Gas station Buc-ee's breaks ground on first Florida location

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Famous gas station chain Buc-ee's is coming to Florida.

Executives from the Texas-based chain were joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to break ground on what has been dubbed as way more than a gas station.  

"It's not like they're just selling gas and potato chips," said Gov. DeSantis. 

The gas station and convenience store, which is praised for their food, clean bathrooms, and friendliness, will reportedly make their Daytona debut in early 2021 at the corner of Interstate 95 and LPGA Boulevard. 

"It's equal parts convenience store, fresh fruit deli and bakery, barbecue joint, sporting goods store, local boutique with the friendliest service," said Gov. DeSantis.

Buc-ee's said that the new location will be a 50,000 square-foot travel center with 120 fueling positions and thousands of snack and food options, including Texas barbeque, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets, jerky, and fresh pastries.

"We're excited to break ground in Daytona Beach and provide people with a world-class option for their travel needs along the highway," said Jeff Nadalo, of Buc-ee's.

The governor and local leaders believe Buc-ee's will be a major boost for Volusia County.  The company will be hiring 200 plus workers and paying them between $14-$15 per hour.  Full time employees will be offered full benefits, 401k and three weeks of vacation.  

Buc-ee's has an extensive selection of sweet snacks, but folks love their brisket and beef jerky.  Their Texas stores are said to bring in 100,000 customers a week, with many making it a destination amid their travels. 

The Daytona Beach location is expected to take more than a year to build.

MOBILE USERS: Click here to watch groundbreaking ceremony

Buc-ee's gas stations are from Texas but have started expanding to other states, including Alabama and now Florida. The Daytona Beach store will be the chain's 40th location.

This story was written in Orlando, Florida.