MEBANE, N.C. — New census data shows Mebane is the fastest-growing city in the Triad.
It'll be home to the first Buc-ee's in the state.
Nearly 2000 people moved into the city of Mebane since 2020.
"Growth has been great. And we keep getting busier and busier, which is what we want," said Kelli Potter, owner of Solgarden in downtown Mebane.
More business is to be expected when the city grows by 10% in the last four years alone.
Solgarden has seen firsthand the impact the increase in population can have on a city.
Potter said, "I think it's beneficial, especially for our local economy. And I feel like our little downtown has remained charming."
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Bradley said he has lived in Mebane for 68 years. He said the growth has been astronomical compared to years ago.
"Some of the growth has been fun. Some of it's been enjoyable. But you know, with growth comes many issues such as traffic and congestion. But you know, it makes me proud that Mebane holds such a fantastic interest for a lot of people to move there," Bradley explained.
In addition to the historic downtown and Tanger Outlets, Mebane is getting North Carolina's first-ever Buc-ee's.
It's expected to bring in even more travelers and people moving to this area.
"We bring a lot of excitement, and we bring a lot of travelers who are stopping in locations where they might not have historically taken a rest break. And so those are huge advantages for the local communities that we open in," said Jeff Nadalo, spokesperson for Buc-ee's.
The city of Mebane said some major medical facilities are also looking to move around Buc-ee's.
Buc-ee's said it's still going through all of the permitting and initial phases of construction, but when it's all said and done, close to 400 jobs will be available at the store.