The Midwestern Gas Station That Gives Buc-Ee's A Run For Its Money

Watch out, Buc-ee's, there's a brand-new gas station that's gaining attention — and earning cool points — as a must-stop destination. Based in the Midwest, with a friendly, smiling bear mascot and football-field-sized, well-lit pumping stations shining brightly from the highway, is Wally's. And it rivals Buc-ee's standards (and Beaver Nuggets), thanks to its numerous amenities, quirky, playful merchandise, clean facilities, and loyal customers in Missouri and Illinois. Bright orange and sky-blue billboards on either side of Interstate 44 in Fenton, Missouri, guide curious patrons and weary truck drivers to their final destination, which is practically in my backyard. 

Michael Rubenstein and Chad Wallis, the duo behind Wally's, first dreamed about opening a gigantic convenience store that was part grocery, part retail, and part food hall back in 2017. Rubenstein had almost 20 years of corporate and hands-on experience running a business, and soon the dream became a reality. In 2020, the pair opened the inaugural Wally's location in Pontiac, Illinois. In 2022, the second location opened off of Interstate 44, on the outskirts of St. Louis, with plans to open additional stores in the future.

Coined as the "Home of the Great American Road Trip," Wally's delivers on its tagline. With more than 76 pumps, electrical vehicle charging stations, and gigantic restrooms, getting in and out quickly is definitely possible, if you're in a time crunch. But then you'd miss out on all the "Unexpected Necessities" that you didn't know you needed. 

Beyond the standard convenience store luxuries (which it has in spades), Wally's is known for its enormous coffee and drink bar, sweet and smoky hot barbecue sandwiches, carving station, popcorn station (which is nothing like movie theater popcorn), and jerky bar. My mother-in-law can vouch for the hefty size and tasty flavor of the pulled pork sandwich and the sheer monstrosity of the indoor market. Wally's sells its homemade Butter, Cheddar, and Caramel popcorn in 2-gallon tins, as well as its own corn kernels and popcorn seasonings. The jerky bar has beef and turkey options with several flavors, including pepper, garlic, hot & spicy, honey jalapeño, and teriyaki. 

As expected, Wally's carries its own line of branded merchandise. It specializes in stylish trucker hats, way too many koozies with cute sayings, water bottles and knock-off Stanley tumblers, stickers, key chains, bottle openers, air fresheners, playing cards, sunglasses, and a game called Road Trip Bingo. There's even an exclusive collection of camp gear and games created in collaboration with the fashion brand, Camp Wandawega. And you can't leave without picking up a cute Wallybear. Make Wally's a priority — not just a pitstop — on your next nationwide road trip.