The grand opening of Arizona's first Buc-ee's location in Goodyear attracted significant crowds from across the country, with customers traveling up to 900 miles to experience the store's famous brisket, beaver nuggets, and jerky; the store operates 24 hours a day with efficient checkout (90 seconds) and maintains clean facilities even during peak hours, while local officials highlighted the economic impact of this 74,000 square foot travel center on Goodyear's growth.
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Inside Look at Buc-ee's in Goodyear on Grand Opening
Added:[music] Arizona's first BIES is officially open.
[cheering] >> Welcome to Bies.
>> That was our Emma Jade right there. It was like she welcomed just everyone.
Like she was the official Bucky welcomer. There was so much excitement in the air as the doors of Arizona's first ever BIES opened about three hours ago. Thanks for being with us. I'm Justin Pazera. Thanks for streaming us on our streaming app. And for our special coverage of Bucky's grand opening in Goodyear this morning, we've got live team coverage for you. Uh from the Travel Center near the I 10 in Bullard, we've got Jade Cunningham. She is outside that store talking to customers. You can see her right there.
Uh Troy is trafficing uh tracking traffic in the area as thousands head there for opening day. Ginger is watching the weather as folks head in.
Uh yeah, you're watching the weather.
It's hot out there. We got to be ready for it. And then Emma is making friends inside the store as well. She's been shopping. She's got her BES outfit on the hat. Emma, so I was so we you've been talking to people all from all over the country. So, I was looking. I mean, this isn't like just a Circle K where there's one around every corner. The next Bies, >> like the closest one to Goodyear is in Johntown, Colorado. That's 850 miles from where you're at. The other one is in Amarillo, Texas, which is 900 miles from where you're at.
>> So, that just kind of gives you some perspective of why people are just going to this store.
>> Yes. And what I think is so wild, Justin, is the amount of people that are here from other parts of the country, like very, very, very far, all just to be here on opening day because that's how rare it is. This is the first BIES in all of Arizona. And you're right, the nearest one not very close. But my gosh, all morning long, say hi. You're on TV.
All morning long, this place has been absolutely packed. Okay, something special that's happening today. You could actually pick up a Buckyy's book and it's written by the daughter of Mr. Beaver himself. Catherine, you're here signing books. Tell me about Bucky goes to school.
>> It's about Buckyy's first day of school.
So, it's just a sweet little story talking about that.
>> Catherine, you grew up with this beaver probably everywhere. What is it like being the daughter of the beaver himself?
>> It's fun. It's great. He's the best.
You've probably been to a lot of openings. How does this one compare?
>> It's been incredible. So many people So many people were so excited and all dressed up. So, I got up at 3:45 this morning. Not as early as some of the people who were out all night. But Arizona has been a really warm welcome.
>> How long are you going to be here today?
Cuz if people want to come out and meet you and get your book, are you going to be here for much longer?
>> I'm leaving in 30 minutes. So, I'm leaving soon, but I'm signing a bunch of copies. So, there'll be signed copies that you can come and buy. Fantastic. Oh my gosh, you guys. So, come out and feel part of this Bucky Fever. Okay, so to give you a lay of the land when you walk into the store, if you're coming from the west entrance, your best option this morning. Thankfully, it looks like some of the food has kind of lightened up a little bit. You're going to get brisket on your left side. And as you go to the left, that's where mainly all the food is. We've got brisket. We've got the bakery. We've got burritos and tacos.
We've got all of the treats, which I know is Justin's favorite. Now, when you go to the right side, that's where all of the stuff is. Basically, the stuffed animals. Oh, they do have the jerky. The world famous jerky. What's going on? Hi.
That's where you can get this onesie and hopefully be matching me. You have what a lot of people want. Did you get fudge?
>> Yes. This is the Yes. This is the fudge for my family back home in Albuquerque and pralines because you know you have to have road trip snacks.
>> Did you drive out here all the way from Albuquerque?
>> Not Yes, but not for this. We We were made We made a whole weekend of it, but we stayed for today so we could come to this.
>> What do you love about Bies?
>> Everything. It's just the energy.
Everybody's so fun and we just always have a good time when we come here. Well worth waiting in the line and everything. It's a long line and fantastic that you guys came out. You guys, what a blast. You guys got some good stuff, too. You, too. Okay. Can you guys show me the dolls that you got? Who is this? Mr. Bucky.
>> Yeah. M.
>> What time did you get here? What time did you wake up?
>> Uh, 5 a.m.
>> 5 a.m.
>> What's been your favorite thing in the store?
>> The favorite thing in the store is this big bucky.
>> Yay. She gets it.
>> She woke up at 5:00 a.m. She gets it.
You guys got a lot of stuff. What else?
>> A lot of stuff. What else did you get?
My husband keep getting everything. The bucket, the bags. She says that you keep getting everything. Are you to blame here?
>> Yes.
>> Yes. What do you love about Bies?
>> Oh, just a great store.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. This first time I come in there is great. Every Yeah. Everything is beautiful. I buy the now uh taquitos for breakfast because so hungry.
>> I'm sure you are. You've been up since 5:00 a.m.
>> Yeah. 5:00 a.m. There is a wedding. Long time. being here.
>> Fantastic.
>> You guys, you guys bought the whole store and I love it. Okay, you bought my favorite thing and that's the onesie and I see that you don't even have it on yet, but it's actually a good price, right? $25.
>> What time did you wake up to get out here?
>> We woke up like really early.
>> Yes. Do you love it? What do you love the most about Bies? It's >> my first time being the Bies.
>> First time. I love it. He's got a tattoo. Okay, you better get that onesie on. All right, guys. We're still checking out all the people that are out here. How's it going? Good to see you guys. Look, you're on TV with that beautiful hat. What do you want, Justin?
Tell me.
>> Well, talk to her first. Well, okay. So, Jinger and I were talking.
>> So, what about the bathrooms? There's like a thousand people in there. Are they >> as you do? Has Have you gone to the bathroom? Are they really clean? Okay.
>> Like, what h what's going on?
>> So, here's the thing, JP. Yes. So, when the doors opened when the doors opened, I expected everyone to run to like all the different food. No, the line, the longest line that I saw the first couple minutes was for the bathroom. Now, I can't take you in here.
>> I'm going to go really quick.
>> Don't show it. One sec. One sec. I just want to see if it's as clean as everyone says. I'm walking in.
>> Okay. Wow. It's a bit of a walk. You're going to lose me, aren't you?
>> No, we just got a peek. It's perfect.
It's absolutely perfect. And you're right.
>> Completely clean. And there's someone in there cleaning it as we speak. Really?
So, yes, restrooms are fantastic. Now, to all my girls, and you know who you are, Justin, you like Diet Coke, too?
They don't have Diet Coke.
>> What?
>> They have Diet Bies Coke.
>> Have you tried it yet?
>> JP, you think I'm not upset, but I didn't know that. I didn't know. I tried it. Listen, you know me. You know I'm very particular about my DC. And it's >> a drink.
>> Well, you know, I I was going to say >> it's good ice, though. Good ice. It just >> and you know good ice when you see it.
>> Is it just Bies with like you know the the sticker slapped on?
>> Let me show you what it looks like.
>> Coke.
>> Yeah. Come here.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah. Well, no it's not. Okay. They do have a lot of drinks that people say are really good. They have the original cola. That's the Bies one. Everyone says that the root beer is really good. This is the one that I tried and it was I'm going to give it a Dang it. I want to keep it positive. I'm going to give it like a five out of 10 if I'm being honest. What they do have and I know that your favorites. They have all their own candies that are absolutely delicious. Now, here's the thing, Justin. I know you've got your mom, Tootss. This will be Tootsz's favorite place. I kid you not. Like, the home decor alone, she is going to die for.
And here's the thing. I know that we were putting out there that there's going to be so many people. Look, you can walk around. You're not shouldertoshoulder anymore. It is really thinned out. And I talked to someone who just got here 30 minutes ago. They said that they did not have to wait very long. They found a parking spot. Follow just kind of the little detour to get in here, but it's not that bad. And the lines like you get through very quickly.
Also, another fact about Bies. Did you know that they will only take 90 seconds from beginning to end with checkout for you? That's like what they're famous for is that they will get you in and out as quickly as possible. They've actually been doing that. there. Now, when this opened, right around 8:00 a.m., I would say, was where the longest lines were, and they were down past all the way from one exit to the next and people checking out. That is not the case anymore. They have kept things moving. So, if you're thinking about it, you want to get in on all the fun, I say go for it. Go and have a great day with your family because honestly, it is not that bad.
Now, I got to show you a little bit of the things that I bought.
>> America 250 bies. Oh, that's cute.
>> You get more American than that. Now, Justin, I didn't want to show you, but I thought that you and our executive producer, Kaye, can split these beaver nugs.
>> Thank you. I've never >> And then I need to make you come out here yourself because I know that you're going to want to get that bathing suit, but I don't have the right size.
>> Medium. Give me a medium, >> honey.
>> Well, so, you know what? Medium. It's it's uh it's interesting that you're talking about the line because we were just kind of bracing for like these insane lines, you know, like there was a sixmile workaround once you got off the 10 and you got to go to the Goodyear ballpark and then work your way back.
So, it's interesting that that's actually Yeah, that's not the case. And another thing, they're open 24 hours a day. So, if you if you don't want to come like right now, you can actually wait just a little bit.
>> JP, you can go before work tomorrow morning. I actually expect to see you here. Okay, I love you. You're the best.
>> Okay, >> check back in with us in a little bit.
>> Okay, have fun out there. Let's go over to Jade Cunningham right now who is outside the store. She's talked to the governor. She just talked to the mayor of Goodyear as well. So, I can finally see I see an RV pulling in behind you.
There's like 120 gas pumps out there.
How's it looking out there?
>> Yeah, actually it's looking really good.
You're right. 120 gas pumps. But, I mean, take a look. Yes, there are some people pulling in, but there are so many empty gas pumps as well. So, I know a lot of people are like, "Well, should I go and fill up with gas? Should I not go up and fill up with gas?" But, I mean, it's amazing. You can just roll right in, get your gas, no wait, no line, and then you can just go on about your day.
I will say there is still plenty of cars coming into this area with through that detour because like Justin was saying, you have to go all the way down to the ballpark and come back. back. I think it's like a six mile detour, but cars are coming, but they're flying through and they're able to find parking.
There's tons of parking out here as well. This is a welloiled machine. And actually, yes, I've been speaking with the governor. I spoke with Mayor Joe Pazillo of Goodyear. And we spoke with Beaver Appan. Yes, that's his name. It's a nickname that he's had for many, many, many years. He got it as a kid. But we were asking him so many different questions just about how he's feeling today, what it means to him to open up another location. We have that sound for you in that interview. So, take a listen.
Well, I mean, I 10 has been good to us.
We have them uh all the way from Florida, you know, now as far west as Arizona. So, I 10's a great a great great road. No doubt about that. But we're looking in in Arizona, not just on I 10, but on on other um you know, interstates kind of going north of here.
I guess >> this is not your first rodeo. You've opened many Bucky stores before. I just want to know what it's like for you when it comes to opening these locations.
What it means to you and you know you started with one store and now you have plenty. Just obviously this is exciting.
>> It is. It's a it's a bit surreal. I never every time I pull up to one I wonder you know will this one be as as popular as the last. And so quite honestly, the last opening Ohio uh really set me back cuz first store in Ohio, who would have thought? And it was just absolutely incredible. So, um I don't go into it expecting it, but I'm seem to be pleasantly surprised every time we have a have an opening. It is a humbling thing to see this many people show up uh in the middle of the night fully in their Bucky regalia and waiting on waiting on these activities. So, it's a it it it's a surreal moment.
>> Do you have a top three items that you like to eat here?
>> Uh yeah, I like um you know, for me the top is the is the brisket sandwich.
Uh, I like to chase it with uh the the homemade potato chips are incredible if you haven't had those.
>> Bucket chips.
>> And then usually if I'm at a store, you know, I like the fudge.
>> I mean, I you know, beaver nuggets travel well, but but if I'm here and making a meal out of it, it's the barbecue sandwich, the potato chips, and some fudge.
>> Be Thanksgiving dinner at Bies.
>> Thanksgiving dinner.
>> Yeah. There you go.
>> To see all the people that who were here lined up in costume. What does that mean to you and your message for them who waited overnight in some cases to to be here and see you and >> Yeah, I mean I've talked to a bunch of them. I'm gonna go back inside and try to meet all of them that I can. Uh but overwhelming I I see smiles. I I think that they're h I mean they made a huge effort >> and uh but they seem happy about it.
They don't seem let down at all. So, you know, some of these people have been up all night and they're as enthusiastic as they were when they got here. So, thank y'all.
>> Yeah. So, a lot of enthusiasm out here today. And actually, initially when we first started talking with him, he was teasing ahead, saying that they are actually thinking about adding another BIES location here in Arizona. He wouldn't say what particular location it was. is he didn't say if it'd be on the 10, but that another BIE location was maybe in the works of coming here. So, with that said, next time I expect to see both Troy and Ginger out here. We'll do all the hard work inside. You guys can have some fun out here. Troy, what do you think? I want to see that uh Bies onesie on you. I >> I mean, I think I was born to wear a BE onesie. I mean, the fact that Emma gets to have all the fun wearing it right now. Well, I mean, maybe tomorrow I'll just come in wearing a BES onesie, but I need to tell you what the traffic's like in order to get to BIES. Actually, it's fantastic. I mean, sorry for the pole coming on the right side of your screen.
But yeah, so this is where the traffic is flowing right now. So, if you exit off the 10, you're going to be coming down this way, and then eventually you're going to go six miles all the way around Goody your ballpark, and then you're going to come back in here.
Actually, you could see uh some of the cars exiting right here, and then you're eventually going to merge back onto the 10 heading east. So that is going to potentially slow you down a little bit cuz so many cars coming out of Bies. So Oh no, Ginger, did you mess up my graphics?
>> Do it.
>> It's BE day.
>> No.
>> And here we go. No, I'm good now.
Ginger, thank you so much. I just wanted to see a run. Hey. Uh, but this is the route that I was just telling you about right over here. And as you can see, we have the live maps and everything is green right now. So we've been talking about how surprising the BES traffic has been because it has been so good.
However, just know that we ride. Yeah, that's the public transportation for the city of Goodyear that they're not going to BIES. I don't know if that's just a today thing, but um just know that if you're trying to take the public transportation, unfortunately, not going to go to Buckies. However, when you are leaving, like I already said, all that traffic is going to be going to the 10 heading east. So, eventually you're going to have to make your way around if you are going to try to head west. But overall very surprising light traffic to get to BIES and also leaving BIES today.
But how is the weather over in Goodyear?
I'm going to send things over to Ginger for that.
>> I think it's a good thing that those lines, all the folks have gotten inside because look at the temperatures. I mean, we are already in the 90s, folks.
Not stopping there. Looking for triple- digit heat by uh noon. Uh-huh. 101° by noon, which should give you an inkling of where we are headed. Now, this time of the year, 106 is the normal range. We are looking for numbers to be above normal, but not quite record territory.
So, Goodyear, that puts you at about 109 degrees. We've got 106 in Scottsdale, 108 in Chandler, and 110 in Phoenix. So, what is the number one rule of being a uh Beaver believer? Well, you don't burn your beaver nuggets. So, stay hydrated.
If you're outdoors, try and find some shade. And of course, never leave kids or pets in the car because look at these numbers. We are now seeing temperatures climbing above normal range, closing in on record territory, which means about 115 to 118. So weather impact alert days for you Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
On Wednesday, we're also looking for a little bit of monsoon moisture. It's going to be around the northern tier of the state. Then our winds will pick up on Friday, get rid of that moisture, but also allow our numbers to come down a little bit. So again, major heads up because we've got some pretty extreme conditions settling in by Wednesday. JP.
>> All right, thanks Ginger. So today's grand opening of Arizona's first BIES is more than just brisket and Beaver Nugget. City leaders say 74,000 that 74,000 foot travel center is the latest sign of booming growth in Goodyear and across the West Valley. Our Jade Cunningham spoke with Governor Katie Hobbs who says Bucky's arrival is a big win for the West Valley.
I mean, it is just symbolic of all the growth that we're experiencing um about Arizona being a state that people want to come to and uh so it's just very exciting.
>> What about the economic impact specifically for the city of Goodyear?
>> Yeah. No, it's very exciting for Goodyear. Um I'm so excited they were able to get the location here and um just it's putting putting them on the map for sure.
>> Why should more businesses come here to the state of Arizona?
>> We have the infrastructure. We have the workforce and we are a state that is willing to be a partner in your business's success and uh and this is just a perfect example of that. All the partnership that went into bringing BIES here. Um you can see today and uh that's the kind of partner that the state is.
>> Do you know when you first found out that BIES was coming and kind of what were your initial thoughts to it?
>> Um so I have never been to a BIES. It's my first time. So, um just all the kind of uh excitement about it and people talking about it on their road trips and I was like, what's all the excitement?
So, I was excited to finally get to see um but also just know that um people all over the country recognize BIES and so now it's a new place in Arizona that they'll want to come to.
So, you just heard Governor Katie Hobbs there commenting on the grand opening of BIES and we're going to have more coverage on our streaming app until 9:30 this morning and then again at 3:00 this afternoon. Our Troy Hayden is going to be live out at BIES with the very latest. We do want to get back out to our Jade Cunningham. She is live outside BIES with more. She has been out there all morning long. I don't see any lines anymore. That was not the case a few hours ago. I mean, it was impressive the amount of people that showed up for the grand opening, but it looks like things are kind of going pretty smooth right now.
>> Oh, yeah. No, it actually was really impressive this morning when we first got out here. I got here about 3:00 or so, and the line, there were two lines.
The lines were, you know, one side wrapping down on the south side of the building and another line wrapping on the north side of the building. And you were like, "Oh my goodness, so many people are here in costumes. they're, you know, ready and they're so excited to walk into this building and, you know, it's just been a really exciting day for a lot of people. So, I want to show you though this way over here, we do have some gas pumps that you can see.
You can see some of the vehicles uh that are filling up their their tanks. $3.85 for a gallon of gas. And uh >> you know what, guys? I think we're going to send it back to you real quick.
>> Not a good day for my autistic son.
Who cares? They're doing a business.
They're not about you.
>> That's okay. Thanks there Live. If you just want to cut, >> that'd be great. Okay. Um, of course, we have been out there all morning long uh tracking the very latest with the grand opening. So many people excited about this. Uh, actually the first Bies when we uh heard from the Bucky CEO, he said that they opened the first one on I 10 like back in 2003. And so they said I 10 has just been really good to them. So they wanted to open up another location on I 10. It was actually BIES who contacted the city of Goodyear uh to build this store. Let's get out to Emma Jade. She is inside with all of the shoppers. Hey there, Emma.
>> I can't even tell you. This is one of the best days I think in Arizona. And it's a family affair. Proof right here.
Okay, Charity, you are brave. You got here at 11:00 last night. He's asleep and so is she. What were you thinking?
We have been to the oneup in Colorado and they loved it. And my younger son was only a little over a year old. He can't really remember it, but they were super excited. And of course, I was pregnant with her when we had gone in Colorado.
So now, like, she gets to be actually part of the experience, >> you know, in her dreams.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. What are you getting? Like what did you want to make sure that you were going to get?
>> I wanted a t-shirt and I got my t-shirt.
>> I forgot our five gallon bucket at a park one day. So, we got to replace that.
>> A buck bucket.
>> And of course, my my princess could could not leave without a BES bow.
>> Oh, I love it. Okay. You got here at 11:00 last night. You waited all throughout the night. You brought your kids. Was it worth it?
>> Oh, yeah.
>> I'm like the memory, the chaos. I have four kids under six years old. I thrive in chaos.
>> The organized chaos is my element. This is They'll remember this.
>> Well, and Josiah, you're a great partner for supporting her in all this.
>> It's all her. I I couldn't do it without her, honestly. She She's the best.
>> Guys, describe to me, too. It feels really great in here. Like, people just seem so nice, right?
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> She's so happy.
>> It was 45 minutes before the opening.
They were all chanting Bucky, Bucky. And it just it felt great.
>> Guys, have a great day. And oh my gosh, what a beautiful family. Yeah, you know what? They just restocked. So Yose, you can go grab yours. Yeah, Charity, thank you so much. You are amazing. Okay, we've got the district manager here.
This is Brent. Brent, I know you're in the middle of something, but how's it going? How's it going?
>> I think it's it's a blast. Everything's going very well. We're very excited.
Like we had talked earlier, every site is a little different, but this one is going very well. This is pretty exciting stuff. Absolutely.
>> What I keep hearing from everyone, Brent, is just how happy everyone is.
We've been waiting so long for this to bring that kind of joy to Arizona, a spot that you guys have never been in.
Bies is brand new here. How does that feel?
>> Like I said, it's humbling. It's just I'm just grateful. This is such a great thing to have this many people excited to come visit us and share this excitement with us. So, I I'm just grateful.
>> Can you believe the crowds? Can you believe all the people here?
>> I've been around with the company long enough that yes, I can believe it. I can. But it's still it's still such a great thing to say and each like I said each site's a little different and then this one is just going very well so far.
That's my question. It's been very >> very good to us so far. Absolutely.
>> You've been to so many openings. How does this compare crowdwise?
>> Oh, crowd-wise, I'm going to put this in the top three.
>> You're kidding.
>> No, this is pretty good.
>> This is pretty This is pretty good.
>> Look at Dang it. Someone Someone stole my outfit, Brent. Hey, you look great in that suit. Is this new? It is not. I got it in Texas.
>> How long have you had it? A couple months.
>> A year or two.
>> Okay. That's what I'm wondering because I just bought mine today. How's it gonna wash for me?
>> It washes well. Yeah.
>> You obviously love Bies. What are you getting today?
>> Uh the Beaver Nuggets and like the sausage. I was so sad cuz I couldn't like travel with it last time I was in Texas. So, >> good luck. I love this you guys. It's so interesting to see because there's so many different things inside of here.
It's interesting to see what people are attracted to. Hi.
>> So long.
>> My hair has gotten long and I'm going to cut it like yours later today. Do you really? What did you buy at Bies?
>> Well, I lived at Lake Jackson for 25 years where Bies is originally from.
>> No.
>> Yeah. So, we live out here now.
>> What did you get?
>> Well, so why picked this up and play >> and I got that >> Bucky shirt. You want to see this? Look how cute that is. All right. Thank you so much for being such a fan of 12 News.
I really appreciate you, man. Yes. Hi you guys. Have a great morning. You're VIP.
>> VIP access.
>> How'd you get VIP access?
>> Made it yourself.
>> Yes. I like that. Okay, we're wrapping things up here.
>> But from the first Arizona Bies, let's say goodbye you guys in your best.
>> Thanks for watching everyone. Happy Bies Day. Bye.
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