Mansfield Officials Review Proposal for New Buc-ee's Travel Center

The Texas-based chain known for its large convenience stores and food offerings eyes a location near I-71 and Ohio 39.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:35pm

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Mansfield, Ohio officials have announced that a petition for annexation has been filed related to a potential new Buc-ee's travel center development near the Interstate 71 and Ohio 39 interchange. The city and local townships are reviewing the proposal, which could bring high-paying jobs, tax revenue, and a new roadside destination for travelers to the region.

Why it matters

The arrival of a Buc-ee's travel center would be a major economic development for the Mansfield area, potentially drawing in more visitors and boosting the local tax base. As a popular Texas-based chain known for its extensive convenience store offerings and food options, Buc-ee's could become a new landmark attraction along the I-71 corridor.

The details

The proposal involves a Type 2 annexation, where the surrounding townships would continue receiving property tax revenue while the city of Mansfield would collect income tax and water/sewer fees, and Richland County would get sales tax. City officials say this structure is designed to allow multiple local governments to benefit from the project. If approved, the Buc-ee's development could bring high-paying jobs and significant new economic activity to the region.

  • On March 10, 2026, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry announced that an annexation petition was submitted to the city, Richland County, and local townships.
  • Discussions between Mansfield officials and Buc-ee's have been ongoing for months as part of the due diligence process.
  • A Buc-ee's location in Huber Heights, Ohio is slated to open on April 6, 2026.

The players

Jodie Perry

The mayor of Mansfield, Ohio who announced the annexation petition filing related to the potential Buc-ee's development.

Buc-ee's

A Texas-based travel center chain known for its large convenience stores, fuel stations, and extensive food offerings. Buc-ee's is eyeing a new location in Mansfield, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“A development of this size doesn't come around all that often. It's more than a gas station or restaurant or retail store. It's a destination and experience that will undoubtedly make a substantial impact on our community.”

— Jodie Perry, Mayor of Mansfield

“No doubt Northeast Ohioans will flock to this new Buc-ee's. It'll be a hard choice for travelers on I-71 to decide between Buc-ee's and Grandpa's Cheesebarn, a popular roadside attraction, in nearby Ashland.”

— Susan Glaser, Travel editor, Cleveland.com | The Plain Dealer

What’s next

Several steps remain before the Buc-ee's project can be finalized, including additional approvals and completion of the due diligence process. If approved, the development would place Mansfield and Richland County among the growing number of communities hosting Buc-ee's travel centers.

The takeaway

The potential arrival of a Buc-ee's travel center in Mansfield represents a significant economic development opportunity for the region, promising new jobs, tax revenue, and a unique roadside destination that could draw in travelers along the I-71 corridor. The unique revenue-sharing structure between the city, townships, and county demonstrates how large-scale projects can be structured to benefit multiple local governments.