Smiths Grove Mayor, David Stiffey, owner, Arch “Beaver” Aplin, along with other members of the Smiths Grove community broke ground on a brand new Buc-ee’s location that is set to open in summer 2024.
(MATTHEW CLARK/WCLU)
SMITHS GROVE – On Monday, Smiths Grove Mayor, David Stiffey, and Buc-ee’s owner, Arch “Beaver” Aplin, were joined by members of the Smiths Grove community to break ground on a new Buc-ee’s location right off Interstate-65.
The renowned travel center, recognized for its pristine restrooms, delicious food, abundant amount of gas pumps, and the friendliest beaver, hosted several members of the Smiths Grove community to welcome what will be Kentucky’s second Buc-ee’s location; the first location opened in April 2022 in Richmond.
“We are extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity” said Smiths Grove Mayor, David Stiffey. “It’s a positive change in the community, and it takes that to make the community grow”. “This a great day for the city and community of Smiths Grove.”
Buc-ee’s Smiths Grove, situated at 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, will cover an area of 53,471 square feet. This impressive establishment will offer 120 fueling positions and a delightful range of Buc-ee’s favorites, such as Texas barbeque, their famous homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets, their “Wall of Jerkey,” and much more.
WCLU spoke with Aplin, who expressed the importance of expanding the Buc-ee’s brand into Kentucky. “We like Kentucky and believe Interstate-65 is an incredible corridor that will bring more travelers to the area and present a great opportunity for the hiring population base in this area”. “Smiths Grove is a wonderful community with great people,” said Aplin. “Change can always difficult, but my commitment is this change will be good for the community, for the employment, and for the traveler.”
According to Aplin, the Smiths Grove location will take around one year to complete, which places opening day in summer 2024. The site will offer 200+ jobs to the community. The starting pay for the positions will exceed the minimum wage, accompanied by comprehensive benefits, a six percent matching 401k program, and a generous three weeks of paid vacation.
