Buc-ee's co-founder casts doubt on Illinois expansion over politics
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A Buc-ee's in Colorado. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
Buc-ee's co-founder says politics will increasingly influence where the travel-center giant expands — comments that are drawing pushback in Illinois.
The latest: At a grand opening for a new Buc-ee's in Benton, Arkansas, last week, president and co-founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III said the company would rather build in conservative, "business-friendly" communities.
What he said: "When you find a conservative, business-friendly state with a phenomenal workforce, it makes a difference," Aplin said at the mid-August grand opening.
- "I'm starting to realize life's too short to try to build in places that people don't appreciate what you're bringing," he continued. Aplin suggested Buc-ee's would increasingly consider the politics of state and local leaders when choosing where to expand.
- "That idea of a conservative, business-friendly, family-oriented concept works so much better if it trickles down from the very leadership from the top at the governor's office, at the congressman, at senator, at the mayor, the representatives," he said.
Zoom in: That quote didn't sit well with Democratic leaders in Illinois, including Gov. JB Pritzker.
- "Illinois is the proud home of so many thriving businesses, not least of all the crown jewel of I-55, Wally's in Pontiac," JB for Governor campaign spokesperson Alex Gough tells Axios. "What Illinois needs in a Governor is someone with a demonstrated record of attracting business and growing the economy."
Between the lines: Buc-ee's expansion map doesn't break neatly along partisan lines.
- It currently has 58 locations and is in the midst of a major expansion into states including Florida, Tennessee and Mississippi — as well as more politically competitive states like Colorado and Wisconsin.
One wrinkle: Buc-ee's is moving forward with a location in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, less than 100 miles from Chicago, despite Wisconsin having a Democratic governor and U.S. senator.
- When recently asked about expansion into Illinois, Buc-ee's representatives said the company has no plans to open there.
Zoom out: Buc-ee's isn't the first company to inject politics into its business strategy. Brands including Patagonia and Wisconsin-based Penzeys Spices have openly embraced progressive causes, even at the risk of alienating conservative customers.
- But Aplin's comments are different: He's not telling Democrats not to shop at Buc-ee's. He's suggesting politics could help determine where the company invests and creates jobs.
The other side: Illinois Republicans seized on Aplin's comments to criticize Pritzker and Democrats over what they say is the state's anti-business climate.
- "Over the last eight years, JB Pritzker upended Illinois' economy and cleared the path for businesses and families to flee our state; now Buc-ee's is the latest company to take one look at Illinois and RUN in the opposite direction," Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey's campaign spokesperson tells Axios.
Reality check: Illinois ranks No. 12 in CNBC's 2026 Top States for Business ranking, its highest position ever and up from No. 30 when Pritzker took office in 2019.
What's next: Buc-ee's says its Wisconsin location is expected to open next year.