Buc-ee’s is a chain of 54 gas stations and convenience stores. Though Arch “Beaver” Alpin only started the Texas-based business in 1982, it has already expanded to Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, Missouri, Mississippi, and Virginia. He has plans to expand to eight more states.

Most travelers are ambivalent about which gas station chain they fuel up at. But even while competing with brands that have been around for decades longer, Buc-ee’s has won a loyal customer base. How? Buc-ee’s differentiates itself by running a proverbial “tight ship” with exceptionally clean bathrooms and a no-truck-drivers policy. It’s earned praise for paying employees well, but criticism for its strict work conditions.

In a recent TikTok video, a musician named Gray Ellis asked, “If every employer was like Buc-ee’s, imagine what our economy would be?” They pointed out that “The lowest paid worker at Buc-ee’s is paid $18 an hour. Managers, not even GMs, make $150K.” Meanwhile, the chain’s revenue is healthy, and products “are not expensive.” Ellis called it “a great example of ‘if they wanted to, they would,’ but business style.” You can see the video embedded below and keep scrolling to see the debate it inspired.

TikTok is divided on Buc-ee’s

TikTok commenters were split on whether Buc-ee’s is “BRILLIANT” or whether “working there is one of the layers of hell.” Some also argued, “The things at Buc-ee’s are crazy expensive.”

Other commenters complained about the company’s expectations. “Standards are crazy high.” For example: “They are super strict too. You’re allowed to be 1 min late 3 times before you’re fired.” Another rumored offense? “They see you have your phone out. Instant termination.”

Some commenters also said Buc-ee’s doesn’t hire people with tattoos or piercings.

Buc-ee’s employees weigh in

Other commenters pushed back, saying there’s nothing “crazy” about standards. “Like working… no phones… uniforms…”

“I will say this, pay attention to the workers at one… those folks WORK ? I saw a cashier ring up like 20 people, and it was quick! ?”

At least one Buc-ee’s employee weighed in to set the record straight.

“I am an employee at a Buc-ee’s. We get 20-minute paid breaks, and we have break tables. The only time you won’t be sitting during your break is if too many people are on break at once and there are no more tables. Yes, they are extremely strict, but our managers actually won’t let you skip a break because they recognize our bodies need it.”

— Liam, via TikTok

Most commenters seemed to agree it’s a shame when greedy CEOs or investors ruin a company. One said about Buc-ee’s, “One VERY important piece of this is that they are privately owned and not by private equity. They don’t have to pay a host of investors who aren’t actively part of the business.” That comment got 8,000 likes. The top-voted comment repeated the sentiment. “its bcuz the CEO of buccees only make abt a million a yr….. if all execs and ceos took a pay cut we could raise wages and not even worry abt inflation.”

Commenters also shouted out other companies with high wages: In-N-Out, H-E-B, and Costco came up repeatedly.