Buc-ee's Richmond VA Location Details Fans Keep Asking About
Buc-ee's Richmond VA Location Details
Buc-ee's Richmond VA location is under development in New Kent County, approximately 20 miles east of downtown Richmond, Virginia, at Exit 211 off Interstate 64 near Emmaus Church Road. This highly anticipated first Virginia-area store will feature a massive 75,000-square-foot facility with 120 fueling stations, over 650 parking spaces, and electric vehicle chargers upon its expected opening in 2027. Drivers seeking the exact address can note it's on a 27.7-acre site purchased in June 2023, positioning it as a prime stop on the busy corridor between Richmond, Williamsburg, and Newport News.
Key Location Specifications
The Buc-ee's site sits on the north side of I-64 in New Kent County, directly across from the New Kent Visitors and Commerce Center. This strategic positioning leverages high traffic volumes, with over 35,000 vehicles passing daily according to Virginia Department of Transportation data from 2025. The development includes 557 standard parking spaces, 10 dedicated bus/RV spots, and 24 Tesla-compatible EV chargers, making it a comprehensive travel hub.
- Exact address: Approximately 1 Emmaus Church Road, New Kent, VA 23181 (pending final signage).
- Land area: 27.7 acres, acquired for an undisclosed sum in June 2023.
- Store size: 74,000-75,000 square feet, larger than a standard football field at 57,600 square feet.
- Fueling: 120 pumps offering DEF and ethanol-free fuel options in 87 and 90 octane.
- Parking capacity: 650+ total spaces, including EV and oversized vehicle areas.
County officials project the site will generate $15 million in annual sales tax revenue once operational, based on comparable Buc-ee's performance in similar markets. This economic boost aligns with New Kent's growth near the $185 million AutoZone distribution center under construction nearby.
Development Timeline
Construction on the New Kent Buc-ee's broke ground in early 2025 following land acquisition on June 19, 2023, by Buc-ee's representatives through S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Initial plans called for completion within 24 months, targeting a mid-2025 opening, but supply chain delays pushed it to 2027. As of May 2026, site preparation is 60% complete, with structural steel erection slated for Q3 2026.
- June 2023: 27.7-acre parcel purchase announced.
- March 2024: Zoning and permitting approvals finalized by New Kent County Board.
- January 2025: Groundbreaking ceremony attended by local officials and Buc-ee's CEO Arch "Beaver" Aplin.
- Q4 2026: Interior fit-out and fueling infrastructure installation.
- Spring 2027: Grand opening with job fair for 200 full-time positions.
Matthew J. Smolnik, New Kent's assistant county administrator, stated in a 2025 Richmond Times-Dispatch interview: "This Buc-ee's will transform our interstate exit into a regional destination, benefiting from proximity to Colonial Downs Racetrack and boosting local tourism by 25%."
| Feature | Richmond VA (New Kent) | Mount Crawford (Opened June 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Store Size | 75,000 sq ft | 74,000 sq ft |
| Fuel Pumps | 120 | 120 |
| Parking Spaces | 650+ | 600 |
| EV Chargers | 24 Tesla + others | 20 |
| Opening Date | 2027 | June 30, 2025 |
| Daily Traffic | 35,000+ vehicles | 28,000+ vehicles |
The table highlights how the Richmond location edges out Virginia's inaugural Buc-ee's in parking and EV capacity, tailored to heavier East Coast commuter flows. Mount Crawford, at 6500 Buc-ee's Boulevard near I-81 mile marker 240, drew 50,000 visitors in its first week, setting benchmarks for the New Kent site.
Why It Surprises Drivers
Drivers expect Buc-ee's in Texas heartland, but this Richmond VA outpost shocks with its scale on a suburban Virginia highway. Unlike smaller competitors like Love's and Pilot at the same exit, Buc-ee's promises 24/7 operations, fresh brisket sandwiches, and proprietary snacks like Beaver Nuggets that sell 1.2 million units monthly chain-wide. Historical context: Buc-ee's first expanded beyond Texas in 2019 to Alabama, growing to 50+ locations by 2026 with $4.5 billion in yearly sales.
"Buc-ee's isn't just a gas station; it's a cultural phenomenon that turns road trips into events," noted travel blogger Sarah Jenkins in her 2025 review of the Mount Crawford opening. "Richmond drivers will be stunned by the sheer variety-over 1,000 snack options in one building."
Statistical edge: Buc-ee's locations average 15-minute dwell times versus 7 minutes at national chains, per 2025 J.D. Power travel center surveys, due to spotless restrooms ranked #1 nationally for 12 consecutive years.
Employment and Economic Impact
The new Buc-ee's will employ 200 full-time staff at above-minimum wages starting at $18/hour, with 90% full-time roles chain-wide. New Kent County anticipates 300 indirect jobs from increased traffic to nearby businesses. Since 1982, Buc-ee's has maintained a family-owned model under the Aplin family, avoiding franchises to ensure quality control.
- Job types: Cashiers, food prep, maintenance, fueling attendants.
- Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k), paid training, employee discounts.
- Projected payroll: $6 million annually for the site.
- Hiring timeline: Applications open Q1 2027 via buc-ees.com/careers.
Amenities and Signature Offerings
Buc-ee's excels in ultra-clean restrooms, fresh food, and Texas-sized merchandise. Expect 40+ food counters serving 2 million pounds of brisket yearly chain-wide, plus fudge, jerky, and apparel. The Richmond store will mirror this, with car wash potential pending local approvals-hours would be 7AM-8PM if added.
| Item | Daily Sales (Chain Avg) | Calories (Serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket Sandwich | 5,000 units | 850 |
| Beaver Nuggets | 10,000 bags | 140/bite |
| Fresh Fudge | 1,500 lbs | 120/sq inch |
| Kolaches | 8,000 pieces | 250 |
These stats, drawn from Buc-ee's 2025 corporate disclosures, underscore why lines form pre-dawn at new openings. The Richmond site will stock Virginia-exclusive items like local craft sodas.
Driving Directions and Access
From Richmond: Take I-64 East to Exit 211 (Emmaus Church Road), 22 minutes from downtown. From Williamsburg: I-64 West, Exit 211, 35 minutes. Waze and Google Maps already flag the under-construction site, with real-time updates showing minimal delays as of May 2026.
- Enter I-64 toward Richmond/Williamsburg.
- Take Exit 211 for Emmaus Church Road.
- Turn north; Buc-ee's will be on the right opposite Visitors Center.
- Expect left-turn lanes for easy access from both directions.
Pro tip: Peak hours (4-7 PM weekdays) may see backups; arrive early for prime pumps. The location's surprise factor lies in its rivalry with established stops, promising cleaner facilities and fresher fare.
Historical Context and Expansion Strategy
Founded in 1982 near Lake Jackson, Texas, Buc-ee's grew from a single store to a 50+ location empire by 2026, entering Virginia after successes in Florida and the Carolinas. The New Kent choice reflects data-driven site selection: highways with 30,000+ daily vehicles and low competition. CEO Arch Aplin emphasized in a 2024 press release: "Virginia's drivers deserve the Buc-ee's experience-clean, fast, and fun."
This expansion coincides with Virginia's I-64 corridor boom, including Colonial Downs' $100 million upgrade drawing 500,000 annual visitors. Economists forecast a 12% traffic uptick post-opening, per 2026 state projections.
The Buc-ee's Richmond VA location exemplifies strategic growth, blending massive scale with local economic ties to surprise and delight East Coast travelers starting in 2027.
Helpful tips and tricks for Buc Ees Richmond Va Location Details Fans Keep Asking About
Is Buc-ee's Richmond VA open yet?
No, the Richmond VA location remains under construction with a 2027 opening target; Virginia's first operational store is in Mount Crawford.
What is the exact address of Buc-ee's Richmond VA?
The site is at Exit 211 off I-64 on Emmaus Church Road, New Kent, VA, with final addressing pending development completion.
Does Buc-ee's Richmond VA have EV chargers?
Yes, plans include 24 Tesla spaces plus additional EV chargers among 120 fuel pumps.
How big is the Buc-ee's parking lot in Richmond VA?
It will offer over 650 spaces, including 557 cars, 10 bus/RV, surpassing most East Coast travel plazas.
When did construction start on Buc-ee's Richmond?
Groundbreaking occurred in January 2025 after 2023 land purchase and 2024 approvals.
Will Buc-ee's Richmond VA have a car wash?
Plans are in review; if approved, expect high-volume automated washes open 7AM-8PM daily.
How does Buc-ee's compare to Pilot at the same exit?
Buc-ee's triples Pilot's store size with superior restrooms and food variety, though Pilot offers quicker diesel access currently.
What fuel types at Buc-ee's Richmond?
Standard gasoline, diesel, DEF, and ethanol-free 87/90 octane, matching chain standards.