Popular Texas-based gas station Buc-ee's in permit process to open in Wisconsin - WISN Milwaukee

Popular Texas-based gas station chain Buc-ee's coming to Wisconsin

Popular Texas-based gas station Buc-ee's in permit process to open in Wisconsin

The popular gas station is known for its barbecue and clean bathrooms.

Buc-ee's and its iconic beaver could soon be coming to Wisconsin as the Texas-based gas station chain is right now going through the permit process for a new location in the Village of DeForest. That's just outside of Madison.

"Buc-ee's is, by far, Texas's best national treasure," Levi Douglas told 12 News Friday.

Raised in Texas and now living in Milwaukee, Douglas is a big Buc-ee's fan.

"Oh my God! From the kolaches, the wall of jerky, the wall of popcorn, the wall of candy," he said.

Buc-ee's, known for its barbecue and clean bathrooms, is planning to build the nearly 74,000-square-foot space just off Interstate 94. It's the main route between Madison and Wisconsin Dells.

Most people from the South already know Buc-ee's, but 12 News wanted to find out just how far-reaching its popularity is.

"Have you heard of the gas station Buc-ee's?"

"Yes, of course!" Alex Brodsky of Milwaukee said.

"No, I have not," Sharon Van Lauven replied while on a walk in Bay View.

See more responses in the video above.

Right now, the closest Buc-ee's is in Kentucky, but the popular gas station and its rodent mascot are in the early stages of coming to the Badger State.

The Village of DeForest said the company is coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on traffic studies.

"Buc-ee's is working through the permitting and design phases for the DeForest store. We will make sure to keep you informed when construction will begin in 2024 and when the store is expected to open," Buc-ee's Jeff Nadalo said in a statement to 12 News.

"Sounds like I'm going to the Dells just for the Buc-ee's," Douglas said.