Buc-ee’s opening another Georgia location in 2026

FORSYTH, Ga. (WPGA) - The Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved plans for a Buc-ee’s to settle off of I-75 on Rumble Road.

The 74,000-square-foot facility promises 200 full-time jobs. However, some people who already call the area home are raising concerns.

Increasing traffic is one issue raised by residents for the soon-to-be-built Buc-ee’s, a giant, beloved convenience store and gas station chain.

District 1 Commissioner Lamracus Davis said Buc-ee’s will be paying an estimated $10 million for road improvements.

“Buc-ee’s is going to do all kind of road improvements with traffic lights, roundabouts, extending the lane of the road,” said Davis.

“We are going to approve it and do what we need to do to the roads to make people safe and get off on and on the interstate,” Eddie Rowland, District 2 commissioner, said.

Some like Jonathan Banks welcome the new convenience store with open arms in response to the commissioners' approval. Banks said that he has lived in Smarr and Forsyth since 1988 and owns properties on Rumble Road.

“Glad to hear it. I think it’s a great start to the expansion that is coming,” said Banks.

Others like Maggie Taylor are unhappy about the coming development and the increase in traffic it will bring.

“Forsyth isn’t allowed to remain the small town we have come to love and raise families in. Very sad about this,” said Taylor.

However, Rowland said he believes the financial benefits are well worth it.

“The tax revenue is substantial. It gives us an opportunity to address public safety needs, recreation needs, and other things in our community,” said Rowland.

The impact on local businesses is also a concern to some.

“Well there goes any business to our downtown local businesses,” said Megan Mays Staples. “I truly hate that. This will drive travelers only to Buc-ee’s and skip over our lovely downtown shops,”

Said Davis: “Another concern is the businesses downtown were concerned that it may take away from them. But, in my opinion, but in my opinion it won’t because the majority of Buc-ee’s business is interstate traffic and the locals will still shop local.”

WPGA spoke with Monroe County Commission Chairman Gregory V. Tapley over the phone. According to Tapley, there is not yet an official timeline for construction. However, he says the Buc-ee’s is expected to open in 2026.