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Arch "Beaver" Aplin III Prioritizes Conservative States for Buc-ee's Expansion

Arch "Beaver" Aplin III, the co-founder and CEO of Buc-ee's, announced a strategic shift toward prioritizing conservative, business-friendly states for the travel center chain's expansion. During the grand opening of the 58th location in Benton, Arkansas, Aplin stated that the company prefers to build in regions where the local leadership and workforce appreciate the brand's offerings. He noted that a conservative, family-oriented concept works most effectively when it trickles down from top-level leadership, including governors and representatives. While Buc-ee's is growing across many regions, Aplin indicated that life is too short to build in areas where the brand is not fully appreciated. This preference aligns with the company's current footprint, which includes 13 states, with Colorado being the only solidly blue state. The expansion continues to be supported by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who noted that businesses and individuals are fleeing liberal states in favor of red states. The chain plans to open new locations in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kansas by 2027.

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