Buc-ee’s Mebane: North Carolina Opening Date & Address

North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s officially broke ground on June 10, 2026, in Mebane, at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, just off Exit 152 from Interstates 40 and 85 in Alamance County. The massive travel center is targeting a November 2027 opening and will span approximately 75,440 square feet. Once completed, it will feature 120 fuel pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and 652 parking spaces, while creating more than 200 full-time jobs in the area.

The project goes beyond building the Buc-ee’s store itself. Before customers can even arrive, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is rebuilding the surrounding interchange to prepare for the additional traffic. The work includes widening the road, adding a second bridge, and installing a diverging diamond interchange designed to handle thousands of additional vehicles each day. Buc-ee’s is covering the cost of this roadwork, estimated at $6 million to $11 million, directly from the company’s own investment. This is a major infrastructure project tied directly to Buc-ee’s arrival in a new state. The Mebane development shows that bringing the Buc-ee’s brand to North Carolina involves not only constructing a huge travel center but also making major changes to the roads and interchange around it.

The Fast Facts: What’s Coming to Mebane

Detail	Information
Address	1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302
Highway	Exit 152, I-40/I-85 interchange, Alamance County
Target Opening	November 2027 (Q4 2027)
Groundbreaking	June 10, 2026
Site Prep Start	Late 2025
Store Size	75,440 sq ft
Fuel Pumps	120 fueling positions
EV Charging	24 stations
Parking	652 spaces (including 11 for buses and RVs)
Jobs	200+ full-time
Starting Pay	$18/hr (cashiers/bathroom staff/warehouse), $21/hr (food service)
Road Investment	$6–$11 million (paid by Buc-ee’s)
Hours	24/7, 365 days a year
Nearest Current NC Buc-ee’s	Florence, SC — ~95 miles south of Charlotte

The Story: How North Carolina Got Here

The story of Buc-ee’s in North Carolina did not begin in Mebane. In fact, the project came close to happening somewhere else entirely.

2021 — Orange County Says No

Buc-ee’s first entered the North Carolina conversation in 2021, when the company proposed a location in Orange County. The proposal faced strong community opposition, with residents raising concerns about traffic, environmental effects, and the overall size of a 120-pump travel center.

Orange County ultimately rejected the project, putting Buc-ee’s North Carolina plans on hold. For a time, North Carolina was the state that had turned Buc-ee’s away, while neighboring South Carolina welcomed its Florence location in 2022 along I-95. That store quickly became a major stop for travelers, especially during the summer beach season, while North Carolinians interested in Buc-ee’s often had to drive south for Beaver Nuggets and other favorites.

2023 — Mebane Steps Forward

The situation changed when Mebane entered the picture in 2023. Located where I-40 and I-85 meet in Alamance County, Mebane is a growing community of roughly 22,000 people, about 20 miles west of Research Triangle Park and less than 30 miles from both Greensboro and Durham.

A 32-acre site at Exit 152 on Trollingwood-Hawfields Road became available, giving Buc-ee’s the kind of high-traffic interstate location the company was looking for. Stan Beard, Buc-ee’s vice president of real estate, told officials at the time that for the company’s first North Carolina store, “we’ve landed in the best location possible.”

Early 2024 — The Public Hearing That Broke Records

The Mebane proposal still had to go through the public process. In early 2024, the city held a public hearing that drew 217 people. For a city of around 22,000 residents, the turnout was significant. Sixty people also spoke during the public comment period, with some traveling from places such as Raleigh and Charlotte to share their views about the proposed Buc-ee’s.

Traffic, infrastructure, and the potential impact of turning the interstate interchange into a major regional destination were among the concerns discussed. After hearing the public comments, the city council voted 5-0 in favor of the special use permit.

The approval cleared the way for the Mebane project to move forward. The planned 75,440-square-foot travel center is expected to create 200 full-time jobs, while Buc-ee’s is also paying for an estimated $6 million to $11 million in road improvements around the interchange. For Mebane, the project represents a major development that combines a large new travel center with significant transportation work around the site.

Late 2025 — The First Machines Arrive

By late 2025, the first heavy machinery had arrived at the Mebane site. Construction of the Buc-ee’s building had not yet begun; the work at this stage was focused on grading and preparing the 32-acre property at Exit 152. The large red-clay field was being leveled and shaped for what would become North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s.

The next major step was expected to be vertical construction, with the walls and main building beginning to take shape around mid-2026. At the same time, work on the roads and interchange surrounding the future store was already moving forward, showing that the project involved much more than the construction of the travel center itself.

June 10, 2026 — Official Groundbreaking

On June 10, 2026, Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III came to Mebane for the official groundbreaking of North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s. The ceremony marked an important milestone for a project that had taken several years to reach this point.

One memorable detail from the event came when Aplin repeatedly pronounced the city’s name as “mee-BAYNE,” while the correct pronunciation is “meh-bin.” Axios highlighted the moment, and it quickly became one of the lighter details surrounding the groundbreaking. For Mebane residents, it was an amusing moment as the Buc-ee’s founder became familiar with the city he was bringing the company’s first North Carolina location to.

Aplin also addressed one of the biggest concerns surrounding the project: traffic. Those concerns had been part of the Buc-ee’s discussion in North Carolina since the earlier Orange County proposal in 2021. At the Mebane groundbreaking, Aplin explained that much of Buc-ee’s traffic already comes from people traveling along the interstate. His point was that the store would encourage those travelers to simply exit, shop, and then continue their journey rather than creating a completely separate destination trip.

A 2024 industry report also provided some context for how long customers typically remain inside Buc-ee’s. According to the report, the average Buc-ee’s visitor spends just over 20 minutes inside the store. That is more than twice the average gas station visit, but the relatively short stay still means customers generally arrive, shop, refuel, and continue their trip rather than remaining in the area for hours.

One of the most important parts of the Mebane Buc-ee’s project is happening outside the store itself. The surrounding road and interchange improvements could play a major role in determining when the new location can actually open.

Buc-ee’s cannot open until the roadwork is complete, and the roadwork is still underway.

NCDOT Resident Engineer John Howell explained the situation in late 2025, noting that much of the work at that stage involved construction of the bridge, followed by road widening and other improvements. He estimated that bringing all of the work together could take until mid-2027.

1. Road Widening: Two Lanes Each Way

Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, which currently has two lanes, is being expanded to two lanes in each direction, along with dedicated turning lanes. A contractor is already working on the project, with construction beginning in mid-2025.

The road improvements are an important part of preparing the area for the traffic expected around the future Buc-ee’s. With 120 fuel pumps and 652 parking spaces, the new travel center will need a road system capable of handling a much higher volume of vehicles than the existing two-lane road.

2. A Second Bridge Over the Interstate

Another major part of the project is the construction of an additional bridge over I-40/I-85 at Exit 152.

The new bridge will be part of a diverging diamond interchange, a design that moves traffic to the opposite side of the road between the two sets of interstate ramps. This arrangement removes the need for traditional left turns across opposing traffic and is designed to improve traffic movement through busy interchanges.

According to NCDOT, the design will help traffic move more efficiently between Trollingwood-Hawfields Road and the I-40/I-85 ramps, reducing the risk of traffic backing up onto the interstate.

3. Who Is Paying for All of It?

Buc-ee’s is paying for the road improvements. The company is funding the entire roadwork package, which has been estimated at approximately $6 million to $11 million, rather than relying on NCDOT budget allocations for the project. Stan Beard confirmed the arrangement to The Alamance News.

This type of infrastructure investment is not completely new for Buc-ee’s. The company previously paid for three roundabouts in Mansfield, Ohio, as part of another development deal that included $15 million in infrastructure.

The Mebane package is also substantial, potentially reaching $11 million and covering road widening, a second bridge, and a major interchange reconfiguration. For Buc-ee’s, having the surrounding transportation system ready is directly connected to the store’s ability to operate as planned.

4. The Timeline Problem

As of August 2026, the timeline still has two major pieces moving alongside each other. Buc-ee’s officially broke ground on the store building on June 10, 2026, and a store of this size is expected to take roughly 12 to 18 months to construct. That puts the potential building-completion window between December 2027 and June 2028.

Meanwhile, NCDOT is targeting mid-2027 for completion of the surrounding road improvements. If that schedule holds and the Buc-ee’s building is completed toward the end of 2027, the company’s November 2027 opening target remains possible, although the timelines are closely connected.

The November 2027 date is Buc-ee’s stated target, and WRAL reported the Q4 2027 opening window in its coverage of the June 10, 2026 groundbreaking.

The biggest variable is the roadwork, particularly the bridge construction. Building a bridge over active interstate lanes involves multiple stages of construction and coordination, so any delay could affect the overall schedule. John Howell’s mid-2027 estimate for the road project leaves some overlap with the store construction, but the timing is relatively tight.

For people following the Mebane project, the key point is simple: the road is an important part of the opening timeline. If the interchange work reaches completion around mid-2027 and the store construction stays on schedule, the November 2027 target can remain in view. If the roadwork takes longer, the opening could move later, potentially into late 2027 or 2028.

Mebane in 2026 is a city experiencing significant growth. Alamance County has been among North Carolina’s faster-growing areas over the past decade, with development expanding westward from the Research Triangle region into communities offering available land, workers, and lower costs than places such as Durham or Chapel Hill.

Buc-ee’s is now becoming part of that growth story. The company has a reputation for turning its locations into major travel destinations, bringing large stores, high traffic volumes, and thousands of visitors into the communities where it builds.

The 217 people who attended the 2024 public hearing, including the 60 people who spoke, showed just how much interest and concern surrounded the project. Some residents questioned whether the existing infrastructure could handle the additional traffic. Others were thinking about what increased activity along Trollingwood-Hawfields Road could mean as Mebane continued to grow.

Those concerns did not stop the project, but they became part of the approval process. The 5-0 vote approving the special use permit came with conditions, including Buc-ee’s commitment to the $6 million to $11 million road improvements now being constructed around the site.

The result is a project in which the store and the surrounding transportation improvements are developing together. Mebane gets its first Buc-ee’s, North Carolina gets its first location, and the interchange is being upgraded to accommodate the additional traffic. The concerns raised during the 2024 public hearing have become part of the infrastructure work taking place around the future store.

The Mebane location is planned to deliver the familiar Buc-ee’s combination of food, snacks, fuel, shopping, and travel amenities. At 75,440 square feet, the store will also rank among the larger locations in the Buc-ee’s chain, putting it in the same general size range as the record-setting Luling, Texas location.

Food

Texas BBQ Bar (11:30 a.m. – midnight): The BBQ counter is expected to feature fresh-smoked brisket, available chopped or sliced, along with the other familiar Buc-ee’s barbecue offerings. For travelers using I-40 and I-85, it will provide a substantial meal option without requiring a separate stop away from the interstate.

Breakfast (4 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.): Early-morning travelers can expect breakfast options such as sausage jalapeño cheese kolaches, sweet kolaches, biscuit sandwiches, fresh pastries, and other hot items. The early hours are designed to serve travelers heading out on the road before the day gets busy.

Snacks (24/7):

• Beaver Nuggets: Buc-ee’s signature caramel-coated puffed corn and one of the brand’s best-known snacks.
• Wall of Jerky: an extensive selection of beef jerky, including in-house options sold by the pound and more than 15 packaged flavors.
• Homemade Fudge:  more than 20 flavors, cut fresh from slabs prepared daily.
• Beaver Chips:  thick-cut potato chips that are freshly fried and sold warm near the BBQ area.

Interactive kiosk: The Mebane location is also planned to include an interactive kiosk featuring information about other places to visit in Mebane. This gives the store a connection to the surrounding community while helping visitors discover more of the area during their stop.

Fuel & Charging

The Mebane Buc-ee’s is planned to have 120 fuel pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and 652 parking spaces. With a large number of fuel positions and parking spaces available, the site is being designed to handle the high volume of travelers expected to use the location.

Jobs: 200+ Full-Time Positions

The project is expected to create more than 200 full-time jobs. Starting wages are listed at $18 per hour for positions such as cashiers, bathroom attendants, and warehouse staff, while food service workers can start at $21 per hour.

Employees are also expected to receive full benefits, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation. With more than 200 full-time positions planned, the Mebane Buc-ee’s will add a significant number of jobs to the local employment market.

• “Would make a great addition to Mebane.” — Laurie McAlister, describing her experience with Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina.
• “Buc-ee’s represented an economic engine.” — Jim Shaw, speaking in support of the Mebane project.
• “The traffic will be like the Saturday before Christmas at Tanger.” — Janet Ecklebarger, expressing concerns about traffic.
• “We don’t need this here in Mebane.” — Tyler Whitley, speaking against the proposed development.
• “Buc-ee’s is fun and I cannot lie.” — A supporter commenting during the public hearing.

From Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro — How Far Is Mebane?

For travelers across the Triangle and Triad, the Mebane Buc-ee’s will be within a relatively easy drive. Its location near the I-40/I-85 interchange makes it accessible from several major North Carolina cities.

• From Durham: About 24 miles west via I-85/I-40, taking roughly 25 minutes.
• From Chapel Hill: About 26 miles northwest via I-85, with a drive of around 28 minutes.
• From Raleigh: About 37 miles west via I-40, or approximately 35 minutes.
• From Greensboro: About 26 miles east via I-40/I-85, taking roughly 28 minutes.
• From Charlotte: About 95 miles northeast via I-85, or around 90 minutes a drive similar to the one some travelers previously made to reach the Buc-ee’s in Florence, South Carolina.

Mebane sits at a natural meeting point between two of North Carolina’s major research and manufacturing corridors. Exit 152 at the I-40/I-85 interchange already serves a steady flow of commuters, business travelers, and interstate motorists.

That existing traffic is a major part of the location’s appeal. Buc-ee’s does not need to create an entirely new travel pattern around the store. The interstate traffic is already passing through Mebane; the new travel center simply gives those travelers a reason to exit, stop, refuel, eat, shop, and continue their journey.

i. When is Buc-ee’s Mebane NC opening?

Buc-ee’s Mebane is targeting November 2027, within the company’s Q4 2027 opening window. The final date may depend on road and bridge work at Exit 152.

ii. Where is Buc-ee’s in Mebane North Carolina?

It will be at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302, near Exit 152 on I-40/I-85, about 24 miles west of Durham.

iii. Is Buc-ee’s Mebane NC the first in North Carolina?

Yes. Buc-ee’s Mebane will be North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s. The nearest current location is in Florence, South Carolina.

iv. How large will Buc-ee’s Mebane be?

The store will cover 75,440 square feet on 32 acres, with 120 fuel pumps, 24 EV chargers, and 652 parking spaces.

v. Why is there road construction near Buc-ee’s Mebane?

NCDOT is widening Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, adding a second bridge, and building a diverging diamond interchange. Buc-ee’s is paying the estimated $6–$11 million cost.

vi. What is a diverging diamond interchange?

A DDI temporarily shifts traffic to the opposite side of the road to improve traffic flow. The design at Exit 152 is being built to handle additional Buc-ee’s traffic.

vii. How many jobs will Buc-ee’s Mebane provide?

The store is expected to create 200+ full-time jobs, with starting pay of $18–$21 per hour, plus benefits, a 6% 401(k) match, and three weeks of paid vacation.

viii. Why did it take so long for Buc-ee’s to come to North Carolina?

Buc-ee’s first proposed an Orange County location in 2021, but community opposition stopped the project. Mebane was later approved with a 5-0 council vote in early 2024.

ix. What other towns were considered for North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s?

Orange County was the original proposed site. Mebane is currently the only confirmed North Carolina location, with no second store announced as of August 2026.

x. Can you see Buc-ee’s Mebane from I-40 yet?

As of August 2026, billboards are visible from I-40. Vertical construction is expected to become visible by late 2026 or early 2027, with the building planned at about 39 feet tall.

Buc-ee’s Mebane is set to become North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s, bringing a 75,440-square-foot travel center, 120 fuel pumps, 24 EV charging stations, and more than 200 full-time jobs to Exit 152 in Mebane. With its location along I-40/I-85, the store is positioned to serve travelers between Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, and other major cities across the region.

The project is currently targeting a November 2027 opening, although the final timeline will depend on the road and bridge improvements surrounding Exit 152. Once completed, Buc-ee’s Mebane will combine fuel, food, shopping, and traveler services in one large destination while also marking Buc-ee’s official entry into North Carolina.