News Summary
Oak Creek, Wisconsin recently approved plans for the state’s first Buc-ee’s convenience store, set to be a massive 24-hour travel center. Spanning over 73,000 square feet and featuring 120 gas pumps, this location will accommodate significant traffic and create hundreds of jobs. While local residents have raised concerns about increased traffic and noise, city officials remain optimistic about the benefits for the community.
Oak Creek, Wisconsin is set to welcome the first Buc-ee’s convenience store in the state, as the City of Oak Creek Plan Commission has unanimously approved plans to build a travel center at the intersection of I-94 and Elm Road on the city’s southwest side. This development will feature a massive 24-hour travel center spanning over 73,000 square feet of retail space.
The new Buc-ee’s location aims to accommodate significant traffic, featuring two fuel canopies designed to handle around 10,000 vehicles per day. With an expected employment figure of roughly 200 to 250 full-time staff members, this store is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities within the community.
Despite these positives, some community members have raised concerns regarding potential increases in tourist traffic and noise pollution. A resident expressed worries about the projected impact on the neighborhood, with estimates suggesting that the location could see up to 20,000 cars daily.
A legal challenge posed by a local group, Oak Creek Neighbors United, aimed at obstructing Buc-ee’s construction was dismissed by a Milwaukee County judge in August, clearing another hurdle for the project. The Plan Commission continues to advocate for the Buc-ee’s development, viewing the chain as a promising corporate partner that could yield tax benefits for the city.
City officials, including Mayor Dan Bukiewicz, have acknowledged the changes that come with such developments but maintain a positive outlook on the benefits it could bring to the community. Next steps for Buc-ee’s involve closing on the property and proceeding with the necessary permit process.
Set to open in early 2027, the Oak Creek Buc-ee’s will mark a significant milestone as the franchise’s first location in Wisconsin. Buc-ee’s, founded in Texas, has cultivated a devoted customer base known for its spacious and unique retail experience. The recently opened Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas, holds the title of the largest convenience store in the world, measuring 75,000 square feet with an abundance of offerings.
The Oak Creek store will also feature 120 gas pumps, alongside electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, catering to the evolving needs of travelers. Previous plans for a Buc-ee’s store in DeForest, Wisconsin faced delays due to contentious discussions surrounding infrastructure funding, underlining the challenges the chain has encountered in its Midwest expansion.
Buc-ee’s is widely recognized for its extensive product selection, which includes snacks, apparel, and an array of food items such as barbecue and baked goods. The chain is particularly known for maintaining some of the cleanest restrooms in the industry, a factor that contributes to its appeal among travelers.
As Buc-ee’s aims to further expand its presence in the Midwest, local officials express optimism about the benefits that the store may provide to Oak Creek and surrounding areas. With the plans now in motion, the community eagerly anticipates the arrival of this renowned convenience store chain.
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Additional Resources
- WTMJ News
- Wikipedia: Buc-ee’s
- Milwaukee Magazine
- Google Search: Buc-ee’s Oak Creek
- Fox6 Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Convenience Store
- Chron
- Google News: Buc-ee’s Wisconsin
- JSONline
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
