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Buc-ee's limits to Republican states
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Buc-ee's CEO Arch Aplin III said expansion will focus on conservative states.
The chain's political targeting could reshape where travelers find its mega-stops.
Background
Buc-ee's, a Texas-based chain of massive travel centers, has grown to 58 locations across 14 states. CEO Arch Aplin III recently stated that future expansion will prioritize conservative, business-friendly states, citing a desire to build in places that appreciate the chain. This comes amid a lawsuit in Ohio over a beaver logo that drew criticism from the governor.
How it unfolded
- Feb 2026Buc-ee's sued Mickey Mart over its moose logo, arguing confusion with Buc-ee's beaver mascot.
- Apr 2026Buc-ee's opened a store in Dayton, Ohio, with Governor Mike DeWine praising the grand opening.
- Aug 23, 2026Ohio businesses showed solidarity with the mini-mart by altering logos to include beavers; a GoFundMe raised over $69,000.
- Aug 24, 2026CEO Aplin III signaled a shift toward conservative states, saying 'life's too short to try to build in places that people don't appreciate what you're bringing.'
Who’s saying what
- CEO
- Aplin III said expansion will focus on conservative states where people appreciate the chain.
- Governor
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the lawsuit 'absurd' and 'a little spiteful.'
- Public
- Dozens of businesses in Beavercreek showed solidarity with the mini-mart, and a GoFundMe raised over $69,000.
Still unverified
The exact criteria for 'conservative' states and the impact on planned locations are not detailed in the material.