By admin 
GOODYEAR, AZ (AZFamily) — Fans chanted Monday morning as they waited to walk through the doors of Arizona’s first Buc-ee’s.
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A long line formed outside the new Texas-sized travel center near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue in Goodyear ahead of its grand opening.
The parking lot opened to the public at midnight, with doors set to open at 6 a.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m.
Some fans arrived days early for the opening. The first customer showed up around 4 p.m. Saturday, waiting along the street with a chair and umbrella. Another fan arrived with a fresh tattoo of the chain’s beloved beaver mascot.
The parking lot quickly filled with cars as customers searched for spots and prepared to spend money on Buc-ee’s food, snacks and merchandise.
Minutes before the opening, fans began chanting “Buc-ee’s” through the doors as employees inside prepared brisket, barbecue and Beaver Nuggets.
If you can’t attend or don’t want to fight through traffic, the ribbon-cutting is set to be live-streamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels.
What if I need to access another business along the travel route?
Businesses, residents and travelers should expect to see a major traffic increase for an extended time. Authorities say all business access will stay open along the 6.5-mile travel route and elsewhere on Bullard Avenue.
Travelers in the area should allow for extra drive time and expect slowdowns and delays.
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Local travelers not going to Buc-ee’s are advised to consider alternate routes that avoid the congestion. City officials will monitor traffic conditions in real-time for any needed adjustments.
Along with the Buc-ee’s travel route, the eastbound I-10 ramp at Estrella Parkway is closed, along with Bullard between McDowell Road and I-10.
What’s the big deal about Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is widely regarded for its lovable beaver mascot and hot food. The chain also currently boasts the record for the largest gas station in the world at its Sevierville, Tennessee, location. Not only that, but Buc-ee’s has won “Best Restroom in America,” and if you want to operate a car wash, you can make enough to make a six-figure salary.
What else might you find at Buc-ee’s? There are walls of nuts, gummy candies and your favorite gas station snacks, but there are also many things you won’t see anywhere else.
Take, for example, Beaver Nuggets, a best-seller that’s probably best described as a sweet version of “Corn Nuts” you’ll find at the grocery store. And the food? Oh man, the food! It’s authentic Texas-style barbeque the whole way: smoked for at least 12 hours and served on a mouth-watering bun.
Feeling adventurous? Get some Buc-ee’s-branded hot sauce to take home. If you’re also looking for something to cater to that sweet tooth, you’ve got fudge, Dr. Pepper Icees and every southern grandmother’s favorite classic: banana pudding.
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