Buc-ee's has built a fiercely loyal following across America thanks to its gigantic stores, spotless bathrooms and cult-favorite snacks.

But as the Texas-based chain embarks on an ambitious nationwide expansion, it is also running into fierce resistance from residents who say the mega-sized travel centers are causing their communities huge headaches.

Buc-ee's currently operates more than 55 locations across 12 states, and it plans to expand into at least six new states by the end of 2027.

The growth strategy would cement its status as one of the fastest-growing travel center chains in the country.

The states getting new locations include Arizona, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Kentucky.

Yet not everyone is eager to welcome the beaver-branded empire.

In Port Charlotte, Florida, residents have voiced concerns over a proposed 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee's near Interstate 75, warning that the development could worsen congestion and increase flooding risks.

Locals also told Gulf Coast News that the site chosen is also 'entirely within the coastal high hazard area and the flood plain' and could disrupt endangered fish in a nursery nearby.

Another proposed Florida location in St Lucie County has faced its challenges after environmental concerns were raised about potential impacts on migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings.

Developers were also forced to seek special approval for Buc-ee's signature 100-foot roadside sign, which would tower over the surrounding area.

The backlash isn't limited to Florida.

In Palmer Lake, Colorado, opposition to a proposed Buc-ee's became so intense that activists deployed a former school bus emblazoned with a giant 'Stop Buc-ee's' banner to drive around northern El Paso County following public meetings over the project, according to local outlet KRDO.

Residents argued the development could strain local water resources and worsen traffic, while several residents and nonprofit groups filed lawsuits seeking to block the plans. Buc-ee's later withdrew its application in March, citing a technical issue, according to the Houston Chronicle.

A similar battle unfolded in Springfield, Missouri, where protesters marched against plans to provide Buc-ee's with up to $9.2 million in public incentives over two decades to reimburse the company for infrastructure improvements tied to a new location.

In Oak Creek, Wisconsin, residents sued after city officials approved rezoning land for a proposed Buc-ee's development. 

Opponents claimed runoff from the travel center could affect local groundwater, the nearby Root River and a neighboring horse farm, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.

Meanwhile, residents in Stafford, Virginia, raised concerns that a proposed 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee's could add more than 20,000 vehicles a day to local roads, while increasing noise, light pollution and reducing air quality. 

Despite the objections, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved the plans on May 20.

The disputes reflect a common set of concerns that have surfaced as Buc-ee's expands across the country.

Critics argue the company's sprawling travel centers, many featuring more than 100 gas pumps, place significant strain on local infrastructure and can dramatically increase traffic in surrounding communities.

Environmental groups and local activists have also warned that Buc-ee's developments may consume large amounts of water, increase the risk of fuel contamination and disrupt wildlife through additional lighting, noise and runoff.

Despite the controversies and Buc-ee's pushing ahead with its expansion plans, the company has garnered a cult following who believe the company turned pit stops into destinations. 

Inside, shoppers can find freshly made barbecue sandwiches, mountains of the chain's famous Beaver Nuggets - the chain's caramelized corn puff snack - house-brand jerky cut and packaged on site, and aisles of branded apparel emblazoned with Buc-ee's grinning beaver mascot.