16 Buc-ee’s Blunders Travelers Make That Tennesseans Spot Right Away

In Tennessee, Buc-ee’s is a way of life. Travelers who don’t know the unspoken rules tend to stand out pretty fast.

It’s not just a pit stop—it’s a place people plan for.

Grab the wrong snack or clog up the brisket line, and you’ll earn a few quiet stares.

Stopping in the Middle of the Aisle to Take Photos

Buc-ee’s is packed with photo-worthy sights, from giant bags of candy to rows of themed merchandise.

It’s tempting to stop and document every moment, but standing in the middle of a busy aisle while you record or pose quickly gets in the way of other shoppers.

Seasoned visitors have places to be. They’re grabbing drinks, picking up snacks, or heading to the bathroom. When you stop suddenly for a selfie, it slows everything down.

If you want to snap a few pictures, just step off to the side and be quick about it. You’ll get your shot without blocking the flow.

Underestimating the Size of the Store

A lot of travelers pull off the highway thinking Buc-ee’s is just a glorified gas station. Then they walk in and realize it’s the size of a small grocery store—sometimes bigger.

There are dozens of aisles, a full bakery, a hot food station, and racks of outdoor gear, clothes, and housewares.

The mistake? Not planning ahead. People who expect to “run in for five minutes” often end up wandering around for half an hour.

If you’re on a tight travel schedule, it’s better to know what you want before you walk through the door. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself lost in a sea of merchandise and snacks.

Hovering Too Long at the Jerky Counter

Buc-ee’s is famous for its jerky counter. You can sample brisket, sausage sticks, and multiple flavors of beef jerky, all freshly prepared.

But indecisive visitors who linger too long can create a jam at one of the busiest parts of the store.

Locals and road trip pros already know their favorites, or they sample quickly and step aside. The staff moves fast, so it helps to be ready with your order.

Take a look, try a piece or two, and don’t treat it like a full-on tasting room. There are plenty of choices, and you can always come back on your next stop.

Treating It Like a Sit-Down Restaurant

The food at Buc-ee’s is surprisingly good. You can grab a brisket sandwich, a pulled pork taco, or even fresh breakfast burritos.

But some travelers make the mistake of treating the place like a restaurant, standing around near food counters or looking for somewhere to eat inside.

Buc-ee’s is built for speed and convenience, not lounging. There are no tables, no waitstaff, and no quiet corners to sit and relax.

If you hang out too long, you’ll be in the way of people trying to order or move through the store. The best option is to grab your food, head back to the car or a rest stop table, and enjoy it there.

Blocking the Fuel Pumps While Shopping Inside

One of the biggest rookie mistakes is parking at a fuel pump and then heading inside for a long visit.

Buc-ee’s is known for having tons of gas pumps, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to tie one up while you shop.

People are usually waiting to fill up, especially during peak travel times. When someone parks and disappears for 20 minutes, it slows everything down.

The better move is to fill up, then re-park in a regular spot if you plan to head inside. That way, you’re not holding up the line or irritating the folks behind you.

Ignoring the Bathroom Etiquette

Buc-ee’s has a reputation for having some of the cleanest restrooms on the road, but that only works if everyone does their part.

Some travelers treat the bathroom like a hotel suite, spreading out their stuff, taking their time, and making a mess.

Regulars know the system: get in, get out, and leave it tidy for the next person. There are plenty of stalls, so there’s no need to linger.

Washing up quickly and keeping the space clean helps preserve the one feature that Buc-ee’s is most famous for.

Assuming Everything Is Cheap Because It’s a Gas Station

Buc-ee’s has snacks, drinks, and gear you won’t find at regular convenience stores, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a bargain.

Some travelers fill their carts thinking everything must be cheap, only to get sticker shock at checkout.

The food is high quality, and the merchandise is fun, but prices can add up fast. From $10 jerky packs to $40 throw blankets, it’s easy to overspend if you’re not paying attention.

The best tip? Enjoy the experience, but shop with a little strategy.

Leaving With Way More Than You Meant to Buy

Between the baked goods, quirky signs, holiday decorations, and oversized snacks, Buc-ee’s is built to tempt you.

Many travelers walk in planning to grab a drink and leave with a bag full of items they didn’t need.

Impulse buys are part of the fun, but if you’re not careful, they’ll drain your road trip budget before you even reach your destination.

Making a quick list or setting a spending limit can help you enjoy the stop without going overboard.

Parking in Oversized Vehicle Spots

Buc-ee’s locations are known for having large, well-planned parking lots, including spaces for RVs, trailers, and buses.

But when regular-sized cars take up those oversized spots, it causes problems for the travelers who actually need them.

These spots are limited, and drivers hauling large rigs or boats can’t easily fit anywhere else. Regulars know to leave those wider spaces open for the folks who need extra room to maneuver.

If you’re in a car or SUV, there are plenty of other options.

Skipping the Bakery Section Entirely

Many first-timers rush toward the barbecue or candy without even glancing at the bakery. That’s a miss.

Buc-ee’s bakery section is packed with fresh kolaches, cinnamon rolls, banana pudding, and homemade fudge that regulars swear by.

If you breeze past it, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the store.

It might not look like much at first glance, but the baked goods are often made fresh onsite and go fast, especially on weekends and holidays.

Wearing the Wrong Shoes for the Stop

This might sound minor, but it’s a surprisingly common issue. Buc-ee’s stores are huge, and walking from one end to the other can feel like a mini workout.

Visitors who wear uncomfortable shoes, or worse, walk around barefoot after a long drive, tend to regret it quickly.

Regulars know it takes more than a quick in-and-out. You’ll be walking, browsing, and maybe waiting in lines.

Comfortable footwear makes a difference, especially if you’re wrangling kids or juggling bags of snacks.

Bringing Pets Inside the Store

While Buc-ee’s is extremely family-friendly, it’s not a pet store.

Only service animals are allowed inside, but that doesn’t stop some travelers from bringing in small dogs or letting pets peek out of backpacks and carriers.

It might seem harmless, but it’s against store policy and can make other customers uncomfortable, especially around food prep areas.

If you’re traveling with a pet, it’s best to take turns entering the store or stick to the outdoor areas for breaks.

Getting in the Way of the Brisket Station Line

One of Buc-ee’s biggest attractions is the brisket station, where staff slice and serve hot barbecue right in front of you.

But travelers who stop to watch, take videos, or ask questions while standing in line can cause delays for everyone else.

The team behind the counter moves fast, and regulars are just trying to get their sandwiches and go.

It’s fine to admire the process, but do it without holding up the folks who are hungry and know what they want.

Treating It Like a Tourist Trap Instead of a Convenience Stop

Buc-ee’s is unique, but it’s still designed to serve people who are on the move.

Some first-time visitors treat it like a sightseeing destination, wandering slowly, pointing at displays, and crowding up spaces just to browse.

Longtime fans love Buc-ee’s, but they treat it like what it is—a super-efficient, clean, well-stocked travel stop.

You can soak up the fun without making it your main event.

Missing the Gas Pump Speed Advantage

One of Buc-ee’s best features is how fast and efficient the gas pumps are. They’re designed to fill your tank quicker than the average station.

But many travelers don’t take advantage of that, and they leave their car sitting long after it’s done fueling.

Locals know to move promptly.

If you linger after the pump clicks off, especially during busy travel times, you’re holding up others and missing one of Buc-ee’s most underrated perks.

Assuming It’s Just for Travelers

Some visitors think Buc-ee’s is only for road trippers passing through, but locals shop there too.