MANSFIELD, Ohio – The City of Mansfield could soon be the site of Ohio’s second Buc-ee’s travel center, according to a social media post from Mayor Jodie Perry.
Perry announced Monday on Facebook that a petition for annexation was filed with the City of Mansfield, Richland County, and Madison and Mifflin townships for the development of a Buc-ee’s travel center at the Interstate 71 and State Route 39 interchange.
“This is the next step in a process that has already been in the works for months with a little company you may have heard of – Buc-ee’s,” Perry wrote.
Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based chain known for its expansive stores and clean restrooms, is expected to open its first Ohio location next month in Huber Heights.
Perry said the proposed Richland County development would be more than just a travel stop.
“It’s more than a gas station or restaurant or retail store,” she said. “It’s a destination and experience that will undoubtedly make a substantial impact on our community.”
The annexation is classified as “Type 2,” Perry said, meaning the townships would retain their revenues, while the city would collect income tax and water and sewer revenues. Richland County would receive sales tax income. The proposed Buc-ee’s could create up to 200 jobs and occupy more than 70,000 square feet.
Buc-ee’s first Ohio location, set to open April 6 at 8000 State Route 235 in Huber Heights, comes after the company filed a civil lawsuit against Coles IP Holdings, owner of Mickey’s gas stations. Buc-ee’s alleges that Mickey’s mascot, Mickey the Moose, could cause consumer confusion due to similarities with the Buc-ee’s beaver mascot. The suit claims federal trademark infringement, federal unfair competition, and requests cancellation of Mickey’s trademark registration.
Buc-ee’s operates about 50 locations, mostly in the southern United States.
“This is an important milestone toward putting Mansfield and Richland County on the Buc-ee’s map,” Perry said. “Mansfield—here, we grow.”