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Wawa and Buc-ee’s expanding in NC: Progress in 5 stories

Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Wawa and Buc-ee’s, two popular gas station brands, are expanding into North Carolina. Both brands have significant plans for new locations, but timelines and community responses differ.

Wawa is moving quickly. In Johnston County, new Wawa stores are set to open, including one in Selma. Wawa intends to open 6 to 8 North Carolina locations annually. They emphasize their combination of fresh food and convenience.

Buc-ee’s, meanwhile, faces delays and criticism. The site in Mebane is scheduled to open in 2026. Buc-ee’s plans include a massive 74,000-square-foot store with 120 gas pumps. Criticism focuses on potential environmental impacts and changes to local traffic and community character.

Both companies plan significant developments, with Wawa opening more locations sooner, while Buc-ee’s faces a longer wait and opposition in Mebane.

The Buc-ee’s exit in Mebane has attracted another new project that could add over two dozen retail and restaurant storefronts, 645 apartments, 38 townhomes, and future office and medical buildings on Tollingwood-Hawfields Road, just off Interstates 85/40. By Koury Corporation

NO. 1: MEBANE APPROVES BIG PLAN FOR SHOPS, RESTAURANTS AND APARTMENTS NEAR FUTURE BUC-EE’S

Buc-ee’s won’t open until 2026 or 2027, but the massive travel center is already attracting attention. | Published December 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb

Buc-ee’s first North Carolina store could open by 2026 or 2027, company officials have said, but major improvements must first be made to Trollingwood-Hawfields Road off Interstates 85/40 in Mebane.

NO. 2: BUC-EE’S WILL BRING PEOPLE AND CHANGE TO MEBANE. HERE ARE 6 THINGS TO KNOW IN 2025.

The first step toward construction will expand a bridge across Interstate 85/40 to accommodate thousands of new trips. | Published January 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tammy Grubb

Wawa

NO. 3: THE TRIANGLE’S FIRST WAWA LOCATIONS ARE ON THE WAY. HERE ARE 3 WE KNOW ABOUT RIGHT NOW

Hoagie fans, this one’s for you. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

Buc-ee’s first North Carolina store could open by 2026 or 2027, company officials have said, but major improvements must first be made to Trollingwood-Hawfields Road off Interstates 85/40 in Mebane. By Travis Long

NO. 4: BUC-EE’S IS COMING TO NC, BUT CRITICS REMAIN VOCAL ABOUT MEGA-CENTER’S IMPACT

Buc-ee’s is building one of the world’s largest gas stations in Alamance County. But opponents haven’t had their last say. | Published May 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chantal Allam Tammy Grubb

Wawa

NO. 5: A NEW WAWA HAS SET ITS OPENING DATE IN THE TRIANGLE. WHEN YOU CAN VISIT

The new mega gas station will be one of the brand’s newest in North Carolina. But more are to come this year, Wawa says. | Published June 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.