I was finally able to pay a visit to the new Kentucky Buc-ee's today. It was only four miles or so off one of the alternative routes between here and Lexington.
Gas was 20 to 30 cents cheaper than the other gas stations in the Richmond area. It was $4.499 there, while it was between $4.699 and $4.799 everywhere else. A message at the pump indicated that ethanol-free gas is available at some of the pumps. The price was posted inside the store and it's above $5.
How would I describe the store itself? A hybrid of Cracker Barrel, Hobby Lobby, Cabela's, Lowe's, and a standard convenience store. Half the store seemed to be souvenir and home decorative stuff, with some outdoors supplies thrown in. There were grills, smokers, deep fryers, coolers, all sorts of things. They even had bags of deer corn for sale.
There was a touch screen system for ordering burritos, hot dogs, and that type of thing, and a display case/serving station for pastries (I didn't get a sausage kolache today), and the meat sandwiches are prepared and wrapped in the center of the store and kept under heat lamps.
The place was jam-packed. Too many people for my tastes. The gas pumps were very busy. I'm not sure if the proximity to the interstate as the only gas station at that exit was the draw, or the low price (I didn't see any indication of the pump price until I got to the pump.)
It's also pricey. $7.99 for the brisket sandwich, which was tasty, but overpriced for what you get. You can get twice as much meat at Arby's for less money. Jerky was $7.99 for a small bag and twice that for a large bag. (Walmart is cheaper).
Bottom line? I'm not sure what the fuss is all about. It's a novelty, for sure. "Everything's bigger in Texas." The price of gas is worth driving four miles south of the Richmond bypass if you need more than just a splash, but I don't plan on being a frequent customer. Once the newness wears off and the crowds thin out, I may go back, but I won't be making special trips or extra efforts to patronize Buc-ee's.
