We first told you about it in November, and now the Walmart of gas stations has made it official.
Stafford County's website shows Buc-ees, known for its signature barbeque and Beaver Nuggets, applied for a conditional use permit to build a gas station on 36 acres on Courthouse Road next to Interstate 95 exit 140 in Stafford.
Should the Board of Supervisors approve its conditional use permit, the new 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee's convenience store, complete with 120 gas pumps, will open outside the Embrey Mill neighborhood.
No public hearings are scheduled on the matter. The beloved roadside megastore was founded in Texas in 1982.
The Stafford location would be the third Buc-ees in Virginia. The mega gas station will build locations on I-64 in New Kent County and on I-81 in Harrisonburg before the end of the decade. The Stafford County location would give the company stores on all three major Virignia interstate highways.
Stafford County has also lured Amazon to build two logistic centers and the international shipping firm DHL in recent years. Buc-ee's has about 60 stores, with the most in Texas. It also has stores in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky.
The coming of Buc-ees has proved contentious in the halls of the Stafford County Government. Since we reported that Buc-ees was considering opening a new store in Stafford, the county's economic development director, Kyle Alwine, resigned at the end of 2023.
Sources tell Potomac Local News that pressure from locally elected officials and Laura Sellers, whom Glenn Youngkin appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and a former county supervisor, all oppose Buc-ees, and were a factor in Alwine's resignation.
Alwine declined to comment on why he left, saying only in an interview with Potomac Local. Sellers, who lives near the proposed gas station site, texted to Potomac Local, "[The Commonwealth Transportation Board] has nothing to do with Buc-ees."
Sellers also sits on the Stafford County Planning Commission, appointed by Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung. The Planning Commission will review Buc-ee's permit application before it reaches the Board of Supervisors.
"If you have a fairly common type of project, and it will bring benefits to the county, and you fight it, it will send a message [to businesses]," said Alwine. "Sometimes it’s not all about [tax revenue]. Sometimes, it’s about sending a message that you’re open for business."
Alwine was on the job for less than one year. Meanwhile, the county's top administrator, Randal Vosburg, announced his resignation after 20 months on the job. His last day is April 5, during the height of the county's FY2025 budget deliberations.Recent Stories
GMU graduate Emmanuel Nwokeabia wins $13,000 for his startup Viralbite, which connects food lovers with restaurants through performance-based influencer marketing.
Thousands of families have now confirmed whether their children will ride the bus next school year, as Stafford County Public Schools continues to implement its new transportation opt-in policy.
Celebrate Dad with BBQ and axe-throwing this Father’s Day! 🍖🪓The Windmill Café is serving up a sizzling BBQ special all weekend, and on Sunday, The Axe Barn lets Dad throw…
FBI training could soon leave Quantico, Moss Free Clinic announces plans to close, and a new crime dashboard helps you track safety in our region. Plus, a potential July 4th opening for Signal Bay Waterpark and drone training for Marines at Camp Upshur.
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
