Buc-ee’s just inked a controversial new rule.
Famous for the “cleanest restrooms in America” and its red-capped, beaver mascot, the mega-sized convenience hub has taken issue with body art.
The cult-favorite convenience chain shared via its website that employees nationwide are forbidden from sporting “visible tattoos” at work.
In addition to the tat ban, Buc-ee’s will not abide body piercings, tongue posts, “unnatural colored hair,” open-toe shoes, or torn or faded clothing.
Uniform requirements include “tan/khaki/black pants and a clean, professional, solid red shirt with a collar.”
In cooler weather, the chain graciously permits employees to wear a red sweater or coat.
Additional employment stipulations include drug and alcohol testing and “one of the most extensive background checks in the industry.”
Buc-ee’s employees are prohibited from smoking while on store premises and are expected to work nights, weekends, and holidays as the chain is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
On the company’s career page, they lead with the query, ‘Do you believe what we believe?’
“We believe our store should be clean. We believe our staff should be friendly. We believe our prices should be low. If you believe what we believe, come join the Buc-ee’s team!,” the site contines.
On a Reddit forum, past and present Buc-ee’s employees weighed in on the pros and cons of becoming a beaver believer.
“You can’t even sit down on the one break you get per day,” lamented one employee.
“The money is good, but not for the mental, physical, and emotional stress that you endure,” shared another, adding, “If you value yourself, don’t do it.”
“It’s very toxic and extremely rigid. Tons of restrictions. Most don’t last a week,” said a third.
“It’s famously awful to work there,” said a fourth.
Perhaps most telling were the legion of other commenters who referred to the chain by the dubious nickname, Suc-ee’s.
In a forum dedicated specifically to tattoos in the Buc-ee’s workplace, many confirmed that the chain has long maintained a zero tolerance policy for body art.
“Absolutely cannot have any visible tattoos. I have to either wear long sleeves (even in the summer) or wear band-aids to cover them up,” said one employee.
“If your tattoo is seen twice, you get fired,” revealed another.
The first Buc-ee’s store opened in Clute, Texas, in 1982, and over the decades since, the convenience chain has developed a cult following in the US.
In addition to 45 Texas locations, the chain operates stores in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia and Ohio.
Each location is massive, typically occupying 50,000 and 74,000 square feet, affording ample room for the chain’s massive gift shop and full-scale food market.
Beloved Buc-ee’s provisions include Texas BBQ, homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and fresh pastries.
At 75,593 square feet, the Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas holds the distinction of being the largest convenience store in the world.
Meanwhile, the Katy, Texas location is home to the world’s longest car wash, clocking in at 255 feet of conveyor.
Earlier this year, the “world’s friendliest beaver” announced it was adding 15 more pit stops to its portfolio.
The gas giant’s newest spot is its largest western outpost to date. This week, the travel center opened its Arizona location in Goodyear, occupying a massive 74,000 square feet and offering 120 fueling stations.
Located at 1001 N. Bullard Avenue, a suburb of Phoenix, the new location marks its debut in the Southwest — and the first Buc-ee’s spot in Arizona.
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