OHIO – The highly anticipated arrival of Buc-ee's, the iconic Texas-based travel center in Ohio, now has an updated timeline. Fans in the Buckeye State eagerly awaiting their first taste of Beaver Nuggets and world-famous clean restrooms can mark their calendars for April 2026, the new projected opening for the first-ever Ohio Buc-ee's in Huber Heights. While this represents a slight delay from the initially hoped-for late 2025 debut, the path is now more straightforward for this massive development.
The planned Huber Heights location, a sprawling 74,000-square-foot store, is set to bring the full Buc-ee's experience to Ohio. For the uninitiated, Buc-ee's is renowned for offering a travel center experience unlike any other, featuring:
- Massive Fueling Capacity: Typically 100 to 120 gas pumps, ensuring minimal wait times, alongside 24 EV charging stations.
- Pristine Facilities: The brand's hallmark is its "World's Cleanest Restrooms."
- Abundant Food Offerings: Freshly prepared Texas barbecue (especially brisket), homemade fudge, kolaches, extensive jerky selections, fresh pastries, and the beloved Beaver Nuggets (a sweet corn puff snack).
- Vast Retail Space: Beyond food, Buc-ee's offers thousands of snack, meal, and drink options, unique gifts, apparel featuring the beaver mascot, and home goods.
- 24/7 Operation: Buc-ee's locations are open around the clock, 365 days a year.
Navigating the Road to Opening: Understanding the Delay
The project, which officially broke ground in August 2024, encountered a few "early project hiccups" that led to the revised Spring 2026 target. These included:
- Utility Relocations: The need to relocate power utilities, along with associated redesigns and material lead times, contributed to schedule adjustments.
- Water and Sewer Services Dispute: Construction was also temporarily paused in November 2024 due to a legal dispute between the City of Huber Heights and Clark County regarding water and sewer services. This year-long litigation was resolved in December 2024 or January 2025, allowing construction to resume fully.
Paving the Way: Infrastructure and Progress
To accommodate the significant traffic increase anticipated with Buc-ee's arrival, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has scheduled necessary ramp and thoroughfare upgrades near the site. This includes the temporary closure of the I-70 westbound exit ramp to SR 235 in May 2025 for some of this essential roadwork.
The first Ohio Buc-ees will be strategically located north of Dayton, at the northeast corner of the Interstate 70 and Ohio State Route 235 interchange (often cited as 8000 State Highway 235). This positions it as a convenient and major stop for travelers on the busy I-70 corridor connecting Columbus and Indianapolis.
Economic Impact and Community Excitement
The arrival of Buc-ee's is a significant development for Ohio. It represents an important economic investment in the Huber Heights area and is expected to create at least 200 full-time jobs, offering competitive starting pay and benefits. The anticipation among Ohioans and I-70 travelers for the chance to experience the Buc-ee's phenomenon firsthand continues to build.
While the wait has been extended slightly, the path is now more straightforward for Ohio's inaugural Buc-ee's in Huber Heights. With an anticipated opening in April 2026, residents and travelers can soon look forward to experiencing the legendary clean restrooms, sampling the famous brisket and Beaver Nuggets, and exploring everything this massive, beloved beaver-branded travel center has to offer the Buckeye State.
