NORTH CAROLINA - It’s official: dirt is moving in Mebane. After years of anticipation, site withdrawals, and marathon city council meetings, construction is finally visible at the site of North Carolina's first Buc-ee’s. However, eager Tar Heel fans will need to hold their cravings a little longer, as the opening timeline has shifted from late 2026 to Summer 2027.
Location & Progress
The site is located in Mebane (Alamance County) at Exit 152 off Interstates 40/85 (Trollingwood-Hawfields Road).
- Current Status: As of January 2026, heavy machinery has been grading and leveling the 32-acre property. While vertical construction of the massive store has not yet peaked, the site preparation confirms that the project is definitely a "go" following its unanimous approval by the Mebane City Council in early 2024.
- The Delay: The shift to a 2027 opening is largely due to extensive roadway improvements required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). To handle the expected traffic, the Trollingwood-Hawfields Road interchange is being reconfigured (potentially into a diverging diamond pattern) and bridge ramps are being widened.
Scale: Bigger Than Average
North Carolina isn't just getting a Buc-ee’s; it’s getting one of the largest models in the fleet.
- Size: 75,400 square feet (larger than the standard 50,000 sq ft models seen in other states).
- Fuel: 120 fueling positions.
- EV Charging: The site will include 24 electric vehicle charging stations at launch.
- Parking: Over 650 parking spots (with the strict "no 18-wheelers" rule in full effect).
Economic & Community Impact
The project is set to become a major economic engine for Alamance County.
- Jobs: Buc-ee’s plans to hire 225 full-time employees, with starting pay expected to range from $18 to $21 per hour, plus full benefits and 401(k) matching.
- The Neighbors: The arrival of the travel center has already sparked a development boom at Exit 152. A 128,000-square-foot Target and other retail spaces are currently under construction nearby, transforming the interchange into a major regional shopping hub.
Lingering Controversy
Despite the green light, opposition remains vocal. Local environmental groups and the indigenous-led organization 7 Directions of Service continue to raise concerns. They argue the site impacts the historic Occaneechi Trading Path and poses environmental risks to the nearby watershed. While these objections have not halted construction, they remain a part of the ongoing local conversation as the massive structure begins to rise.
For now, NC drivers passing Exit 152 can see the future taking shape, but they’ll have to wait until May 2027 to fill their cups with brisket and Beaver Nuggets.
