Buc-ee’s Receives Approval for New Location in Monroe County

News Summary

Buc-ee’s has been granted approval to build its fourth location in Georgia, a large convenience store and gas station in Monroe County. The 74,000 square feet facility is set to open by March 2027 and will create at least 200 jobs. The project includes significant infrastructure improvements to manage increased traffic and is predicted to generate around $30 million in sales tax revenue for the county. While some community members welcome the economic benefits, others prefer traditional rest stops over large commercial establishments.

Monroe County, Georgia

Buc-ee’s has received the green light to construct its fourth location in Georgia, following environmental approval from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division on July 30. This decision allows the company to move forward with plans for a large convenience store and gas station in Monroe County, expected to open in March 2027.

The site will be located on a 30.79-acre tract along Rumble Road, with the new building spanning 74,000 square feet. This new location will be substantially larger than Buc-ee’s existing store in Warner Robins, which is 53,000 square feet.

The approval includes a variance for a stream buffer, permitting construction close to state waters in the area, which consists of two unnamed tributaries feeding into Deer Creek located in the Upper Ocmulgee Watershed. The project is expected to create at least 200 full-time jobs with starting wages projected at a minimum of $17 per hour.

Buc-ee’s anticipates an economic boost from this new location, projecting approximately $30 million in sales tax revenue for Monroe County. To accommodate increased traffic and ensure safety, Buc-ee’s will invest $10 million in necessary infrastructure improvements, which include:

• Widening and lengthening of on- and off-ramps at the Rumble Road interchange;
• Adding new traffic signals;
• Widening Rumble Road;
• Constructing a roundabout at the store entrance.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved the project unanimously, allowing for special use permits to facilitate the construction of the oversized store as well as extensive signage that exceeds typical zoning requirements. This includes wall signage totaling 855 square feet on the main building and 612 square feet allocated for fuel canopies. Additionally, Buc-ee’s has received permission for a notable 125-foot-tall interstate pole sign featuring a 616-square-foot display face—this exceeds the county’s standard height limit of 30 feet.

During construction, the company is required to adhere to strict erosion and sedimentation control measures, especially given the proximity to protected state waters. Construction must commence within two weeks following the notification to Monroe County, with a requirement that buffer impacts are completed within five years of approval.

Public response regarding the new Buc-ee’s location has elicited mixed reactions. While some community members are excited about the job creation and economic benefits, others express a preference for traditional rest stop designs that include outdoor spaces instead of commercial stores.

Buc-ee’s previous expansion in Georgia included the opening of its third location in July 2024, demonstrating the company’s growing footprint in the southeastern United States. With the construction of this new facility, Buc-ee’s reinforces its commitment to serving motorists and travelers, while also investing in local infrastructure and job creation.

As construction plans progress, all eyes will remain on how Buc-ee’s manages the challenges of building alongside protected waterways, while still adhering to regulatory guidelines and responding to community feedback.

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