GALLAWAY, Tenn. — Construction is progressing on the first West Tennessee location of Buc-ee's, with the large-scale travel center now expected to open in mid-2027 after earlier projections pointed to a 2026 debut.
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The Fayette County project, located at the northeast corner of Interstate 40 and Tennessee 196 at Exit 28, marks a significant expansion for the Texas-based retailer into the western part of the state. Company officials confirmed that the opening timeline has shifted as construction continues to advance.
“the company's target date is mid-2027 for opening the much-anticipated Fayette County location,” said Crissy Gonzales, media coordinator for Buc-ee’s, in comments to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Originally anticipated to open in early 2026, the project is now in a more active construction phase, with foundational work completed and vertical construction underway.
Crews have completed the foundation and are currently erecting the structure’s walls, signaling steady momentum for the large-format retail and fueling facility. At approximately 74,000 square feet, the Gallaway Buc-ee’s will rank among the chain’s larger locations.
Plans for the site include 120 fueling positions and 71 restrooms, consistent with the company’s emphasis on high-capacity travel centers designed to accommodate heavy traffic volumes along major interstate corridors.
The development received a key financial boost in August 2024 when the Fayette County Industrial Development Board approved a $15 million loan to support construction.
Beyond its scale, the project reflects broader trends in highway-oriented retail construction, where developers prioritize accessibility, high throughput and large-format amenities to capture long-distance travelers.
The Gallaway Buc-ee’s is expected to deliver a notable economic boost to Fayette County, with more than 200 full-time jobs planned once the facility opens. Company officials say positions will include wages above minimum levels, full benefits, a 6% 401(k) match and three weeks of paid vacation.
The development also underscores Buc-ee’s continued expansion beyond its Texas roots. Founded in 1982, the company now operates more than 50 locations nationwide and has been steadily growing its footprint across the Southeast.
Currently, Tennessee is home to two Buc-ee’s stores — in Sevierville and Crossville — making the Gallaway site a strategic addition to serve travelers along the I-40 corridor west of Memphis.
Another regional project is also in the pipeline, with a planned Buc-ee’s location in West Memphis, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi River. That facility is expected to open in 2028, although a groundbreaking date has not yet been announced.
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The Arkansas project is expected to mirror the scale of the Gallaway site, with similar square footage and more than 120 fueling stations, further reinforcing the company’s large-format development model.
Known for its extensive food offerings — including brisket sandwiches, homemade fudge and its signature Beaver Nuggets — as well as a wide selection of merchandise, Buc-ee’s has built a reputation as a destination stop for travelers.
As construction continues in Fayette County, the Gallaway site remains on track for a mid-2027 completion, positioning it as a major new commercial anchor along one of Tennessee’s busiest transportation corridors.
Originally reported by Commercial Appeal.
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