Benton, AR — The rumors have been confirmed: Buc-ee’s is headed to Saline County. The announcement was made in a high-energy reveal on Friday night, as Buc-ee the beaver made a surprise appearance in front of thousands at War Memorial Stadium, just before the kickoff of the 2024 Salt Bowl.
In a video shown during the game, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders shared the exciting news. “It’s been rumored for months, but it’s time to make it official,” she said. “Buc-ee’s is coming to Arkansas, and Saline County, right in the heart of our state, will be its home. Arkansans and visitors won’t have to leave our state to enjoy this must-visit pit stop.”
The announcement marks the culmination of over a year of planning and negotiation. Benton Mayor Tom Farmer confirmed that the city has officially signed off on the deal. “They [Buc-ee’s] have signed all the contracts, and everyone else has signed what needs to be signed,” Mayor Farmer said. “We’re still waiting on a slight permit, and they can’t do anything until they get it. But right now, everything’s ongoing.”
The timing of the permit depends on the Corps of Engineers, but once it is secured, construction will begin immediately. “Once they get the permit, they’ll start the next day,” Farmer added.
The new Buc-ee’s will be situated between exits 114 and 116 along I-30 in Benton, marking the first location of the Texas-based chain in Arkansas. The idea of Buc-ee’s coming to the state first surfaced last July when the Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission approved the purchase of land near the Haskell exit. CSMS Management, LLC, a real estate arm of Buc-ee’s, acquired the land shortly after, though the company did not confirm their plans at that time.
In April 2024, the city’s planning commission approved the site plan and utilities, and by July, the City Council had approved the installation of a traffic light at the future entrance, which will be named Buc-ee’s Boulevard.
On August 21, Benton’s attorney updated the Advertising and Promotion Commission on the progress and sought approval for the sale of the property, clearing the way for finalizing the deal.
“This is a fantastic move for our county, our city, and the state of Arkansas,” Mayor Farmer declared during the Salt Bowl announcement. “I’m so thankful to Buc-ee’s for choosing Benton as their first home in Arkansas. The crowd’s reaction and the excitement of having Buc-ee’s here is just amazing.”
While a specific opening date has not been announced, Mayor Farmer expects construction to proceed swiftly once the final permit is in hand.
