Buc-ee’s is known around the country for its incredibly large locations, but now, one Buc-ee’s location is getting viral attention for the opposite reason.
Does Size Acutally Matter?
I was today years old when I stumbled across this Buc-ee’s in west Texas. When I first saw a post about it on Facebook, I initially figured it was AI. After all, I spend most of my days scrolling on Facebook laughing at how many people fall for AI pictures and fake articles. So, I initially didn’t think much when I saw the world’s smallest Buc-ee’s.
However, after digging a bit deeper, and seeing that many others shared photos of this location, I decided to do some research myself. To my surprise, the world’s smallest Buc-ee’s does, in fact, exist in real life.
David vs. Goliath
Before we get to the now, let me tell you the history of this viral Buc-ee’s location. After researching, I found a remarkable amount of information on this opposite-day Buc-ee’s. The location is an art installation made by a local artist in West Texas. The more I read, the more I realized this is a David vs. Goliath situation.
The tiniest Buc-ees first appeared in April of 2022 along Highway 90 between the cities of Sanderson and Marathon. After social media found out, the location quickly became a tourist stop by Buc-ee’s lovers and social media click-grubbers alike. Sadly, the art installation wouldn’t stay long and was removed that same month. One would assume that once the giant gas station chain saw the news, they quickly served legal papers and the rest is history, right? Well, not so fast.
Locals were sad to see it go. Word was finally getting out that the world’s smallest Buc-ees actually does exist. The artist remained anonymous throughout the entire ordeal, staying under the radar during what I’m assuming was some legal battle of some kind, or maybe he was waiting for the heat to die down.
Historical Marker Added
Luckily for Buc-ee’s lovers and lovers of fun things in general, the mini-Buc-ee’s reemerged a little over a year later, this time with a historical marker that only increases the awesomeness of this location. The marker reads, “Originally established April 1st, 2022, this Buc-ee’s location served the area faithfully despite its lack of operating hours, bathrooms, employees, or a home decor section. It was an important content stop for weary Instagram influencers and travelers on the famous Marfa trail.”
The plaque explains that the closure of the location was due to a combination of factors: a shift towards online shopping, increasing fuel prices, and a global shortage of Beaver Nuggets. According to the plaque, “In 2023, a replica of the original Tiny Bucees was constructed at this location,” and it continues to attract both visitors and legal challenges to this day. Additionally, there is a QR code available for visitors to scan, which supports the artist’s future endeavors and legal battles.
