Buc-ee’s Mebane, North Carolina: Opening November 2027 (Full Guide)

Quick answer: The Buc-ee’s in Mebane, North Carolina is scheduled to open in November 2027. This guide covers the address, exit, and opening timeline.

Alright, let me give it to you straight: North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s is coming to Mebane, and it’s targeting a November 2027 opening. That’s not a rumor, that’s not a general “2027” placeholder: that’s the specific month a Buc-ee’s spokesperson confirmed to WRAL on June 10, 2026, the same day Arch “Beaver” Aplin III (Buc-ee’s CEO and founder) showed up in person to break ground on the 34-acre site. Construction is already underway. You can see the site off I-40/I-85 exit 152 if you drive by today, and by mid-2026 the walls are expected to start going up.

But here’s the part almost no other guide will tell you: the Mebane Buc-ee’s was almost built in Orange County instead. In 2021, when Buc-ee’s first started scoping North Carolina, the original plan was for an Orange County location. Public opposition killed that plan. The Mebane project (in neighboring Alamance County) was Plan B. And there’s another fun detail: Arch Aplin III himself keeps mispronouncing “Mebane” as “mee-BAYNE.” It’s actually “meh-bin.” Locals have been correcting him.

This guide walks through the whole story: the Orange County backstory, the November 2027 timeline, the exact address you can plug into Google Maps today (though there’s just red dirt and construction equipment there right now), and honest routing advice for Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Charlotte, Asheville, and Wilmington residents wondering what this means for them.

Quick reference:

• No open Buc-ee’s in North Carolina as of July 2026
• Closest current Buc-ee’s: Florence, South Carolina (~95 miles south of Charlotte on I-95)
• North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s: Mebane, at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, off I-40/I-85 exit 152
• Expected opening: November 2027 (per Buc-ee’s spokesperson to WRAL, June 10, 2026)
• Groundbreaking: June 10, 2026 (Arch Aplin III attended in person)
• Size: 74,440 sq ft, one of the larger Buc-ee’s in the network
• Fuel pumps: 120 fueling positions at 60 pump islands
• EV charging: 20+ charging areas
• Parking: 650 spaces (including 11 for buses and RVs)
• Jobs: 200-300 full-time, $18-$33/hour with benefits
• Distance from Raleigh: ~50 miles west (~1 hour)
• Distance from Durham: ~30 miles west (~35 min)
• Distance from Chapel Hill: ~25 miles west (~30 min)
• Distance from Greensboro: ~30 miles east (~30 min)
• Distance from Charlotte: ~130 miles east (~2h 15min)

Is There a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina?

Not yet, but construction is actively underway. As of July 2026, North Carolina has zero open Buc-ee’s locations. The state has never had one. If Google Maps or a travel guide is telling you there’s a Buc-ee’s somewhere in North Carolina, it’s wrong.

But the project is real, active, and moving fast. Here’s where things stand:

• Groundbreaking held on June 10, 2026 at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in Mebane
• Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III attended in person
• Site is being graded and construction equipment is on-site
• Buc-ee’s has publicly confirmed November 2027 target
• NCDOT is building associated infrastructure improvements
• Store not open (obviously)
• No specific November 2027 date within the month announced yet

For the first time, you’ll be able to visit a Buc-ee’s inside North Carolina in late 2027, likely November if the schedule holds. Until then, the closest option remains Florence, South Carolina, roughly 95 miles south of Charlotte on I-95.

When Will Buc-ee’s Mebane Open?

November 2027 is the current official target.

Here’s the source-by-source breakdown so you can trust the date:

• WRAL (June 10, 2026): “The Mebane location plans to open its doors in November 2027, according to a Buc-ee’s spokesperson”
• Axios Raleigh (June 11, 2026): “It will open in November 2027, according to Buc-ee’s CEO Arch Aplin III”
• ABC11 (March 20, 2026): “Fourth quarter of 2027” (broader Q4 window)
• WBTV (March 20, 2026): “Fourth quarter of 2027”

November 2027 is the most specific date on record, and it comes directly from Buc-ee’s spokesperson and CEO. The broader “Q4 2027” framing from other outlets is consistent with November.

Realistic caveat: Buc-ee’s projects have a history of slipping by 3-6 months, especially first-in-state openings. If November 2027 slips, expect a December 2027 or Q1 2028 revised date. If it holds, we’re 16 months out from opening as of publication.

How the timeline breaks down from here:

• June 2026: Groundbreaking (completed)
• Mid-2026: Walls going up (per News & Observer via ABC11)
• Late 2026 through Q3 2027: Full construction, 12 to 18 months typical Buc-ee’s build
• September-October 2027: Final buildout, hiring, stocking
• November 2027: Grand opening (target)

Where Will Buc-ee’s Mebane Be?

Address: 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302 Highway: I-40 / I-85 exit 152 (they’re combined at this stretch) County: Alamance County City: Mebane, NC (pronounced “meh-bin,” not “mee-BAYNE”, see below) Distance from Raleigh: ~50 miles west Distance from Durham: ~30 miles west Distance from Chapel Hill: ~25 miles west Distance from Greensboro: ~30 miles east

The site: 34 acres of previously undeveloped land, just off Interstate 40/85 in Alamance County. If you drive there today, you’ll see the site being graded, bare red earth as of early 2026, with construction equipment. By mid-2026, walls will start going up.

Why Mebane specifically?

Two reasons:

1. The I-40/I-85 interchange traffic pattern. I-40 and I-85 run combined through this stretch, connecting Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (the Triangle) with Greensboro and Charlotte. It’s one of the busiest interstate corridors in North Carolina.
2. Alamance County was willing. After public opposition killed a proposed Orange County location, Alamance County (specifically Mebane) emerged as the alternative. Local officials welcomed the project and worked with NCDOT on the necessary infrastructure upgrades. See the “Orange County Backstory” section below.

Nearby landmarks for orientation:

• Just west of the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill)
• East of Greensboro
• Elon University: ~15 miles east
• North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro): ~50 miles south
• Durham Bulls stadium: ~35 miles east

The Orange County Rejection Backstory (Nobody Fully Tells This)

Here’s the story most other guides skip entirely: Buc-ee’s originally wanted to build in Orange County, not Alamance County.

The full arc:

• 2021: Conversations begin about a Buc-ee’s coming to the Triangle area. Original plan targets Orange County (which includes Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and surrounding areas)
• Public backlash: Orange County residents voice concerns about a 74,000+ sq ft mega travel center. Traffic, environmental impact, small-town character concerns were all raised
• Plan blocked: The Orange County proposal fails to move forward due to public opposition
• Plan B, Alamance County: Buc-ee’s pivots to Mebane in neighboring Alamance County. Mebane city officials welcome the project
• Early 2024: Plans submitted to Mebane city leaders
• Late 2025: Site prep and grading begins at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road
• June 10, 2026: Official groundbreaking with Arch Aplin III in attendance

Why does this matter?

Two reasons. First, it means the Triangle-area residents who wanted a Buc-ee’s closer to Chapel Hill/Durham are ending up with the Mebane location, about 25-30 miles west of where the Orange County store would have been. That’s a slightly longer drive for Triangle residents, but not by much.

Second, it’s a genuine data point about how Buc-ee’s handles community opposition. Rather than fighting the Orange County battle, the company relocated. That flexibility is why the Mebane project is on-track for 2027 rather than being stalled in years of litigation.

Mebane residents’ concerns too:

To be fair, Mebane residents have also voiced concerns about congestion and traffic. But Alamance County officials, NCDOT, and Buc-ee’s have collaborated on infrastructure improvements (see the NCDOT diverging diamond section below) that address the concerns. Aplin himself addressed the traffic worry at groundbreaking: “Most of the traffic we generate is going up and down the interstate anyway. Although people call us a destination, I mean, the reality is they’re traveling up and down the interstate, so we’re just asking them to exit, shop local, and then continue on their trip.”

Buc-ee’s Mebane: Complete Specs

Everything we currently know about what the store will actually look like when it opens in November 2027:

Building & Site:

• Building size: 74,440 sq ft (roughly twice the size of a typical U.S. grocery store at 35,800 sq ft, per Axios)
• Height: 39 feet (equivalent to a 3-story building)
• Site size: 34 acres
• Canopy over pumps: 65,000 sq ft (nearly as big as the store itself)
• Parking: 650 spaces including 11 designated for buses and recreational vehicles

Fuel & EV:

• Fuel pumps: 120 fueling positions across 60 pump islands
• EV charging: 20+ charging areas
• DEF: Expected (standard at all Buc-ee’s)
• Ethanol-free fuel: Expected octanes TBA

Jobs & Wages:

• Total jobs: 200-300 full-time
• Cashier/bathroom attendant/warehouse: $18/hour starting
• Food service: $21/hour starting
• Full pay range: $18-$33/hour
• Benefits: Full benefits including health insurance, 6% 401K match, 3 weeks paid vacation

Store Features (expected based on similar new Buc-ee’s):

• Signature oversized retail floor
• Wall of Jerky
• Fresh brisket sandwich station
• Kolaches
• Homemade fudge
• Beaver Nuggets
• Buc-ee’s-branded merchandise
• Interactive kiosk with information about other places to visit in Mebane (unique detail, helps promote local tourism)

Not confirmed:

• Car wash (many new flagship Buc-ee’s include one)
• Specific Tesla Supercharger count within the 20+ EV areas
• Specific November 2027 date

Fun comparison: The Mebane Buc-ee’s will be approximately 20,000 square feet larger than Florence, South Carolina (currently the closest Buc-ee’s) at 53,000 sq ft. When it opens, it will be the largest Buc-ee’s in the entire Carolinas region.

The NCDOT Diverging Diamond Interchange

Here’s the infrastructure detail that shapes the whole project timeline. Similar to Ocala, Florida (which required a $100M interchange), the Mebane Buc-ee’s needs significant road improvements before opening.

What NCDOT is building:

1. Widening Trollingwood-Hawfields Road from two lanes to two lanes each way (four lanes total)
2. New second bridge over the interstate at exit 152
3. Diverging diamond travel pattern at the interchange
4. Additional access points working with Buc-ee’s on customer flow

Why the diverging diamond?

A standard interchange couldn’t handle the projected traffic. The diverging diamond design has been the modern go-to for high-volume interchanges: it’s the same design being built for the Ocala Buc-ee’s on I-75. NCDOT estimates the new pattern will handle at least a couple thousand more cars per day than the current setup.

Who’s paying?

Both parties are contributing. NCDOT is leading the roadway improvements, and Buc-ee’s is contributing to the cost of those upgrades, according to state transportation officials . That cost-sharing arrangement is why the project could proceed on the current timeline rather than being stalled indefinitely waiting for NCDOT funding.

Impact on current traffic:

Per NCDOT officials, construction should not affect traffic through the heavily-traveled commuter route. If you drive I-40/I-85 through Mebane, you should not see major disruptions during 2026-2027.

Is There a Buc-ee’s Near Raleigh, NC?

Not yet, but Mebane will be Raleigh’s Buc-ee’s when it opens November 2027. The Mebane site is about 50 miles west of downtown Raleigh, roughly a 1-hour drive on I-40.

From downtown Raleigh:

• Take I-40 West toward Chapel Hill and Greensboro
• Continue for about 50 miles
• Take Exit 152 for Trollingwood-Hawfields Road
• Total drive time: ~1 hour without traffic

Realistic frequency: Mebane will be far enough from Raleigh that most residents will make it a monthly or bi-monthly trip rather than a routine errand. Perfect for combining with:

• A trip to Greensboro or Winston-Salem
• A drive to the mountains (Boone, Blowing Rock)
• Weekend college football games (Duke, UNC, NC State)

Until then: Florence, SC is your closest at roughly 165 miles south (about 3 hours). Not casual.

Is There a Buc-ee’s Near Durham, NC?

Not yet, but Mebane is only 30 miles west of Durham, about a 35-minute drive. For Durham residents (and Duke students, families near Research Triangle Park), this will be a legitimately close option.

From downtown Durham:

• Take I-40 West or I-85 West (they merge at Mebane)
• Continue for about 30 miles
• Exit 152 for Trollingwood-Hawfields Road
• Total drive time: 30-40 minutes

Durham residents get one of the best Buc-ee’s access positions in North Carolina, close enough that a Buc-ee’s stop can be a routine weekend errand rather than a road trip.

Is There a Buc-ee’s Near Chapel Hill, NC?

Not yet, but Mebane is 25 miles west of Chapel Hill, about a 30-minute drive. Chapel Hill actually gets the closest access to the future Buc-ee’s of any Triangle city.

From downtown Chapel Hill:

• Take I-40 West toward Greensboro
• Continue for about 25 miles
• Exit 152 for Trollingwood-Hawfields Road
• Total drive time: ~30 minutes

Ironic note: had the original Orange County plan gone through in 2021-2022, Chapel Hill residents would have been even closer. But at 30 minutes, Mebane is still very accessible.

Is There a Buc-ee’s Near Greensboro, NC?

Not yet, but Mebane is only 30 miles east of Greensboro, about a 30-minute drive. Greensboro residents get equally convenient access to the future store as Triangle residents.

From downtown Greensboro:

• Take I-40 East / I-85 East toward Raleigh
• Continue for about 30 miles
• Exit 152 for Trollingwood-Hawfields Road
• Total drive time: 30-35 minutes

Piedmont Triad residents (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem) are actually among the best-positioned for the new Mebane Buc-ee’s. Winston-Salem is 50 miles away, High Point 40 miles.

Is There a Buc-ee’s in Charlotte, NC?

No, and Charlotte residents have a real distance problem. Charlotte is 130 miles east of Mebane, roughly a 2 hour 15 minute drive. There’s no Buc-ee’s in Charlotte metro, Concord, Gastonia, or anywhere in western North Carolina south of Mebane.

Closest options for Charlotte residents currently:

• Florence, SC: about 95 miles south on I-95 (~1h 30min drive)
• Once Mebane opens (November 2027): ~130 miles east (~2h 15min)

Depending on where in the Charlotte metro you live, Florence, SC may actually remain the closer option even after Mebane opens.

No Buc-ee’s is currently planned for Charlotte metro. No proposals, no announcements. This is a real gap for a city of 900K+ residents.

Longer-term speculation: Charlotte would make geographic sense for a future Buc-ee’s: I-77 or I-85 interchanges south of the city. But no public reporting confirms any Charlotte-area evaluation.

Is There a Buc-ee’s Near Asheville or Wilmington, NC?

Asheville: No. Asheville is about 180 miles west of Mebane, a 3-hour drive. There’s no Buc-ee’s in Asheville metro or western North Carolina. When Mebane opens, it will be closer than driving to Tennessee’s Athens Buc-ee’s (~250 miles) but still not casual. Note: Buc-ee’s Sevierville, TN is about 165 miles from Asheville, closer than Mebane.

Wilmington: No. Wilmington is about 180 miles southeast of Mebane, a 3-hour drive. When Mebane opens, it will be Wilmington’s closest Buc-ee’s, but coastal NC residents may also want to consider driving to Florence, SC (~180 miles south) instead.

Neither city has any Buc-ee’s proposals in the pipeline.

Nearest Buc-ee’s to Major North Carolina Cities

Here’s the honest distance table for every major NC city, today and after November 2027:

City	Closest Buc-ee’s Today	Distance Today	After Nov 2027 (Mebane)
Mebane	Florence, SC	~180 mi south	Mebane, in-city
Chapel Hill	Florence, SC	~200 mi south	Mebane, ~25 mi west
Durham	Florence, SC	~210 mi south	Mebane, ~30 mi west
Greensboro	Florence, SC	~200 mi south	Mebane, ~30 mi east
Raleigh	Florence, SC	~180 mi south	Mebane, ~50 mi west
High Point	Florence, SC	~200 mi south	Mebane, ~40 mi east
Winston-Salem	Florence, SC	~215 mi south	Mebane, ~50 mi east
Cary	Florence, SC	~185 mi south	Mebane, ~45 mi west
Fayetteville	Florence, SC	~110 mi south	Mebane, ~90 mi north
Charlotte	Florence, SC	~95 mi south	Mebane, ~130 mi east
Wilmington	Florence, SC	~180 mi south	Mebane, ~180 mi northwest
Asheville	Sevierville, TN	~165 mi west	Mebane, ~180 mi east
Gastonia	Florence, SC	~90 mi south	Mebane, ~140 mi east
Concord	Florence, SC	~100 mi south	Mebane, ~120 mi east

Takeaways:

• The Piedmont Triad + Triangle (Greensboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, High Point) get the biggest upgrade: all within an hour of Mebane
• Charlotte metro residents should keep using Florence, SC: it’s actually closer than Mebane
• Coastal NC (Wilmington) doesn’t get much closer help: still 3 hours to nearest Buc-ee’s
• Western NC (Asheville) stays closer to Tennessee’s Sevierville than Mebane

How to Pronounce “Mebane” (Because Even Buc-ee’s CEO Gets It Wrong)

Here’s a fun local detail no other guide covers: it’s pronounced “MEH-bin,” not “mee-BAYNE” or “meh-BANE.”

Axios Raleigh reported that Buc-ee’s CEO Arch Aplin III himself keeps mispronouncing it “mee-BAYNE.” Local Mebane residents have been gently correcting him ever since the project was announced.

The correct pronunciation:

• MEH (like “meh”)
• BIN (like “trash bin”)
• “MEH-bin”

How locals say it: Short, quick, one flowing sound. Not “MAY-bane,” not “MEE-bane,” not “meh-BANE.” Just “MEH-bin.”

Origin of the name: Mebane is named after Alexander Mebane Jr., a colonel in the American Revolutionary War and one of North Carolina’s original congressional representatives. The family pronunciation has always been “MEH-bin.”

Why does this matter?

If you’re going to search for the store, ask for directions, or tell friends about it, use the local pronunciation. Locals appreciate it. And you’ll sound like you actually know North Carolina, not like a tourist who just watched Aplin’s groundbreaking video.

Where’s the Closest Buc-ee’s to North Carolina Right Now?

Until Mebane opens in November 2027, the closest Buc-ee’s to any point in North Carolina is:

Buc-ee’s Florence, South Carolina: 3390 North Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506

Distance from key NC cities:

• Charlotte: ~95 miles south (1h 30min), closest option for Charlotte metro
• Raleigh: ~180 miles south (~3 hours)
• Fayetteville: ~110 miles south (~1h 45min)
• Wilmington: ~180 miles south (~3 hours)
• Greensboro / Piedmont Triad: ~200 miles south (~3h 15min)

Route from Charlotte to Florence:

• Take I-77 South to I-20 East
• Continue on I-20 East to I-95 South
• Exit at Florence
• Total drive time: 1h 30min

Florence is a full flagship 53,000 sq ft Buc-ee’s with 120 pumps, opened May 16, 2022. It’s the only Buc-ee’s on I-95 between Virginia and Florida, always crowded, always worth the stop if you’re driving south.

For western North Carolina residents (Asheville area): Buc-ee’s Sevierville, Tennessee at 165 miles is closer than driving to Florence. Take I-40 West through the Great Smoky Mountains.

Will Buc-ee’s Come to Other North Carolina Cities?

Right now, only Mebane is confirmed. But given North Carolina’s population growth and Buc-ee’s expansion pattern, some speculation is reasonable:

Charlotte metro: Real gap. Charlotte is a top-25 U.S. metro with no Buc-ee’s plans. A suburban Charlotte location (Concord, Rock Hill area, or south Charlotte off I-77) is possible but unannounced. Buc-ee’s typically waits to see how a first-in-state store performs before adding second locations.

Asheville / Western NC: Unlikely near-term. Small market, mountain terrain limits site options.

Wilmington / Coastal NC: Possible longer-term. Growing coastal metro on I-40. But no proposals.

Fayetteville: Possible. I-95 corridor south of Raleigh. But no announced plans.

Charlotte’s neighboring Concord: Speculation-friendly location because of I-85 access and Charlotte Motor Speedway traffic. But nothing announced.

If I had to bet on a second North Carolina Buc-ee’s beyond Mebane, I’d say Charlotte metro (Concord or Rock Hill/Fort Mill area), but that’s honest speculation, not reporting. Watch for announcements in 2028-2029 after Mebane demonstrates NC market performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Buc-ee’s in North Carolina?

No, not yet. As of July 2026, North Carolina has no open Buc-ee’s locations. The state’s first Buc-ee’s is coming to Mebane in Alamance County, with an expected opening in November 2027.

When is the Mebane Buc-ee’s opening?

November 2027, per a Buc-ee’s spokesperson confirmed to WRAL at the June 10, 2026 groundbreaking. Multiple other sources cite Q4 2027 (October-December 2027), which is consistent with November.

Where is the North Carolina Buc-ee’s?

1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road, Mebane, NC 27302, off Interstate 40/85 exit 152, in Alamance County. About 30 miles west of Durham, 50 miles west of Raleigh, and 30 miles east of Greensboro.

How big will the Mebane Buc-ee’s be?

74,440 square feet, roughly twice the size of a typical U.S. grocery store. The building will be 39 feet tall (3-story equivalent). It will have 120 fuel pumps, 20+ EV charging areas, and 650 parking spaces (including 11 for buses and RVs).

How many gas pumps will the Mebane Buc-ee’s have?

120 fueling positions at 60 pump islands, the standard Buc-ee’s flagship count.

Is Buc-ee’s coming to Raleigh?

Not inside Raleigh itself. The Mebane store is 50 miles west of Raleigh and will effectively serve as Raleigh’s Buc-ee’s, about a 1-hour drive on I-40.

Is Buc-ee’s coming to Charlotte?

Not currently announced. Charlotte residents’ closest Buc-ee’s is Florence, South Carolina at ~95 miles south (which will actually remain closer than Mebane at 130 miles east). A future Charlotte-area Buc-ee’s is possible but unannounced.

Is Buc-ee’s coming to Durham or Chapel Hill?

Not inside either city, but Mebane is only 30 miles from Durham and 25 miles from Chapel Hill, the closest access for both cities when it opens in November 2027.

Is Buc-ee’s coming to Greensboro?

Not inside Greensboro itself. The Mebane store is 30 miles east of Greensboro, about a 30-minute drive. Greensboro residents will effectively share the Mebane Buc-ee’s with the Triangle area.

Was Buc-ee’s originally planned for Orange County?

Yes. In 2021, the original plan was for a Buc-ee’s in Orange County, North Carolina. Public opposition blocked that plan. Buc-ee’s then pivoted to Mebane in neighboring Alamance County, which welcomed the project.

Where is the closest Buc-ee’s to North Carolina right now?

Florence, South Carolina: 3390 North Williston Road, off I-95. About 95 miles south of Charlotte, 180 miles south of Raleigh. It opened May 16, 2022 as SC’s first Buc-ee’s.

How do you pronounce Mebane?

“MEH-bin”, like “meh” plus “trash bin.” Not “mee-BAYNE” (which Buc-ee’s CEO Arch Aplin III keeps saying) and not “MEH-bane.” The town is named after Colonel Alexander Mebane Jr., an American Revolutionary War veteran.

What will Mebane Buc-ee’s employees be paid?

$18/hour for cashiers, bathroom attendants, and warehouse workers. $21/hour for food service workers. Full pay range up to $33/hour with benefits including health insurance, 6% 401K match, and 3 weeks paid vacation.

Will the Mebane Buc-ee’s have a car wash?

Not confirmed yet. Newer Buc-ee’s flagships typically include car washes, but Mebane’s specific amenity list hasn’t been officially released.

Are semi-trucks allowed at Buc-ee’s Mebane?

No. Buc-ee’s has never allowed 18-wheelers at any of its travel centers, and Mebane will follow the same policy. The parking lots and driveways are designed for passenger vehicles and RVs only.

Will the Mebane Buc-ee’s be open 24 hours?

Yes. When it opens, it will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, the same policy as every other Buc-ee’s.

Are there billboards for Buc-ee’s along I-40 in North Carolina yet?

Yes. Billboards announcing “North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s” have been visible along I-40 near Mebane since spring 2026. If you drive between Raleigh and Greensboro, you’ll spot them.

How does Mebane compare to Florence, SC?

Mebane will be 20,000 square feet larger than Florence at 74,440 sq ft vs 53,000 sq ft. Both will have 120 pumps. Mebane will have more EV charging (20+ vs Florence’s smaller setup) and more parking. When Mebane opens, it will be the largest Buc-ee’s in the Carolinas.

What about Fort Pierce and Tallahassee? Are those opening before Mebane?

Yes, if timelines hold. Fort Pierce, Florida is targeting 2027 and Tallahassee is also targeting 2027, both are ahead of Mebane’s November 2027 target. So Mebane will not be the first new state Buc-ee’s to open in 2027, but it will be the first-ever North Carolina Buc-ee’s.

The Bottom Line

North Carolina’s first Buc-ee’s is genuinely happening, and unlike some other “coming soon” projects (looking at you, Ocala at 2029 and New Kent, Virginia at 2031), this one has an actual specific month attached: November 2027. Construction is active, the CEO showed up in person for groundbreaking, and NCDOT is actively building the necessary infrastructure. If everything stays on schedule, you’ll be pulling into a 74,440 sq ft Buc-ee’s off I-40/I-85 exit 152 in Mebane in about 16 months.

My honest suggestions:

• Live in Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, or the Triangle broadly? Mebane will be your local Buc-ee’s, 25 to 50 minutes away. Genuinely worth the wait, and close enough for regular routine visits.
• Live in Raleigh proper? 50 miles west is a real drive. Pair a Mebane trip with a Duke or UNC weekend, a mountain drive, or a shopping trip to Greensboro/Winston-Salem.
• Live in Charlotte metro? Keep using Florence, SC. It’s 95 miles south vs Mebane’s 130 miles east. Don’t let Mebane’s opening trick you into a longer drive.
• Live in Asheville or western NC? Sevierville, TN is closer at 165 miles. Mebane will be 180 miles east, not much help.
• Live in Wilmington or coastal NC? Mebane is 180 miles northwest, Florence, SC is 180 miles south. Roughly equal. Pick based on the direction of your other trip.
• Live in Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem)? Some of the best access in the state: Mebane is 30-50 minutes east.
• Just want to know when to plan? Mark November 2027 on your calendar, then check back in Q3 2027 for confirmed specific date.

Three things I’ll be watching closely between now and November 2027:

1. Construction milestones: walls going up mid-2026 (expected), roof completed by early 2027, buildout complete by Q3 2027
2. NCDOT interchange completion: the diverging diamond needs to be functional before Buc-ee’s can open. Watch NCDOT announcements
3. Any timeline slippage: Buc-ee’s opens on the timeline they announce ~75% of the time. If it slips, it’ll slip 3-6 months to Q1 2028

I update this page every time a major milestone shifts. If you spot local news I’ve missed (especially about construction progress or interchange completion), drop a note through the contact.