Buc-ee’s: Credit to County Leadership for Keeping the Ball Rolling | Opinion

Buc-ee’s in Palmer Lake, Colorado, was projected to generate about $31.8 million in revenue in its first year, yielding approximately $955,000 for the town.

Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based chain renowned for its colossal travel centers, is making its mark in Tallahassee, Florida. Known for their expansive facilities, Buc-ee’s locations often feature over 100 fuel pumps and vast retail spaces offering a variety of food, merchandise, and amenities. The proposed Tallahassee site plans to include a 75,000-square-foot store with 120 fuel pumps, 795 standard and 24 electric vehicle parking spaces, situated on a 73-acre parcel near Interstate 10 and Capital Circle Northwest. This development is poised to transform the area into a significant travel hub, attracting motorists and travelers from across the region.

The proposed Tallahassee site plans to include 24 electric vehicle parking spaces.

Buc-ee’s locations often generate substantial economic activity. In Texas alone, the chain supports nearly 5,000 jobs and contributes approximately $642 million annually to the state’s economy. These figures encompass both direct employment and indirect economic effects, such as increased demand for local goods and services. In Johnstown, Colorado, the opening of a Buc-ee’s in March 2024 led to the creation of approximately 250 jobs and generated an estimated $1 million in sales tax revenue within its first year . Local officials also noted a ripple effect, with increased interest from other businesses to open new locations around the new Buc-ee’s. Similarly, a proposed Buc-ee’s in Palmer Lake, Colorado, was projected to generate about $31.8 million in revenue in its first year, yielding approximately $955,000 for the town.

Turning to Tallahassee, the new Buc-ee’s is anticipated to create approximately 200 full-time jobs, with wages ranging from $16 to $32 per hour. Additionally, six managerial positions are expected to offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. This is in addition to the impact generated by the temporary jobs created during the construction.

Buc-ee’s billboards have become iconic fixtures along highways.

Why Buc’ee’s is important?

Tallahassee's economy traditionally relies on internal circulation of funds, with residents spending within the local market. Only a few situations—like the FSU football season and legislative session at the Capitol —bring new money into our local economy that isn’t already circulating within it. The introduction of a Buc-ee’s travel center has the potential to capture spending from travelers who might otherwise bypass the city, while generating substantial sales tax revenue—much like what we see (and need) during the FSU football season or major tourism events that attract outside visitors.

It’s crucial to give credit where it’s due. Too often, our local policymakers receive criticism from the community—sometimes deserved, sometimes not—but when they get it right, we owe it to them to stand up and acknowledge it. Reports show that Buc-ee’s is moving forward as hoped—resolving key challenges, including issues with our land development code around signage, and advancing into the next phase of permitting.

The progress we’re seeing with the Buc-ee’s project is a prime example of effective, vertically integrated policy execution. Kudos to our County Commission, County Administrator, and the plan review and permitting staff for recognizing the importance of this transformative investment.

---

This article is an opinion piece by Bugra Demirel, a longtime Tallahassee resident, entrepreneur, and community advocate. A graduate of Florida State University and Tallahassee State College, Bugra was inducted into the Tallahassee State College Alumni & Friends Hall of Fame in 2024 and honored as a Seminole 100 recipient for leading Demirel International—one of the fastest-growing businesses owned by an FSU alumnus. His company holds investments across retail, hospitality, manufacturing and commercial real estate industries.