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NEW BRAUNFELS — The long-awaited opening of Buc-ee's on Monday drew swarms of shoppers, from curious newcomers to regulars seeking favored treats and some quality throne time.

“I really like it,” said San Antonian Cathie Williams, 57, intent on expanding her collection of T-shirts featuring the chain's trademark logo of a bucktoothed beaver.

“Every time I go, I get a different color shirt,” she said, sporting a red Buc-ee's shirt.

Most patrons were struck by the enormousness of the 26th store in the chain that Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and Don Wasek founded in Lake Jackson in 1982.

READ MORE: HOUSTON CHRONICLE