The 5 W's Of Buc-ee's Gallaway, TN: West Tennessee's Massive $70 Million Travel Center

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Travelers and local residents in West Tennessee are buzzing with anticipation as the massive Buc-ee's travel center in Gallaway, TN, is officially underway, promising to revolutionize the I-40 road trip experience. As of late 2024 and early 2025, construction crews are actively transforming the site into what many call the "Disney World of convenience stores," bringing the brand's iconic clean restrooms, vast food selection, and countless gas pumps to the Mid-South region. This article provides the most current details, construction updates, and what you can expect from this $70 million investment.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gallaway Buc-ee's officially took place on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, marking the start of a significant new chapter for Fayette County. The project is not just another gas station; it is a major economic development initiative expected to draw millions of visitors annually to the area, located just northeast of Memphis, Tennessee.

Buc-ee's Gallaway, TN: The Project's Vital Statistics and Timeline

The Buc-ee's in Gallaway is slated to be one of the largest travel centers in the entire state of Tennessee, rivaling the scale of the brand’s other massive locations across the South. Its sheer size and scope are a testament to the company’s commitment to providing an unparalleled travel experience off Interstate 40.

  • Location: Interstate 40 (I-40) at Exit 28 (U.S. Highway 196), Gallaway, Fayette County, Tennessee.
  • Investment: A substantial construction project valued between $50 million and $70 million.
  • Groundbreaking Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
  • Estimated Opening Date: The new Buc-ee's Gallaway is currently slated to open its doors in Summer 2026.
  • Facility Size: The enormous travel center will span approximately 74,000 square feet.
  • Fueling Positions: A staggering 120 gas pumps will be available to service travelers, significantly reducing wait times.
  • Restrooms: True to the brand's reputation, the facility will feature 71 of the world’s cleanest restrooms.
  • Jobs Created: The store is expected to bring over 200 full-time, high-paying jobs to the local community.

This massive scale ensures that the Buc-ee's Gallaway will be a mandatory stop for anyone traveling through the Mid-South corridor on I-40, serving both Memphis-bound traffic and cross-country travelers.

Economic Impact: New Jobs and Local Development in Fayette County

The arrival of a Buc-ee's is often a catalyst for significant economic growth, and the Gallaway location is no exception. The Fayette County Industrial Development Board (IDB) tentatively approved a tax incentive package, recognizing the substantial benefits the travel center will bring to the area.

A Boost to Local Employment

One of the most immediate and tangible impacts is job creation. The Gallaway Buc-ee's is committed to creating at least 200 to 225 new full-time jobs for local residents. These are not minimum-wage positions; Buc-ee's is known for offering competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, often starting well above the local average, which can significantly elevate the economic standing of a small community like Gallaway.

The new employment opportunities will cover a wide range of roles, from food service and retail to management and maintenance, injecting new payroll dollars directly into the Fayette County economy.

Driving Tourism and Tax Revenue

Buc-ee's is more than just a gas station; it's a tourist destination. The brand's loyal following means that travelers will intentionally adjust their routes to stop at the massive travel center. This influx of visitors will generate substantial sales tax revenue for the county and the state. Furthermore, the increased traffic off I-40 is likely to spur secondary development, encouraging new hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to open nearby to cater to the millions of new annual visitors.

What Makes the Buc-ee's Experience So Unique?

For those unfamiliar with the Texas-based chain, Buc-ee's is not just a place to fill up your tank; it’s a cultural phenomenon built around convenience, cleanliness, and an overwhelming selection of unique products. The Gallaway travel center will deliver the full, legendary Buc-ee's experience to West Tennessee.

The Iconic Food and Merchandise

The massive 74,000-square-foot store will be stocked wall-to-wall with merchandise and freshly prepared food. Customers flock to Buc-ee's for signature items that have achieved cult status among road-trippers:

  • Beaver Nuggets: The famous sweet, crunchy corn puff snack that is a must-try for any first-time visitor.
  • Texas Round-Up BBQ: Freshly sliced brisket and pulled pork sandwiches prepared at the in-house barbecue station.
  • Fudge and Candies: A large selection of homemade fudge and various sweet treats.
  • Jerky Wall: An expansive display offering dozens of varieties of beef jerky.
  • Unique Gifts: Everything from Buc-ee's branded apparel and home decor to quirky Tennessee-themed souvenirs.

The World's Cleanest Bathrooms

The brand's unwavering commitment to cleanliness is perhaps its most famous attribute. The Gallaway location's 71 individual, immaculate restrooms are a major draw, ensuring a pleasant stop for every traveler. The "world's cleanest bathrooms" slogan is a promise the company takes seriously, setting a gold standard for rest stops across the country.

A Hub for I-40 Travelers

Strategically located on I-40, a major cross-country artery connecting states like North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and California, the Gallaway Buc-ee's will serve as a crucial refueling and rest hub. The 120 gas pumps are designed to handle high-volume traffic, while the expansive parking lot accommodates RVs, trucks (though no 18-wheeler parking is typically allowed), and hundreds of cars, making it the perfect break point for long-haul journeys.

Future Expansion: The Second Tennessee Location

While Gallaway is set to be the first Buc-ee's in West Tennessee, it is not the only one planned for the state. The company also has a location planned for Murfreesboro, Tennessee, near Nashville. This second Tennessee travel center is currently slated to open in 2027, further cementing the brand's presence in the Volunteer State.

The construction in Gallaway represents the leading edge of this Tennessee expansion. As the Summer 2026 opening date approaches, anticipation will only continue to build for the monumental travel center that is set to become an essential landmark on the I-40 map.

The 5 W's of Buc-ee's Gallaway, TN: West Tennessee's Massive $70 Million Travel Center
buc ee's gallaway tn
buc ee's gallaway tn

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