A Look at the Transformation of Austin’s Longest Standing H-E-B on South Congress

Braving a cold, rainy morning, customers lined up outside the newly rebuilt South Congress H-E-B early Wednesday for the long-awaited reopening of the store. Doors opened at 6 a.m., and the first several hundred customers were greeted with gift bags, scarves and other signature H-E-B goodies.

The renovated store at 2400 S. Congress Avenue represents a major milestone for the San Antonio-based retailer, known for its commitment to Texas communities. The multi-level SoCo H-E-B spans over 145,000 square feet—more than twice the size of the original store.

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South Congress H-E-B’s floral section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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South Congress H-E-B’s bakery section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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South Congress H-E-B’s local produce section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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South Congress H-E-B’s beer and wine section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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South Congress H-E-B’s Healthy Living section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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South Congress H-E-B’s pet section. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

A community staple gets a makeover

The grand opening follows a complete rebuild of H-E-B’s longest-standing Austin location. Initially opened in 1957 as a 25,000-square-foot facility, the store received numerous expansions before being demolished in February 2022 to make way for the ambitious new project. During construction, a temporary location at Twin Oaks Shopping Center ensured uninterrupted service for loyal customers.

“This is an iconic location, and this project reflects our commitment to preserving the heart of our long-time store while creating a meaningful space that will better serve the community for years to come,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B’s Senior Vice President for the Central Texas region.

The redesigned store includes several new features, such as a True Texas BBQ restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, three levels of parking with 500 spaces, and H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery services. It also features a full-service pharmacy with a drive-thru and an expansive beer and wine department offering the company’s largest wine selection, according to an H-E-B press release.

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Pillars featuring the phrase “Made for Austin” are showcased at the newly renovated South Congress H-E-B. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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A sculpture designed by Corby Skiles of Texas Metal, crafted from recycled agricultural steel, is displayed at the newly renovated South Congress H-E-B. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

A tribute to South Congress and Austin’s spirit

H-E-B has made a point of integrating Austin’s unique culture into the store’s design. The South Congress location features several art installations by Texas artists, including murals and sculptures by Dana Tanamachi, Los Otros, Texas Metal, Tara Johnston, and H-E-B’s Design team. The retailer emphasized that the project was over a decade in the making, involving meticulous planning, real estate negotiations, and collaboration with the Austin community.

“This is a store you can really be proud of,” said store general manager Joey Uker during his speech at the unveiling ceremony. “We want you to come in and get to know us. We want to know your story and share ours.”

Reflecting H-E-B’s commitment to sustainability, the SoCo store incorporates environmentally friendly features such as smart lighting, CO2 refrigeration, and plans for rooftop solar panels. The redesign emphasizes energy efficiency while flooding the store with natural light to enhance the shopping experience.

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Shoppers line up outside the newly rebuilt South Congress H-E-B in Austin, Texas, before its grand opening at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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Bevo, the University of Texas mascot, greets attendees at the grand opening of the newly rebuilt South Congress H-E-B. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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A shopper raises his hand in a “Hook ’em” sign as University of Texas cheerleaders and Bevo, the UT mascot, welcome customers at the H-E-B South Congress grand opening. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

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Shoppers at the grand opening of the South Congress H-E-B. (Photo courtesy of H-E-B)

A legacy of giving

In keeping with its “Spirit of Giving” philosophy, H-E-B celebrated the grand opening by donating $50,000 to five local organizations, including the Barton Springs Conservancy and St. Edward’s University Food Pantry. The retailer is renowned for its community support, having stepped up during critical moments like 2021’s Winter Storm Uri when it donated $1 million to local food banks and continued serving customers despite widespread power outages.

Founded in 1905 in Kerrville, Texas, H-E-B has grown into a retail powerhouse with over 435 stores across Texas and Mexico, employing more than 160,000 people. The company’s 119-year history includes a focus on innovation, philanthropy, and customer service, with annual sales surpassing $43 billion. The newly renovated South Congress H-E-B reflects the retailer’s longstanding presence in Austin and its efforts to serve local communities.

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