Buc-ee’s Breaks Ground in Monroe County: A Major Milestone for Economic Growth
Monroe County took a major step forward in economic development this week as Buc-ee’s officially broke ground on its highly anticipated new location just west of I-75 at the Rumble Road exit. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on April 7, drew an estimated 150 attendees, including local leaders, state officials, business stakeholders, and Buc-ee’s executives.
From Quiet Conversations to a Landmark Project
What began as a discreet inquiry in 2023 has now become one of the most notable economic development projects in Monroe County’s recent history. Former Development Authority of Monroe County President Joyce White, who served as emcee for the ceremony, played a pivotal role in bringing the project to life.
White shared that she was first approached by representatives covertly inquiring about the 30-plus acre tract at the Rumble Road exit. According to White, the representative denied being with Buc-ee’s and described the concept as a gas station even better than Buc-ee’s. She recalled with humor that she knew then he was not telling the truth because, as she put it, there is no gas station more grand than a Buc-ee’s.
Beyond the early conversations, White’s leadership helped guide the project through its initial stages, working behind the scenes to position Monroe County as an ideal location. Now serving as Georgia’s U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Director, she emphasized that Monroe County’s greatest asset is its people. She noted that communities built on strong values naturally attract strong businesses, and that Monroe County continues to stand out as a place where companies want to invest and grow.
Leadership, Collaboration, and Vision
The ceremony highlighted the collaboration that helped bring Buc-ee’s to Monroe County. Former Georgia State Senator John F. Kennedy thanked Buc-ee’s leadership for investing in the county and noted that when the Monroe County store opens in summer 2027, it will be only the fourth Buc-ee’s location in Georgia. He also thanked state leaders and the Georgia Department of Transportation for providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements in the Rumble Road area.
District 18 Senator Steven McNeel said the Buc-ee’s brand has become an American institution, comparing its iconic beaver logo to other nationally recognized symbols. Georgia House Representative Dale Washburn added that Monroe County has one of the brightest futures in the state and said Buc-ee’s made a strong choice in selecting the community for its next Georgia location.
Georgia House Representative Tangie Herring emphasized that projects like Buc-ee’s create real opportunities for local families and said the development is expected to create several hundred jobs for Middle Georgia.
More Than a Gas Station
Monroe County Commission Chairman Alan Gibbs captured the spirit of the project by saying that Buc-ee’s is not just a gas station, but a full experience. That idea was echoed throughout the event, with leaders pointing to the broader economic impact the project is expected to bring.
The new Buc-ee’s location is expected to support job creation, drive additional traffic and tourism along the I-75 corridor, and contribute to Monroe County’s long-term economic growth. Washburn also noted that local sales tax revenue generated by the store could help reduce property taxes if Monroe County voters approve the upcoming Floating Local Option Sales Tax referendum.
A Strategic Fit for Monroe County
Development Authority of Monroe County Vice-Chairman Jim Cole said Buc-ee’s has followed the vision of its founder, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, since the company was established in 1982, building a brand known for thinking big and giving back to communities. Cole encouraged Monroe County to take the same approach as it looks toward its own future.
Aplin, the keynote speaker, said Monroe County’s support for law enforcement and its welcoming business climate stood out to him. He also said Buc-ee’s has seen strong success along the I-75 corridor, making Monroe County a natural choice for continued expansion. Aplin thanked the Georgia Department of Transportation for its assistance and praised Buc-ee’s employees as some of the best and happiest in the nation.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2027
The ceremony concluded with members of the Development Authority of Monroe County, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, the county’s state delegation, Chamber leadership, and other local officials taking part in the ceremonial turning of dirt. Attendees also had the chance to take photos with Buc-ee’s mascot, Bucky, and with Aplin, while enjoying Buc-ee’s giveaways and the brand’s popular beaver nuggets.
With the store expected to open in summer 2027, the groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction. It represents momentum, partnership, and confidence in Monroe County’s future. For the Development Authority of Monroe County, the project stands as another example of what is possible when vision, leadership, and opportunity come together.
