Buc-ee's breaks ground on its first Arizona location

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

 Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center known for its massive stores, cult following, and famously clean restrooms, officially broke ground on its first location in the Western United States, right off Interstate 10 in Goodyear.

“We are here today to mark a huge milestone: the groundbreaking of the very first Buc-ee’s in the Western United States, and it’s right here in Goodyear, Arizona,” said Tammy Vo, with the City of Goodyear. “Who’s excited?”

City officials, state legislators, Buc-ee’s team members and dozens of residents gathered to celebrate the launch of what many consider more than a convenience store. Buc-ee’s, often dubbed the “Disneyland of convenience stores,” features fresh barbecue, a wall of jerky, taffy, roasted nuts, and its signature Beaver Nuggets all housed in a 74,000-square-foot space larger than an NFL football field.

“You might hear people ask, ‘What is Buc-ee’s?’ Really, the only appropriate response is: it’s a phenomenon,” Vo said.

Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo praised the company’s decision to invest in the fast-growing West Valley city.

“Nothing happens in a vacuum,” said Pizzillo. “We’ve got the greatest people working for the City of Goodyear. And I really believe Buc-ee’s came because we have a business-friendly environment here. We’re easy to work with.”

Pizzillo also emphasized the economic benefit Buc-ee’s brings, noting that most of the company’s customers come from outside the city.

“That means they’re not cannibalizing our businesses, they’re just adding to our revenue that helps pay for police, fire, roads and streets,” he said.

The mayor said Buc-ee’s fits right into his broader vision for Goodyear’s future, particularly the downtown district being developed nearby.

“My vision is, as they come to Buc-ee’s, before leaving, they come visit this beautiful downtown that we’re building,” he said.

In addition to being a destination for travelers, Buc-ee’s is expected to have a major impact on the local workforce.

“We’re talking about 200 full-time jobs in the area,” Pizzillo said.

Vo said Buc-ee’s will offer starting pay above minimum wage, full benefits, three weeks of paid vacation, and a 6% 401(k) match.

“It’s going to be awesome for our workforce in Goodyear,” she said.

Goodyear City Manager Wynette Reed called the groundbreaking “a landmark moment” and thanked former councilmember Bill Stipp, who could not attend due to a delayed flight, for his role in helping bring Buc-ee’s to the city.

“Buc-ee’s saw what we’ve known all along: Goodyear is the crown jewel of the West Valley, and we’re just getting started,” Reed said. “We’re in a place where innovation meets quality of life, where major brands plant roots, and where residents and visitors alike feel right at home.”

She recalled visiting Buc-ee’s locations in Colorado and Texas last year.

“I was amazed at the friendliness of everyone that I encountered; and the bathrooms, I did check them out, they really are the cleanest,” she said. “We can’t wait to have them here.”

Buc-ee’s co-founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, who opened his first store in 1982 at age 23, said Goodyear stood out among many options along Interstate 10.

“We picked Goodyear because it’s just the ideal location for us, a business-friendly community, business-friendly council, amazing opportunity for employment,” Aplin said. “We’re going to blow minimum wage out of the water here.”

He noted Buc-ee’s model emphasizes career growth, not just jobs.

“There is no ceiling in our company,” Aplin said. “My job’s up for anybody that wants to take it.”

He said the company is committed to being a good neighbor, a responsible employer, and a welcoming stop for the traveling public.

“Our commitment to you guys is that we will be good neighbors, we’ll be a good corporate citizen, and we will provide phenomenal opportunities for people with real, live career jobs here,” Aplin said.

Construction is already underway, and the store is expected to open in summer 2026.

“This is my second favorite thing I do, the groundbreaking,” Aplin said. “My favorite is the store opening. But you can’t open them if you don’t start them.”