America’s 13 Best Chain Stores for Road Trips

While the internet knows I hate Buc-ee’s, I realize that not everyone else does, so the beloved Southern chain snags the top spot here. Buc-ee’s currently has 54 locations, heavily concentrated in Texas and the Southeast, although they’re rapidly taking over the world, AKA expanding to other states. If you see a yellow sign with a red baseball cap-wearing beaver, sparkling clean restrooms, and a mind-boggling array of jerky and other treats are just ahead.

Buc-ee’s has been called the Disneyland of gas stations and a destination versus a road trip pit stop. Neither description is wrong. Travelers love Buc-ee’s for the large number of pumps, the quality food, and the kitschy selection of merch. You can buy everything from coffee mugs to onesies for all ages with the smiling beaver logo.

When I embarked upon my first solo road trip, my dad told me to only stop at Love’s. I was 21 and had never traveled alone, so I’m sure he was trying to steer me away from sketchy truck stops. On my drive through Texas and Oklahoma, the yellow signs with the cheery red hearts were plentiful, and they were well-lit with clean bathrooms. Love’s has a heavy presence in Texas, Florida, Missouri, and the Midwest, with a handful of stops in other states. 

Love’s is the old faithful of road trip stops. The consistency is comforting for frequent roadtrippers or those on longer haul journeys. For when chips and jerky don’t cut it, there’s real food, too, usually a combination of lighter fare prepared in-house and fast food partners like McDonald’s or Subway. There are showers, which come in handy if you’re car camping. Newer Love’s have fenced, grassy dog parks, a plus for anyone traveling with pets. The Love’s Connect App shows what amenities are available at each location.

You’ll find Casey’s mostly in the Midwest, with the highest concentration in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Pizza is the star of the show here, and this isn’t your average gas station pie. The dough and sauce are made in-house, and since most Casey’s are located near a small town or in rural areas, it’s often the default pizza parlor. Pull in for gas and grub, and you’re just as likely to run into local residents as you are other road trippers.

If you road trip on two wheels, you just might find Casey’s extra motorcycle rider-friendly. Carlos Nasillo, CEO of Riderly, the world’s largest motorcycle rental platform, calls Casey’s “a Godsend for riders,” specifically citing the great food. “I’ll take their breakfast pizza over gas station coffee and donuts, on a long riding day.”

You’ll find Pilot Travel Centers dotted along interstate highways throughout the United States, but most concentrated in the central and Eastern part of the country. Pilot lines up all of road trippers’ pain points and smoothly solves them, making this a true one-stop shop with everything from clean, safe restrooms to pet relief areas. Add showers, a coffee bar with seasonal flavors, a robust selection of retail that includes tech items, sundries, and camping gear, and you just might have trouble finding a road trip essential that Pilot doesn’t carry. Hot food options vary – some locations have on-site, quick service restaurants like McDonald’s, Subway, or Cinnabon.

Pilot is especially EV-friendly. In partnership with GM and EVgo, more than 180 locations offer 350kW fast chargers with covered canopies, well-lit areas, and 24/7 access. Relax in Pilot’s designated seating areas with free Wi-Fi while your car charges.

If you’ve road-tripped through the Southeast, particularly through the Carolinas, you’ve probably seen the billboards advertising this fast food chain. Cook Out locations are usually located near highway exits, making the experience convenient for travelers who want a quick food fix. The chain prides itself on low prices, greasy, nostalgic food, and just the basics; most locations are drive-through only. If your dream cheat day meal is a burger, a corndog, and a quesadilla on one platter, meet your Nirvana.

Cook Out’s main concept is something called “the tray.” Choose your main from a selection of listed items – think burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches – to which you’ll add sides and a drink. Here’s the beauty of Cook Out: sure, you can choose fries or hushpuppies as your side, but you can also pick chicken nuggets, a corndog, or a bacon wrap. It is the South, after all, and deep-fried goodness wins the day.

You’ll find Sheetz primarily in the Mid-Atlantic states with a few locations in the Midwest. Sarah Nicole, a blogger specializing in road trip itineraries, names Sheetz as a favorite travel stop, specifically citing the food quality and variety as what raises the bar here. Sheetz’s food is made to order and covers the basics: burgers and sandwiches, salads, and pizza. They also have a full-service espresso and smoothie bar staffed by baristas. “It rivals and often beats traditional fast food,” says Sarah Nicole.  

What makes Sheetz even more fun is the brand’s quirky, cult-like culture. Loyal fans are known as “Sheetz Freakz” and proudly wear whimsical and even cheeky branded merchandise. A
“Freak in the Sheetz” sticker, anyone? If you want to get in on the fun, Sheetz stores carry a selection of playful gear and gifts, including some loveably odd-looking plushies with customizable accessories. If you find yourself asking, “What is that thing?” you’re not alone.

If you see a sign that says “Home of the Butter Burger,” then you’re probably driving through the Midwest, although Culver’s locations have popped up in other states. If you’re an “Everything is better with butter” believer, you’ll pull over to check it out, which is how I met my first Culver’s. The butter is on the bun, not the meat, which gives their sandwiches a toasty, buttery flavor that’s unrivaled. Culver’s also has other Midwestern staples, like pork loin sandwiches, custard, and cheese curds.

For Midwesterners or anyone who has fond memories of the Midwest, Culver’s equals truly satisfying Wisconsin nostalgia in your belly. Culver’s is also a solid frozen treat stop, with frozen custard concretes, floats, sundaes, and shakes.

According to NYC-based outdoor photographer and adventure travel creator Ashley Westbrook, Stewarts Shops are a lesser-known gem. Stewarts Shops are primarily in upstate New York, with a few locations in Vermont. While the chain checks all the convenience store boxes – gas, coffee, hot food, restrooms – Stewarts Shops has something that makes it stand out: they make their own ice cream. Grab a cone or a milkshake for the road, or take a break and sit down with an ice cream flight or a create-your-own concoction from their sundae bar. They also have a punch card for frequent flyers.

Stewarts Shops often feature seasonal local products and support local farms. You might stop for the convenience – or simply because you want ice cream – but sampling the region’s flavors is a benefit you may not get from your average quick stop.

If you’re traveling through Florida, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, you’ll spot a Wawa. Taste bud tempters that stand out for hungry travelers are made-to-order hoagies (that means ‘sub’ for most of the rest of the world) and a wall of slushies and fountain drinks for when you need a caffeine and sugar fix to keep you going. There’s also a coffee bar with a selection rivaling Starbucks. Wawa also has remarkable consistency across the brand – the stores are laid out exactly the same way, giving you that sense of familiarity when you walk in.

Buc-ee’s doesn’t have the market cornered on merchandise. You’ll find Wawa’s goose logo on coffee mugs, tees, pajama pants, and more. You may see Wawa merch with the word “jawn” in place of “Wawa,” which probably only makes sense to someone who has spent time in Philly. “Jawn” is Philly slang, a noun placeholder. When someone raves about their favorite Wawa jawn, they could be talking about a hoagie or expressing excitement to see a beloved seasonal coffee flavor roll around.

Even though the chain was featured in the pop culture favorite Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, its reach is actually pretty narrow, unless you’ve grown up with them or driven through the Midwest. They’re everywhere in Midwest states like Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. There’s also a robust White Castle presence in New York City.

These mini-burgers are steamed over a bed of onions and then slapped on a square bun with a pickle. While there’s no rule against ordering sans onions, the onion-y goodness makes White Castle White Castle. They also have a fun twist on chicken nuggets: chicken rings. No one else’s fast food chicken is “O” shaped, and don’t ask me why, but that makes it taste way better.

This iconic Southern chain has a heavy presence in Alabama, George, Florida, and the Carolinas. Waffle Houses are liberally sprinkled along the highways, where you can spot the yellow rectangular blocks with bold black lettering from far away. The signs are lit at night, a 24/7 beacon for hungry travelers. Service is notoriously fast and friendly – Southern hospitality, y’all – although most buildings are tiny, so expect to wait for a seat if it’s busy.

If you use more than five words for your coffee order, this might not be your place, but for fresh-brewed caffeinated goodness that keeps you moving to your next stop, this hits the right notes.

This regional chain with an adventure vibe is a staple in the Mountain West with a strong presence in Idaho and Utah, which are, coincidentally, some of the most scenic places to road trip. Maverik is a reliable place to get gas or charge your EV – check the app before banking on charging stations; not all locations have them yet – with clean restrooms and a selection of snacks and takeaway foods. Their branded food menu is called “Bonfire Foods” and features freshly-made wraps, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.

Maverik-branded merchandise features their mountain logo, which gives off REI energy. You can find a variety of gear and accessories that mesh well with the outdoor explorer aesthetic.

While you will find Cracker Barrel in 45 of the 50 states, this country store’s footprint is most prominent throughout the South and Midwest, usually located near interstates. While this is a “relax and stay awhile” kind of place versus a “get in and out quickly” kind of place, if you find yourself craving classic comfort foods and have the time in your schedule for a leisurely stop, Cracker Barrel is reliably delicious.

The franchise leans into the “Grandma’s house” vibe, from the front porch rocking chairs to the slightly kitschy interior decor to the hearty, simple fare you’d expect to find at a potluck, like meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, and all-day breakfast. Guests enter and exit through the gift shop, which is a fun explosion of retro candy and other treats, “Live, Laugh, Love” style home decor items, apparel, and accessories.