Construction is complete, and Virginia finally has its first Buc-ee’s. The new travel center opened June 30, 2025, at 6500 Buc-ee’s Blvd in Mount Crawford, just off Interstate 81 at Exit 240. The 74,000-square-foot store brings Buc-ee’s Texas-sized experience to the Shenandoah Valley, drawing thousands of travelers on opening day.
The grand opening featured a 6 a.m. launch and a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, and Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. Fans from as far as Maine and Georgia made the trip to see Buc-ee’s eastward expansion in person.
A Farmland Crossroads Transformed
Historic aerial imagery from March 17, 1989, shows uninterrupted farmland with rectangular crop fields. The site sat quietly between the I‑81 corridor and North River, with minimal development nearby.
Fast forward to today, and the area has become a logistics hub. The Buc-ee’s sits across from a Walmart distribution center and near Danone North America’s facilities. Land clearing and heavy construction began in early 2023, replacing farmland with parking lots, fueling stations, and a sprawling convenience store.
A Texas-Sized Experience
This Buc-ee’s features 120 gas pumps, more than 20 EV charging stations, and 600 parking spaces. Inside, visitors find the signature barbecue, brisket sandwiches, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and a massive wall of jerky. The 80-flavor soda fountain and spotless restrooms are already popular talking points.
Around 200 employees staff the store, with wages starting at $20 per hour. Management roles can reach six figures, and the project brought more than $60 million in investment to Rockingham County.
Public Reaction and What’s Next
Opening day reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Customers praised the clean restrooms, brisket sandwiches, and wide snack selection. A few locals noted that food prices were higher than expected, but merchandise was considered affordable.
Buc-ee’s fans treated the event like a pilgrimage, while some nearby residents expressed traffic concerns. Despite this, the Rockingham store is already a regional draw and the start of Buc-ee’s Virginia footprint.
Future locations are planned in New Kent and Stafford Counties, continuing the chain’s move along the I‑64 corridor.
Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by F.E.M