Buc-ee’s in Yukon? The Beaver Eyes OKC's I-40 Corridor for First Oklahoma Travel Center

(11 February 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY) The long-anticipated arrival of the Texas-based travel giant Buc-ee’s appears to have moved slightly past the idle rumor phase, as state-level discussions suggest the company has started looking into the Oklahoma City metro for its Sooner State debut.

According to recent reports and state agency involvement, the Buc-ee’s may be looking to plant its flag along Interstate 40 just west of Yukon along I-40. That, however, is still in the rumor phase. While the company has not made an official announcement, the shift toward official regulatory channels could signal that a site has been secured and the planning phase is underway. Kenny Tsoodle, CEO of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, said, "Like many other businesses, we’ve had preliminary exploratory discussions with the company, but no decisions have been made."

A Departure from the Rumor Mill

For years, local retail watchers and travelers had speculated that the I-44 corridor near Chickasha would be the first to land a location. However, the pivot toward a rumored I-40 corridor positions the travel center on one of the nation’s busiest east-west arteries, capturing a massive stream of cross-country travelers.

The Retail Impact

The entry of Buc-ee’s into the Oklahoma City market would represent a significant escalation in the regional "gas station wars." While Oklahoma-based QuikTrip has been slowly expanding its truck center footprint in the metro, Buc-ee’s brings a destination-retail model that functions as much as a gift store with snacks and deli as it does a refueling stop.

Local enthusiasts, many of whom previously drove to Amarillo or the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, for their "Beaver Nugget" fix, could now have access to the chain’s famous brisket sandwiches and award-winning restrooms within a 20-minute drive of downtown OKC.

Timeline and Next Steps

While construction timelines for Buc-ee’s typically span 12 to 18 months once ground is broken, the current phase involves navigating Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) requirements and local utility easements.

The arrival of a high-profile brand like Buc-ee’s often serves as a catalyst for further peripheral development, potentially drawing new hotel and fast-casual dining options to the area.

Already official, several new Buc-ee's locations have been announced for the upcoming few years.

Location	Expected Opening	Notes
Huber Heights, Ohio	April 6, 2026	The first location in Ohio; set for 6:00 a.m. grand opening.
Goodyear, Arizona	June 2026	The "Beaver" debuts in the Southwest; located along I-10.
San Marcos, Texas	July 2026	Massive 74,000 sq. ft. site on the I-35 corridor.
Benton, Arkansas	September 2026	Groundbreaking held April 2025; first Arkansas location.
Boerne, Texas	Late 2026	Slightly smaller "boutique" footprint (54,000 sq. ft.) approved.
Oak Creek, Wisconsin	Early 2027	The chain's northernmost store to date; located on I-94.
Ruston, Louisiana	April 2027	First Louisiana location; delayed from original 2025/26 estimates.
Mebane, North Carolina	May 2027	First North Carolina site; construction began late 2025.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee	2027	The state's fourth location; currently under construction.
Kansas City, Kansas	2027	Site work began in mid-2025; located near the Kansas Speedway.
Ocala, Florida	2028	Significant infrastructure improvements required for this site.
Daytona, Florida	Operational	Correction: The Daytona Beach location (I-95 & LPGA Blvd) is currently open and has been operating since March 2021.

Check back with JTF OKC for updates if site plans and groundbreaking dates are finalized.