BENTON, Ark. — Arkansas welcomed its first Buc-ee’s travel center this week as long lines and early morning crowds marked the grand opening of the massive convenience-and-merchandise destination off Interstate 30 at exit 114.
Large crowds, long lines and statewide attention
Before sunrise, people had already gathered at the new Benton Buc-ee’s, with some camping overnight and others extending trips to be present for the ribbon cutting, according to city and company accounts. Visitors came from across Arkansas and from other states, and local leaders said they also spoke with guests traveling from overseas.
City officials and residents described scenes of families and recreation travelers arriving to sample Buc-ee’s offerings such as brisket, beaver nuggets and the chain’s branded apparel. One 11-year-old who attended summed up the excitement simply: he wanted to try the sandwiches.
Size, operations and company plans
The Benton location was built on one of Buc-ee’s largest floor plans — nearly 75,000 square feet — and includes food counters, an expanded retail area and a large fueling operation typical of the chain. Company founder and CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended the grand opening and pointed to Arkansas’ central Southern location and growing visitor numbers as reasons for the expansion into the Natural State.
“There’s a lot of people that are out traveling. Arkansas is beautiful, and has outdoor activities, so the traveling public is kind of what we’re here for,” said Aplin.
Aplin also said Buc-ee’s is already considering additional Arkansas locations, mentioning a parcel in West Memphis and noting the chain has at least two sites in active development in the state.
Local leaders see a wider economic impact
Benton Mayor Tom Farmer described substantial attendance and visitors from distant places, saying lines stretched in multiple directions. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the new store will benefit Saline County and other Arkansas businesses by encouraging travelers to visit parks, stay at hotels and dine at local restaurants while in the state.
“Not only will they stop at Buc-ee’s, they’ll enjoy some of our great state parks,” Sanders said.
What visitors noticed
Many guests cited the chain’s specialty food and branded merchandise as primary draws. Some attendees said they had specifically planned road trips around the opening to buy apparel, collectable magnets and packaged snacks that Buc-ee’s typically offers.
- Unique food items cited by visitors: brisket, beef sandwiches, beaver nuggets and fudge
- Popular retail items mentioned: shirts, magnets, cups and other branded merchandise
- Attendees included families, long-distance travelers and people who altered travel plans to attend
Practical notes for travelers
The new Buc-ee’s is located at exit 114 on I-30. Officials expect the site will draw both interstate travelers and day visitors from around Arkansas. Company representatives indicated further Arkansas expansions are under consideration, which could change traffic patterns and local visitor flows in the coming months and years.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Exit 114, Interstate 30, Benton |
| Size | Nearly 75,000 square feet (company’s largest floor plan) |
| Company presence at opening | Founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended |
| Future expansion | Company working on a West Memphis property and has at least two Arkansas sites in development |
What this means for Benton and the region
Local officials framed the opening as more than a retail milestone. They called it an economic-development opportunity that could boost spending in nearby towns and at Arkansas attractions. The store’s arrival is likely to increase short-term visitor traffic and may encourage additional investment along the interstate corridor.
As Buc-ee’s builds out in Arkansas, municipal and transportation planners will monitor impacts on roadways and local services. For now, Benton leaders are touting the attention and visitor traffic the new site has already brought to the county.
For travelers planning to visit, officials advise allowing extra time for parking and lines while the new location settles into regular operations.
Cole Beaumont, State Correspondent
