My husband and I always make sure to stop at a Buc-ee’s to get gas, whenever possible. The lower gas prices help, but the real reason is that we like to be recognized.

The employees at the local Buc-ee’s always recognize us, and are genuinely nice everytime we come into the store. It is a business attribute that we no longer see in convenience stores—familiarity and recognition.

It reminds me of the old drug stores that used to service every small-town in rural Texas. Where every customer was known by name and maybe even birth date! While I would not want any young man calling out my year of birth these days, I would not mind if they showed me the same respect that the employees at Buc-ee’s show me.

In short, I hope to see more of these stores spring up all over the country. The small-town feel of each location is a recipe for success in these confusing and busy times.