The smallest Buc-ee’s in existence has recently returned to a West Texas town on Highway 90.
The City of Sanderson welcomed back the “smallest Buc-ee’s in Texas” — a public art installation — in an Instagram post:
“Check out the smallest Buc-ee’s in Texas (and the world of course!) about 1/2 way between Sanderson and Marathon headed West on Hwy. 90! We can’t wait to see pictures!”
The homage to Buc-ee’s was initially discovered in April 2022 but was removed quickly after, and representatives from Buc-ee’s did not know how it came to be or where it went, according to Fox 4 News.
“Buc-ee’s just recently became aware of the Buc-ee’s art installation in west rural Texas. While we have not visited the site, we do wonder whether they are keeping up with Buc-ee’s meticulous 24/7 bathroom-cleaning standards,” said Jeff Nadalo, general counsel for Buc-ee’s to CultureMap Austin.
The identity of the installation’s creator is still unknown, but some have commented that the artwork resembles the replica Prada store outside of Marfa.
San Antonio artist Matt Tumlinson said he thinks the miniature Buc-ee’s is “a lighthearted jab at Prada Marfa and influencer culture. It might also be a commentary on brand loyalty and consumerism,” reported CultureMap Austin.
The artwork is also reminiscent of a mini-Target store that popped up near Marathon in 2016, which subsequently disappeared in 2020.
Once again home to the smallest Buc-ee’s, Texas will also soon host the biggest Buc-ee’s, which will actually function as a gas station and rest stop.
Located just 50 miles south of Austin and approximately 60 miles east of San Antonio, the 75,000-square-foot facility, which will have 120 fueling stations and over 200 employees, is being built in Luling, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The new Luling location will dethrone Sevierville, Tennessee, currently home to the world’s largest Buc-ee’s.
Stan Beard, director of real estate for Buc-ee’s, said he is excited to add another location in Texas.
“As we continue to share the Buc-ee’s experience with the rest of the country, we are grateful for the opportunity to deepen our Lone Star roots and to keep our flagship, and the largest Buc-ee’s ever, in Luling,” said Bear in a press release, per KSAT.
The Luling location broke ground in November 2022 and is expected to open sometime later in 2023.
Closer to home, The Dallas Express reported that Buc-ee’s broke ground on a Hillsboro location in January. Like other locations, it will be 74,000 square feet and feature 120 gas pumps.
Beard expressed his fondness for the company’s partnership with the city.
“Whether you’re headed to Fort Worth and West Texas or Dallas and East Texas, you can make Buc-ee’s your stop, coming and going. The City of Hillsboro and Hill County have been such great partners, and we look forward to being a great neighbor for years to come,” said Beard, reported KCEN.
