Opening of 1st Buc-ee's Store in Virginia Draws Thousands

There's a reason that Buc-ee's is often considered the Walmart of convenience stores.

From the brisket to the merchandise, the massive gas station/convenience store concept has become a popular one. Thus, when a new Buc-ee's opens up in a state, it can generate excitement.

And that's what happened on June 30 when the chain opened its first ever location in Virginia. Virginia marks the 11th state to have a Buc-ee's, according to the company's website. There are also stores on the East Coast in Georgia and South Carolina, but Virginia marks the chain's first location outside the southern U.S., according to NBC Washington.

Thousands of people came to Mount Crawford in Rockingham County for the grand opening, according to WHSV-TV.

The new store opened at 6 a.m., but many customers were already outside, lining up "in the early hours of the morning," the television station reported. 

"Thousands more cycled in and out of the center throughout the day," WHSV-TV reported.

According to WJLA-TV, the Virginia Buc-ee's has 120 gas pumps and a 74,000 square foot building. 

The Buc-ee's chain is based in Texas, and is known for its Texas super size concept.

The chain is also opening a new store in Brunswick, GA, on July 1, according to its website.

On its website, Buc-ee's boasts about holding a number of world records, including the largest convenience store in the world (based in Luling, TX). 

The website also says the chain holds the world record for the longest car wash.

All Buc-ee's are open year round for 24 hours a day, according to the website.

The Virginia Buc-ee's drew enough excitement that a Washington D.C. television station informed viewers it was only about two hours away by car.

According to that station, the Virginia Buc-ee's is the company's 69th store. It's located off of Interstate 81, that station reported.

Related: Major Starbucks Competitor Opens First Locations in U.S.