Roofing Contractor in Hardeeville, SC

Hardeeville city officials recently approved first reading of ordinances to allow Buc-ee's to locate new store in Hardeeville, city officials said

Bluffton Today

Beaver nuggets, brisket and a host of other souvenirs and snacks are tentatively scheduled to be arriving in Hardeeville in about four years as Buc-ee's plans to locate a store in the city.

The Hardeeville City Council, during its Nov. 7 regular meeting, approved first reading of an ordinance to approve the planned development district, the initial master plan for the development, and a development agreement which will bring Buc-ee's to the city. Second reading of all three ordinances will be held Nov. 21, City of Hardeevlle Mayor Harry Williams said.

"Even though Buc-ee’s representatives are working closely with the city and its development processes, the project is only at the beginning stages of development and its progression will coincide with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s I-95 Widening and Exit 8 Redevelopment Project," a city spokesperson said.

The current schedule for the SCDOT projects to be completed would be in 2028, the projected timeline which would also be the projected year for the ribbon cutting for Buc-ee's, Williams said during the Nov. 7 Hardeeville City Council meeting.

Buc-ee's will be located adjacent to Interstate 95 at the Exit 8 intersection with U.S. Highway 17, city officials said. The Hardeeville location is scheduled to include Buc-ee's signature offerings, including a large selection of regionally themed merchandise and gifts.

This exciting development, city officials said, is set to become a significant economic driver for the region, enhancing the city's reputation as a thriving hub for commerce and travel in South Carolina.

Stan Beard, Director of Real Estate and Development at Bucee's, LTD., met with the Hardeeville City Council during its Oct. 24 workshop about the proposed location, informed council the store would be 74,000 square feet, the largest store the company builds to date.

"This location, by far, requires a 74,000 square foot store," Beard said. "The traffic created is no different between a 74,000 and a 53,000 square foot store. The reason we went bigger were our out-of-state stores (out of the state of Texas), were thank goodness, so crazily successful, that they started getting a little too busy."

In a Nov. 8 news release Beard said the city's leadership and staff have been supportive and responsible stewards of their community and believes they will make great partners.

"Hardeeville is a perfect location for us to continue our growth along the southeast coast," he said. "We love South Carolina and look forward to bringing the Buc-ee’s brand of road trip fun to the Lowcountry.”

During the Oct, 24 workshop with council, Beard also said hotels and sit-down restaurants had been drawn to the areas where other Buc-ee's were located.

"The store will contribute to the city's financial health through increased sales and property tax revenues along with increased revenue through the City’s hospitality tax and business license fees, which will, in turn, support public services, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives," a city news release said.

The new location in Hardeeville is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the area, ranging from entry-level positions to managerial roles, providing a boost to the local job market and offering stable, competitive wages, city officials said.

"The City of Hardeeville is proud to welcome Buc-ee’s; an elite brand name that has become a destination stop along I-95," City of Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams said. "We all have been very impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of the Buc-ee’s team in planning for a quality facility that provides safe access for their customers and our residents."

Williams said Buc-ee’s will bring great paying jobs for Hardeeville and Jasper County residents that will not require long commutes.

"Buc-ee’s and Hardeeville promise to be a long and successful marriage,” he said.

Newly appointed Hardeeville City Manager Josh Gruber said the arrival of Buc-ee's in Hardeeville 'is a testament to the city's potential as a key destination in the region.'

"This project not only highlights Hardeeville's strategic importance along the I-95 corridor, it also underscores our commitment to fostering an environment that attracts and supports business growth," Gruber said. "We are excited about the opportunities Buc-ee's will bring to our community, from job creation to increased tourism, and we look forward to the positive ripple effects this will have on local businesses and residents alike."