For miles all you see is corn. You stretch out your neck and squeeze the back with your hand. The fuel gauge is on empty. Your stomach growls. You need to stop, get gas, and buy some food before you run out of gas and starve out here. There are two travel stops off this next exit. Your options: Buc-ee’s or Wally’s. Let’s square them up and find out which bona fide gas station chain gets your money.
Fuel Quality and Price
When faced with a decision on fuel between Buc-ee’s and Wally’s, Buc-ee’s starts in front by offering the lowest fuel prices. Gas can be expensive, and when you’re on the road, saving money is crucial for your trip. Inside, Buc-ee’s and Wally’s sell traditional convenience store products, but it’s the merchandise that makes these travel centers unique. They can charge a lot for a hat or t-shirt with the store’s mascot printed on it.
Location and Accessibility
If we’re looking at location and accessibility, Wally’s can’t skip ahead with only two locations, in Illinois and Missouri. Our beaver friend appears at dozens of Buc-ee’s locations: Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Buc-ee’s has a broad reach. Wherever you are, you’re more likely to be closer to a Buc-ee’s.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Rest stop bathrooms are notorious for getting trashed. You have been holding it in for over an hour. You open the door and cover your mouth and nose. There’s a terrible surprise in the toilet and you want to barf. Luckily for you, both Wally’s and Buc-ee’s run a tight shift. They brag that their bathrooms will be the cleanest on the road. Don’t hold it in any longer; either Buc-ee’s or Wally’s will do.
Amenities and Services
You dig your fingers into the bag of chips and only come up with crumbs. You try the beef jerky pouch. Nada. You pick up a plastic string cheese wrapper at the bottom of the driver’s door. Your stomach grumbles. It’s time for dinner. Luckily, just at this exit you can get off and take advantage of Buc-ee’s vast array of food options. They offer a barbecue station, bakery, fudge bar, and a selection of freshly prepared items. Try the Beaver Nuggets—a flavorful corn puff snack!
Customer Service
When your blood sugar is low and you’re so hangry you could rip the head off the next person you see, your interaction with the tenant or food employee becomes crucial. You want to be greeted with a smile and catered, almost pampered, by the employees. Okay, that was a little dramatic. Essentially, both Buc-ee’s and Wally’s have excellent customer service. You should’ve tried the other gas station ten miles back.
Convenience Store Offerings
When you need to stop for more provisions, Buc-ee’s and Wally’s offer more than your average gas station. They offer a wide selection of products, including traditional favorites such as beef jerky, candy, potato chips, nuts, and cold drinks. But the branded merchandise is part of the draw. Purchase a hat with the Buc-ee Beaver or a t-shirt with Wally Bear. Which one would you get?
Speed of Service
Both establishments boast of having quick and efficient service. Check out and pay cash or card for your items. The station attendant scans your items: beef jerky, cheese curds, and coconut water. In one swipe you pay with your card and then you’re back on the road. If you’re in a hurry to get to your destination you want gas station employees to be fast.
Loyalty Programs and Discounts
If you live near a Buc-ee’s or a Wally’s, or find yourself on the road often, perhaps you should join their loyalty program. Sign up for Wally Rewards and earn points on most purchases. Redeem them for discounts on future transactions. Buc-ee’s doesn’t have a loyalty program, but they do offer a Buc-ee’s Mastercard, which gives you a 5% discount on most store items.
Safety and Security
Night has long since fallen when nature calls. You have to go. Really bad. But you’re afraid to go in by yourself. Luckily, Buc-ee’s parking lots and pumps are well lit. You’ll feel much safer with bright lights. Since Wally’s is relatively new (it opened in 2020), it doesn’t have much of a reputation. There was one report that a woman expressed her concerns when she had to stop into Wally’s at night.
Overall Impression
Overall, both rest stops act like an elevated gas station or convenience store. With a wide variety of snacks, fuel, spotless bathrooms, prepared food, even a BBQ and bakery, Buc-ee’s and Wally’s will be the best stop on your road trip. Which rest stop chain would you visit? For me, the Beaver Nuggets have piqued my interest.
