SOUTH CAROLINA — South Carolina already has two Buc-ee’s locations, with stores operating in Florence and near the Georgia state line in the Lowcountry. However, as the Texas-based travel center chain continues expanding across the United States, the possibility of additional South Carolina locations remains a realistic topic of discussion.
Buc-ee’s has demonstrated a willingness to add multiple stores in states with strong traffic volumes and growing populations. The company continues to advance projects across the Southeast, Midwest and East Coast, including developments in North Carolina, Louisiana, Kansas and Wisconsin.
While no additional South Carolina stores have been announced, several regions of the state appear to fit Buc-ee’s expansion strategy.
Why Another South Carolina Location Makes Sense
South Carolina sits at the crossroads of several major travel corridors, including Interstate 95, Interstate 26, Interstate 77, Interstate 20 and Interstate 85.
The state also attracts millions of tourists annually to destinations such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head Island and the Upstate region. Combined with strong population growth and increasing commercial development, South Carolina offers multiple markets that could potentially support another Buc-ee’s.
Most Likely South Carolina Locations
Spartanburg Area (Interstate 85 and Interstate 26)
The Spartanburg region may be the strongest candidate for another South Carolina Buc-ee’s.
Located along Interstate 85 between Charlotte and Atlanta, Spartanburg sits on one of the busiest transportation corridors in the Southeast. The area also serves as a major manufacturing and logistics hub, generating significant truck and passenger vehicle traffic.
A Buc-ee’s near a major Interstate 85 interchange would provide access to travelers moving between North Carolina, Georgia and the rest of the Southeast.
Columbia Area (Interstate 26, Interstate 20 and Interstate 77)
The Columbia region is another logical possibility.
As the center of South Carolina’s interstate highway network, Columbia serves travelers heading in virtually every direction across the state. A location on the outskirts of the metropolitan area could draw both local customers and long-distance travelers while taking advantage of available land near major interchanges.
Myrtle Beach Area (U.S. 501 and Interstate 95 Corridor)
The Grand Strand attracts millions of visitors each year and remains one of the Southeast’s most popular tourism destinations.
A Buc-ee’s near a major route serving Myrtle Beach traffic could become a popular stop for vacationers traveling from North Carolina, South Carolina and surrounding states. However, Buc-ee’s traditionally favors interstate locations over seasonal tourist routes, making this somewhat less likely than interstate-focused sites.
Rock Hill Area (Interstate 77)
Rock Hill has experienced significant growth as part of the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.
A Buc-ee’s near Interstate 77 could serve both local residents and travelers moving between Charlotte and Columbia. The corridor continues to see increasing traffic volumes and commercial development.
Orangeburg Area (Interstate 26 and Interstate 95)
Orangeburg occupies a strategic position at one of South Carolina’s most important highway intersections.
A location near the Interstate 26 and Interstate 95 junction would provide access to travelers heading toward Charleston, Columbia, Florida and the Northeast. The area offers many of the characteristics Buc-ee’s typically seeks, including available land and heavy interstate traffic.
Less Likely Candidates
Charleston’s growing population and tourism industry make it attractive from a traffic perspective, but development costs and land availability could make other parts of the state more appealing for a large Buc-ee’s project.
Similarly, areas already served by the Florence location along Interstate 95 may be less likely to receive another store due to overlap in coverage.
What Happens Next?
At present, Buc-ee’s has not announced any plans for a third South Carolina location. The company remains focused on completing projects already under construction and evaluating future growth opportunities across the country.
However, South Carolina’s continued population growth, tourism industry and extensive interstate network make it a strong candidate for additional expansion in the future.
If another South Carolina Buc-ee’s is eventually built, the Spartanburg area along Interstate 85, the Columbia region, or the Orangeburg corridor near the intersection of Interstates 26 and 95 appear to be among the most logical locations based on the company’s current site-selection patterns and expansion strategy.
While no official plans exist today, South Carolina remains one of the states where further Buc-ee’s growth would be both practical and plausible.
