News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
It was a huge grand opening in Crossville Monday as hundreds came to check out the first-ever Tennessee Buc-ee’s location.
Local officials and state leaders gave their remarks at the ribbon cutting of the 54,000 square foot site. Crossville Mayor James Mayberry said the three years of work to open the location was worth it.
“Now when you look around here, what used to be a very dilapidated, run down entrance to our community with four dilapidated buildings… What you see now is a travel oasis that we’re very pleased to have it here in the city of Crossville,” Mayberry said.
The store brings over 100 gas pumps to Genesis Road right off of Interstate 40 exit 320 as well as 250 jobs to operate the business. Cumberland Mayor Allen Foster said Buc-ee’s has already shown a corporate partnership by filling the positions locally.
“A mentioned during the groundbreaking that I would be driving up Genesis Road everyday watching all the activity,” Foster said. “I’ve kept my word on that one. I have watched all the construction. It has been extremely impressive, but now, I am excited about the commerce that has already started today. I’m also excited from hiring locals to really good jobs to honoring our first responders. Your team has shown that you are going to be great corporate partners.”
Owner Arch Aplin said local and state leadership played a big role in selecting Crossville. Aplin said there was no doubt in his mind that Tennessee would fit the business model of the Texas-based company.
“It’s our first store in Tennessee, and it won’t be the last,” Aplin said. “We’re very excited. Congressmen talked about the quality of people and that he guaranteed that we would have great workforce here. We have an incredible staff of new hires.”
Representative John Rose, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and State Senator Paul Bailey were all present and spoke on what the location means for the community and state.
Lines of cars waited for parking and gas pumps while customers flocked inside to try out a free sample of the famous sweet corn puffs called Beaver Nuggets. You can also find Texas barbecue, homemade fudge and a wide selection of snacks inside.
