Arizona is finally joining the list of states with a Buc-ee’s, and it’s happening sooner than you might think. The famous Texas-based convenience store chain, known for its massive stores, sparkling-clean restrooms, and beaver-themed branding, is officially breaking ground on its first Arizona location on May 14.

The store will be located in Goodyear, which is just west of Phoenix, and the announcement has already sparked excitement among locals who have been waiting for Buc-ee’s to make its way to the Grand Canyon State.

Buc-ee’s has earned a huge fanbase over the years, especially across the southern United States, for offering more than just fuel and snacks. Their stores are often over 50,000 square feet and include everything from barbecue brisket sandwiches and homemade fudge to camping gear and holiday decorations. It’s more of a travel experience than just a pit stop, and Arizona residents are about to find out why people drive miles just to visit one.

The upcoming store in Goodyear will be built near the Interstate 10 corridor, a location that offers high traffic and easy access for travelers heading through the southwest. The company hasn’t shared an exact opening date yet, but once the ground is broken this week, construction is expected to move forward quickly. If things go as planned, Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s could be welcoming visitors by sometime in 2026.

For those unfamiliar, Buc-ee’s isn’t your average gas station. While it does sell fuel, it’s more famous for what’s inside. Shoppers will find dozens of clean restrooms, hundreds of snack options, a full deli with hot food, and even a wall of jerky. The chain has become a sort of cultural icon in Texas and surrounding states, and now Arizona will finally have its own taste of what many call “the Disneyland of gas stations.”

The groundbreaking event on May 14 will be open to the public and is expected to include local officials, Buc-ee’s representatives, and possibly even some freebies and merchandise giveaways. These events are often treated as a celebration, and given how long people in Arizona have waited, the launch is expected to draw a decent crowd. This location is also expected to create hundreds of jobs for the Goodyear area, ranging from construction roles during the build to retail and management positions once the store opens.

Buc-ee’s expansion into Arizona is part of a larger trend for the brand, which has slowly been making its way out of Texas and into other parts of the country. In recent years, Buc-ee’s has opened stores in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with more states on the way. The Arizona launch marks a strategic move into the southwest, a region where road trippers and interstate travelers are common, and Buc-ee’s hopes to fill a gap for high-quality travel stops in this region.

Local response to the news has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents took to social media to share their excitement about finally having a Buc-ee’s nearby. Long-time fans who have visited stores in other states shared stories about what they love most – from the iconic beaver nuggets to the giant fountain drink stations. For Arizona residents who’ve only heard about Buc-ee’s but never experienced it firsthand, this is their chance to see what the hype is all about.

Goodyear city officials have also welcomed the project, citing it as a sign of growth and economic opportunity. The location is expected to attract not only local visitors but also tourists passing through the state on long road trips. Buc-ee’s stores are known to increase traffic and economic activity in the areas where they are built, making this development a win for the local economy.

Buc-ee’s is staying quiet about the full details of what the Goodyear location will include, but if it’s anything like its other stores, visitors can expect a massive selection of food and drink, souvenir merchandise, branded clothing, outdoor supplies, and perhaps even a few surprises that reflect Arizona’s culture and landscape. Buc-ee’s often tailors certain products to local markets, so it’s possible that this store may offer unique items specific to the desert southwest.

The company has built its brand on consistency, cleanliness, and a family-friendly environment. That’s part of why it has remained so popular even as more competitors enter the convenience store space. Buc-ee’s doesn’t operate like a typical gas station—it feels more like a destination, and that’s the exact vibe they’re bringing to Goodyear.

With the May 14 groundbreaking just around the corner, anticipation is growing. Construction signs are already up, and the site is being prepared for what could become one of Arizona’s busiest travel stops. Whether you’re a longtime Buc-ee’s fan or someone who’s never set foot inside one, the arrival of this store is a big deal—and it’s only the beginning.

As Buc-ee’s continues to expand westward, more states may follow Arizona’s lead. For now, all eyes are on Goodyear as the city becomes home to a beaver-sized piece of roadside history. One thing’s for sure: once it opens, this won’t be just another gas station—it’ll be an experience that many won’t want to miss.