Rejoice, Memphians.

Buc-ee’s is coming closer to Memphis.

Much closer.

A Texas-based company founded in 1982, most of its 46 current locations are located there. Two are in Tennessee, but one is almost five hours away from Memphis in Crossville. The other, six-and-a-half hours away in Sevierville.

Buc-ee’s coming to Fayette County, official says

But now the most-awesome gas station chain in America will soon be opening a location in Fayette County, if all goes as planned. Tennessee state Sen. Page Walley, R-Bolivar made the announcement Wednesday; Fayette County Mayor Rhea “Skip” Taylor reportedly said negotiations still were ongoing for a site in Gallaway.

That’s barely more than a half hour away from Memphis along Interstate 40, not far past Arlington.

So celebrate good times. Seriously, c’mon.

For the uninitiated, Buc-ee’s is an interstate fuel stop extravaganza. The best rest stop in America, as its slogan appropriately goes.

Some are stores, some are travel centers, the largest of which, the one over in Sevierville, located just north of Pigeon Forge in East Tennessee, is the world’s largest convenience store at 74,707 square feet. (A Walmart Supercenter, by comparison, is 182,000 square feet.)

Whether on vacation, a business trip or just because, devoted fans will drive miles and miles out of the way to visit Buc-ee’s. And with good reason.

Imagine Love’s on steroids, and much brighter.

Gas pumps for miles, plenty of electric vehicle chargers outside if you’re so inclined. A country store inside the size of a mini-mall (only a slight exaggeration). Spic and Span clean bathrooms, the men’s side with enough urinals to host a football team – starters, plus all the reserves – and almost enough stalls to match.

(Can’t speak for the women’s side).

Really, it’s incredible – especially the travel centers, of which there are 28 spread among seven states.

I write with authority.

From the family text chain, after a visit last July …

Me: “Happiest place on Earth!” (With a Buc-ee’s photo attached, of course.)

The sister-in-law, who does not exactly always agree with me: “Yes it is.” (Answered with the icon of a beaver, of course.)

From the family text chain, one month later …

Me: “Two Buc-ee’s stops in one day.” Really, I did. While in Texas. (Another photo attached, of course.)

The sister-in-law: “You had a good day then.”

Yes I did.

Walley didn’t say when the Fayette Buc-ee’s will be built, but it can’t be soon enough.

Again, for the uninitiated:

At Buc-ee’s you can buy the brisket sandwich. Shaved on the spot, with those holding the knives proudly shouting at the top of their lungs when they’re done with their work. You can buy the sausage sandwich. You can buy the turkey sandwich.

Can’t decide? Try the three-meat sandwich. A carnivore’s delight.

My personal favorite is the turkey, with just a smidge of barbecue sauce. I have to be careful with the sauce, but you should feel free to go fully loaded. Even consider buying some extra on the side. A little plastic container costs a quarter. Don’t fret it. Splurge, in fact. Buy three. You can’t possibly find anything better for 75 cents these days.

At Buc-ee’s you can buy jerky. Beef jerky, just about every flavor imaginable. Turkey jerky, even. Fresh from behind the counter, like an old-school butcher shop, mounds and mounds of jerky displayed behind glass enclosures. Actually, more like a museum – honoring something of true national significance.

At Buc-ee’s you can buy fresh fudge – multiple flavors to choose from, of course. Delish. Comes with the little plastic knife to slice, of course.

You can buy little plastic cups full of sausage and cheese and topped with a globe of pretzels. You can buy fruits cups and fresh salads (boring). You can just about any snack you can think of.

My personal favorite is the saltwater taffy. They even have sugar-free. (Endocrinologist, please note I am trying.)

Fine dining note: Don’t miss the beaver nuggets, those sweet little corn puff things. (Apologies to the endo doc.)

You can also buy all sorts of camping and outdoors gears. Need a cooler? No problem. Need folding chairs? Plenty to pick from. Need a grill? Take two to go.

Note to hunters: You can even buy deer feed.

You can buy souvenirs. Keychain? It’s in my pocket. Stickers? One is on my fridge (don’t worry, not that crazy. It’s held up with a magnet).

You can also buy clothes. Need a new hoodie? Bought the niece and nephew ones for Christmas. Just got mine too. What cool uncle wouldn’t?

And if you really get lucky, you may visit Buc-ee’s on a day its beaver mascot is there. The kids love him. Based on the mobs I’ve seen around him, adults do too.

So move over Mickey. You’re a mere mouse, yesterday’s news. Same to you Chuck E. Cheese.

Buc-ee is a beaver, a real rodent. Second-largest rodent in the world, in fact, No. 2 only to South America’s capybaras.

More importantly, Buc-ee’s is a rest stop serving weary and hungry travelers all their needs.

So sorry, Disneyland. Buc-ee’s home really is the happiest place on Earth.