The Power of Long-Distance Billboard Advertising

Driving south on Interstate 94, just 10 miles from the Wisconsin-Illinois state line, travelers might be surprised to see a Buc-ee’s billboard proclaiming: "469 MILES." The sign, located in a rural area near Milwaukee, refers to a Buc-ee’s location in Richmond, Kentucky. While the sheer distance might seem unusual, this is not the only instance of the convenience-store chain placing long-range billboards—similar signs have been spotted in California and Michigan, advertising locations over 1,000 miles away.

But why does Buc-ee’s invest in billboard advertising so far from its actual stores? Industry experts and marketing consultants weigh in on the strategy behind this unconventional approach.

A Clever Marketing Play

Rachel Toner, Taste Strategy

Rachel Toner, founder of Taste Strategy, sees Buc-ee’s long-distance billboards as a lighthearted yet strategic marketing move.

“The use of ‘469 miles’ is humorous. They could have rounded up to 470, but they didn’t,” she says.

From a consumer perspective, the billboard achieves multiple goals:

• Building brand awareness: Travelers unfamiliar with Buc-ee’s might wonder what it is.

• Creating intrigue: The mileage number suggests Buc-ee’s is worth a long journey.

• Evoking nostalgia: Fans of Buc-ee’s may recall past visits and anticipate future ones.

The sign may also serve as a "flex" for Buc-ee’s, showcasing its devoted customer base and hinting at future expansion.

More Than Just a Gas Station

Kyle Drenon, Supper Co.

According to Kyle Drenon, co-owner of Supper Co., Buc-ee’s billboards position the brand as a destination rather than a convenience store.

“The billboard builds intrigue. Buc-ee’s is known for being quirky and clever. Their strategy did get you to write a piece on it after all!” he notes.

Tapping into Road Trip Nostalgia

Richard Poye, Fresh Foods Think Tank

Richard Poye compares Buc-ee’s billboard approach to classic roadside advertising along Route 66, South of the Border, and Arizona trading posts.

“Brands like Buc-ee’s use billboard placement to build anticipation, much like the legendary road trip stops of the past.”

By spacing out billboards over long stretches of highway, Buc-ee’s teases travelers and heightens excitement as they get closer. This technique appeals to emotions and adventure, making Buc-ee’s feel like an essential stop.

Measuring Success: Beyond Direct Sales

While it might be difficult to measure the immediate ROI of these billboards, Poye suggests tracking:

• Search trends: Increased Google searches for “Buc-ee’s near me.”

• Social media engagement: Posts featuring the billboard on platforms like Instagram or X.

• Brand recognition surveys: Gauging awareness in the Milwaukee-Illinois region.

Rather than just advertising a single location, Buc-ee’s is priming new markets and establishing itself as an American road trip icon.

Capitalizing on Brand Loyalty

Stafford Shurden, Restaurant Owner

Not all businesses would benefit from such billboards, says Stafford Shurden, owner of Stafford’s Market.

“For a billboard like that to succeed, it needs incredible brand loyalty… Buc-ee’s has that.”

Unlike typical gas stations, Buc-ee’s has cultivated a fanbase that plans road trips around its locations. Their billboards don’t persuade customers—they confirm a pre-existing commitment to the brand.

Creating Curiosity and Word-of-Mouth

Bill Nolan, Business Accelerator Team

Buc-ee’s billboards are designed to spark curiosity.

“Most people in Wisconsin don’t know Buc-ee’s, so the mileage message adds to the ‘What the hell does that mean?’ factor,” Nolan explains.

Without even listing a website, the sign nudges consumers to search for Buc-ee’s themselves, a strategy that aligns perfectly with today’s digital habits.

Buc-ee’s: A Road Trip Destination

Steve Morris, Retail Management Inc.

Steve Morris highlights how Buc-ee’s borrows from the success of Wall Drug in South Dakota by making itself a must-visit attraction.

“Their stores become something of lore. The billboards build anticipation, ensuring travelers plan to stop and explore.”

While the immediate impact of these billboards might not be directly measurable, their true success lies in long-term brand investment, word-of-mouth buzz, and social media virality.

Conclusion: More Than a Gas Station, It’s an Experience

Buc-ee’s isn’t just using billboards to sell gas or snacks—it’s selling an experience. By tapping into road trip nostalgia, curiosity, and brand loyalty, Buc-ee’s transforms its locations into cultural landmarks.

The "469 MILES" billboard is more than just an ad; it’s a statement, reinforcing that Buc-ee’s is not just a stop—it’s the destination.