The long-awaited opening of Buc-ee’s first north Alabama location now has a date.
The doors of the Bucc-ee’s in Athens will open 6 a.m. on Nov. 21, the company announced Wednesday.
Buc-ee’s Athens will feature more than 53,470 square feet and offer 120 fueling positions just outside the store with thousands of snack, meal and drink options for travelers on the go, as well as a state-of-the-art car wash.
The new travel center “will also offer the same award-winning restrooms, gas, quality products and excellent service that have won the hearts, trust and business of millions in the South for four decades,” the company said, including fan favorites such as Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky and fresh pastries.
“Alabama has been a great partner to Buc-ee’s, and we expect to continue that success in Athens and Limestone County,” said Stan Beard, director of real estate for Buc-ee’s. “Our first location on I-65 naturally belongs in Athens, one of the friendliest and busiest communities in the Southeast.”
Buc-ee’s is bringing 250 jobs to the area with starting pay ranging between $16 an hour and $22 an hour with full benefits, a 6 percent matching 401k and three weeks of paid vacation.
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said the Bucc-ees “will be a destination stop in Athens.”
“Interstate traffic is a vital part of our tax base, and Buc-ee’s will definitely benefit our economy,” he added. “Buc-ee’s also has a wonderful reputation for customer service and community support. We look forward to a long and successful partnership in Athens.”
Festivities for the company’s newest travel center include a 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting with Athens Mayor Ronnie Athens, Athens Council President Chris Seibert, Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly, Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
The Athens location, at the southeast corner of I-65 and Huntsville Brownsferry Road, is the first Bucc-ee’s in north Alabama and the third location in the state. The company previously opened locations in Loxley and Leeds.
Construction on a fourth Alabama Bucc-ee’s is underway in Auburn.
