Do You Know the Unwritten Rules for Stopping at Buc-ee’s?

(KMDL-FM) To say Buc-ee's, the Texas-based travel plaza, has evolved from a gas station with great restrooms to a cultural icon in America would be an understatement. The Buc-ee's legend grew by several chapters when visitors from around the world showed up to attend the recently concluded World Cup tournament. And because there were so many new first-time beaver lovers, we all got a refresher course in what's allowed and what's not when you visit a Buc-ee's.

Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images

These unwritten rules of Buc-ee's aren't really written down anywhere in the store. Instead, these rules that may or may not be official corporate policy are voraciously enforced by the legions of Buc-ee's fans, some of whom live to call out an unsuspecting guest as if they were a neighborhood spy from the HOA.

And while a lot of the rules might seem a bit persnickety, they do seem to be based on providing a better customer experience for all who want to visit and shop at a Buc-ee's along the way.

Do You Know the Proper Parking Etiquette at Buc-ee's?

David Benedict

The first few unwritten rules apply to parking. If you drive a semi-truck, an 18-wheeler or an oversized vehicle, you'll need to get your services elsewhere. Buc-ee's is a travel plaza; they are not a truck stop. You can find truck stop services at Love's and T/A Travel Centers. Those are usually pretty close to a Buc-ee's location.

Also, if you're planning on staying the night, you won't be staying at Buc-ee's; the travel plaza does not offer or encourage overnight stays at its properties. And one more tidbit about parking: once you've filled up your vehicle with fuel, you need to move it away from the pumps. That's a major Buc-ee's faux pas if you do that.

Just  Because You Have a Gift Card Doesn't Mean You Can Actually Use It

If you want to pay for that gas with a credit card or debit card, you must do so at the pump outside the store. Many Buc-ee's will not accept gift cards for fuel purchases. The policy is that gift cards are to be used for in-store purchases only. So, if you have a gift card, you might not be able to use that for gas if you stop at Buc-ee's

Brisket Barbeque

There is actually a schedule for the brisket. Buc-ee's serves brisket for Breakfast Tacos beginning at 4:00 AM. However, if you want a BBQ Brisket Sandwich, the kind the Beaver is known for, you'll have to wait until 11:30.

And if you choose to wash that brisket down with a fountain drink, just know that while Buc-ee's has some big containers, you're not allowed to bring your own, and no, there are no free refills on fountain drinks.

And if you've ever had the desire to try and call a Buc-ee's location, well, good luck with that because the travel centers seldom publish inside phone numbers for their stores for public use. The reason, according to Buc-ee's, is so that store personnel can focus their attention on customers inside the store.

The Truth About Buc-ee's Bathrooms That Can Get You Banned

We've all heard about the cleanliness and purity of a Buc-ee's bathroom, right? Did you know that if you are found guilty of damaging, vandalizing, or besmirching the cleanliness of the bathroom in an egregious way, you can be banned from Buc-ee's and charged with trespassing? The Beaver does not play when it comes to clean restrooms.

Staff Photo

And finally, for those of you who travel with the family pet or an emotional support animal, those furry friends are not welcome inside a Buc-ee's. Specially trained service animals are allowed, but entry into the store is only allowed for animals that have been specially trained to perform certain tasks for the people they serve.

The ban on animals applies to family pets of all sizes, emotional support animals of all species and sizes, and if you attempt to hide the truth about the animal you're attempting to bring into the store, company policy allows for Buc-ee's employees to question the credentials of your animal and force you to provide proof that the animal has been specifically trained.

READ MORE: Buc-ee's Delays Store Opening -  Are Louisiana Locations Affected?

I am sure as the Buc-ee's phenomenon continues to grow, we'll find more and more hidden rules and regulations that the company uses to keep most of its customers happy and the flow of business moving forward.

READ MORE: How Much Does Buc-ee's Pay Its Employees?

But you'd think with all of these unwritten rules somebody would actually write them down, you know, maybe in a coloring book or something.