The new Buc-ee’s tied to this headline is planned for West Memphis, Arkansas—not Memphis, Tennessee. It would be the second proposed location within driving distance of the Memphis area, alongside a separate planned store near Gallaway, Tennessee. The West Memphis opening, once targeted for 2025, is now reported for June or summer 2028; that remains a projection, not a confirmed opening date.
Where is the new Buc-ee’s near Memphis?
The proposed store is in West Memphis, Arkansas, across the Mississippi River from Memphis. The 2024 announcement-era report placed it on the eastbound side of Interstate 40, between Missouri Street and North 7th Street, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Memphis. These are reported plans for the site, not confirmation that construction is complete.
The other Memphis-area project is planned near Gallaway in Fayette County, Tennessee, off I-40. The 2024 report said the proposed West Memphis and Gallaway stores were about 40 miles apart. Calling West Memphis the “second” Buc-ee’s within driving distance of Memphis refers to these two planned locations; neither should be described as open based on the cited reports.
When is the West Memphis Buc-ee’s expected to open?
The 2024 announcement targeted a 2025 grand opening. That forecast was later replaced: a December 29, 2025 report from WSMV/WMC gave a June 2028 target, and a March 26, 2026 report from WVLT described the opening as expected in summer 2028. The latest available reports therefore point to June or summer 2028, but this is a projected timeframe—not a guaranteed date.
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The cited later reports provide a specific updated timeframe for West Memphis; do not assume that it also establishes Gallaway’s opening date or construction status. No official Buc-ee’s or city update after the March 2026 report is established here to confirm a newer date or milestone.
What was proposed for the West Memphis site?
The announcement-era AOL report, published October 30, 2024, described a 34-acre project with a planned 74,000-square-foot store, 120 fueling stations, and at least 225 expected jobs. Those figures describe what was reported as planned in 2024; they are not independently verified current specifications or completed features.
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At the announcement, West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon called the proposal “a huge win for our city” and said it showed the city was serious about creating jobs and growing. He also described Buc-ee’s as “more than just a travel center—it’s an experience.” These were the mayor’s views at the time, not evidence that the projected jobs or other economic outcomes have since materialized.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the two Memphis-area proposals compare
| Project | Location and highway | Proximity detail | Reported opening timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Memphis | West Memphis, Arkansas; proposed eastbound I-40 site near North 7th Street | About a 10-minute drive from downtown Memphis, according to the 2024 AOL report | June 2028 target in a December 2025 WSMV/WMC report; summer 2028 expectation in a March 2026 WVLT report |
| Gallaway | Near Gallaway, Fayette County, Tennessee; off I-40 | About 40 miles from the proposed West Memphis store, according to the 2024 AOL report | Not stated in the cited 2025 and 2026 reports |
The 2024 AOL article matching the original headline reported the announcement details and original 2025 target. Its page was not directly accessible during reporting, so those details are based on the article text available in search results. For the later West Memphis forecast, see WSMV/WMC’s December 29, 2025 report and WVLT’s March 26, 2026 report.
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