, Buc-ee’s generally keeps its prices at or slightly below the local market average, although prices can change based on the area and fuel market. The Mebane store will have 120 fuel pumps, giving travelers a large number of fueling spots and helping reduce the type of long waits often seen at smaller gas stations.

5. For your first visit, the main tip is simple: give yourself enough time to enjoy the full Buc-ee’s experience. Mebane will offer much more than fuel, so take time to explore the food, snacks, merchandise, and other parts of the store before continuing your trip.

I. Is there a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina?

Not yet. Mebane will be the first Buc-ee’s in North Carolina. The store is currently under construction and is expected to open in Q4 2027, with November 2027 being the current target.

II. Where will Buc-ee’s be in North Carolina?

The first North Carolina location will be in Mebane, NC, at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road near the I-40/I-85 interchange.

III. When is Buc-ee’s opening in North Carolina?

The current target is Q4 2027. November 2027 is the more specific target month reported for the Mebane location.

IV. When did Buc-ee’s Mebane break ground?

The Mebane Buc-ee’s officially broke ground on June 10, 2026.

V. How big will Buc-ee’s Mebane be?

The planned store will be approximately 74,440 square feet. It will also have 120 fuel pumps, about 650 parking spaces, and EV charging areas.

VI. How many jobs will Buc-ee’s Mebane create?

The project is expected to create approximately 200 to 300 full-time jobs, plus around 100 part-time positions. Reported hourly pay is expected to range from $18 to $33.

VII. What is the nearest current Buc-ee’s to North Carolina?

For many central and eastern North Carolina residents, Florence, South Carolina, is one of the closest options. For western North Carolina, Sevierville, Tennessee, may be closer.

VIII. Why was the original Orange County NC Buc-ee’s blocked?

The original proposal faced community concerns related to traffic, environmental issues, and the size of the development. Buc-ee’s later moved its North Carolina plans to Mebane.

IX. Will Buc-ee’s Mebane have EV charging?

Yes. Current plans include 20 EV charging areas.

X. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Raleigh?

Mebane is approximately 30 miles west of Raleigh, although the exact driving distance depends on the starting point and route.

XI. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Charlotte?

Mebane is roughly 100 miles northeast of Charlotte, depending on the exact route.

XII. How far is Buc-ee’s Mebane from Greensboro?

Mebane is approximately 25 to 30 miles east of Greensboro.

Buc-ee’s in North Carolina is finally becoming a reality, and Mebane will be the state’s first location. The project broke ground on June 10, 2026, and the current opening target is Q4 2027, with November 2027 currently being the expected month. The planned location at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road will be close to the I-40/I-85 interchange, giving Buc-ee’s access to a large number of highway travelers.

The store is expected to cover about 74,440 square feet, with 120 fuel pumps, around 650 parking spaces, 20 EV charging areas, and hundreds of new jobs. For people in Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Charlotte, and other parts of central North Carolina, the Mebane store should make Buc-ee’s much easier to visit. Until then, travelers can still visit nearby Buc-ee’s locations such as Florence, South Carolina, for central and eastern routes or Sevierville, Tennessee, for western North Carolina.

The November 2027 opening should still be treated as a target, not a guaranteed date, because construction and road work can change the schedule. For now, the biggest news is simple: North Carolina is getting its first Buc-ee’s, and Mebane is where it is happening.