Continuing its investment in the greater Austin area, H-E-B BB #:106490 continues with its plans to build new stores, renovate existing locations, and support community initiatives, such as efforts to build affordable housing.
In East Austin, the retailer has plans for a new H-E-B at McKinney Falls Parkway and William Cannon, a project that will support growth throughout the area. To help spur additional development, these efforts are aligned with community investments, which include a $1 million gift to Austin Habitat for Humanity to support two affordable housing projects in East Austin.
“At H-E-B, we’re always looking for ways to invest in our stores and the community. This level of investment takes years of planning, and we are incredibly excited to continue providing the greater Austin area with stores that are new, expanded and remodeled” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B Senior Vice President, Central Texas Region. “As we look for ways to serve even more Texans, we also remain committed to support those in need and uplift our communities where we operate and beyond.”
STORE INVESTMENTS
This year, H-E-B has announced twelve major projects for the greater Austin area. Half of those involve plans for new stores, while the others are renovation projects, efforts that position the retailer to serve even more Texans and improve the shopping experience for existing customers, all while adding over 4,000 jobs to the local economy.
With the addition of the McKinney Falls store, H-E-B is moving into an underserved area that’s seeing a surge in population growth. Planning for the McKinney Falls store is still underway. Construction is slated to start next year, and the store is expected to open late 2027.
Staying to the city’s East Side, H-E-B recently opened the doors to its third location in Pflugerville, a store that includes the first True Texas BBQ location for the city. In October, H-E-B started construction on a 106,000-square-foot store in Manor, which is expected to open in late 2025. Major renovations and expansion were recently completed at the Tech Ridge H-E-B at Parmer Lane and I-35, and the retailer has plans to update and expand the Ed Bluestein H-E-B, a project estimated to start in 2026.
Outside the Eastern Crescent, H-E-B has plans for store renovations in Kyle, Bastrop, and other locations in the greater Austin area. Additional store openings also are on the books for Georgetown and San Marcos, locations set to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively. On Dec. 4, H-E-B’s new South Congress store will officially open to the community. At over 145,000 square feet, the multi-level store will include a ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, a second level with a large assortment of products, and three levels of above-ground parking with more than 500 spaces.
H-E-B continues to evaluate sites across the city. This includes Del Valle, where H-E-B anticipates that the property the retailer has owned for several years will be sold back to the developer, who has expressed their intent to exercise their re-purchase option on the land. Despite the sale, H-E-B remains committed to supporting this community.
SUPPORTING AFFORDABILITY AND FUTURE GROWTH
H-E-B is also committed to investing in nonprofits and communities around Austin. One critical issue is housing affordability, as the rapid rise in housing costs now puts Austin’s median home price as one of the most expensive in Texas.
To help combat the issue, H-E-B has committed $1 million to support Austin Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to build two affordable housing communities in east Austin.
“This $1 million gift from H-E-B is a monumental contribution to the future of Austin Habitat for Humanity. It’s more than just a financial investment, it’s a commitment to helping hard-working families achieve the dream of homeownership and building strong, vibrant neighborhoods,” said Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity. “With this generous support, we can expand our reach, empower our workforce, and create lasting change in the community. We’re excited to partner with H-E-B in this critical work and are deeply grateful for their dedication to making Austin a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Near the retailer’s planned store at McKinney Falls, part of the donation will support the nonprofit’s project at Persimmon Point. Currently under construction, the affordable housing project will include 126 units. South of H-E-B’s Manor store, the gift will also support the organization’s Whisper Valley affordable housing project, which will initially consist of nearly 50 single-family homes.
Over the past five years, H-E-B has committed nearly $50 million to support Austin-area nonprofits in various capacities, including many organizations that support efforts in Austin’s Eastern Crescent.
Additional details about store and community investments will be shared as projects and plans develop. Proudly serving communities across the state since 1905, H-E-B is committed to the Austin area for the long term and hopes to serve even more communities in the future.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $43 billion, operates more than 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 119th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.
