H-E-B reimagines iconic South Congress store in Austin
H-E-B reimagines iconic South Congress store in Austin

After more than six decades of serving the South Congress and Oltorf community, H-E-B is undertaking significant upgrades to its longest-standing Austin store. With fresh improvement plans for the South Congress H-E-B, the retailer is excited to share that the landmark project for the South Congress H-E-B is progressing and is expected to be completed by late 2024.

Demolition of the old store began in February 2022, and H-E-B opened a temporary store at the nearby Twin Oaks Shopping Center to serve customers during the construction period. The temporary store opened just one week before construction commenced.

“Our vision has always been to create a store that our customers will be proud of, an iconic location that reflects the personality and vibrancy of the South Congress community,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B Group Vice President Central Texas. “This store is an important part of this neighborhood, and we hope this new design conveys the deep gratitude we have for our loyal customers who have supported our business for more than 60 years.”

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 600 spaces. Customers can look forward to all the convenient services, quality products and low prices customers expect from H-E-B. Additionally, the community can enjoy some mouth-watering Texas barbecue with plans for a True Texas BBQ, which was named best barbecue chain in Texas by Texas Monthly.

Other store features will include:

  • A host of environmental features, including smart lighting plans and abundant natural lighting
  • Bakery with handmade breads and H-E-B’s famous in-store made, warm tortillas
  • Cooking Connection with live demonstrations and samplings
  • Curbside and Home Delivery services
  • Expanded beer and wine selection
  • Full-service pharmacy with drive-thru
  • H-E-B Flower Bar with seasonal bouquets and arrangements
  • H-E-B Meal Simple section with fresh chef-inspired meals prepared in store
  • Healthy Living, Pet, and Beauty departments
  • Indoor and outdoor seating for dining 
  • Local art inclusion that celebrates the store’s longtime South Congress roots and today’s vibrant art scene
  • Sushiya sushi made in-store daily
  • True Texas BBQ, which was named best barbecue chain in Texas by Texas Monthly

While the company continues to put the finishing touches on the store’s look and feel, there are several additional amenities that will provide a dynamic, entertaining, and innovative shopping experience that H-E-B’s deserving South Congress customers will be proud of for decades to come.

The temporary store located at 2301 S. Congress Avenue, continues to provide many of the same quality products and convenient services our customers enjoy, including Home Delivery and H-E-B Pharmacy services. While Curbside pickup isn’t available at the temporary location, customers can still access this service at the nearby Riverside H-E-B plus! store.

Other store features will include:

  • A host of environmental features, including smart lighting plans and abundant natural lighting
  • Bakery with handmade breads and H-E-B’s famous in-store made, warm tortillas
  • Cooking Connection with live demonstrations and samplings
  • Curbside and Home Delivery services
  • Expanded beer and wine selection
  • Full-service pharmacy with drive-thru
  • H-E-B Flower Bar with seasonal bouquets and arrangements
  • H-E-B Meal Simple section with fresh chef-inspired meals prepared in store
  • Healthy Living, Pet, and Beauty departments
  • Indoor and outdoor seating for dining 
  • Local art inclusion that celebrates the store’s longtime South Congress roots and today’s vibrant art scene
  • Sushiya sushi made in-store daily
  • True Texas BBQ, which was named best barbecue chain in Texas by Texas Monthly

While the company continues to put the finishing touches on the store’s look and feel, there are several additional amenities that will provide a dynamic, entertaining, and innovative shopping experience that H-E-B’s deserving South Congress customers will be proud of for decades to come.

The temporary store located at 2301 S. Congress Avenue, continues to provide many of the same quality products and convenient services our customers enjoy, including Home Delivery and H-E-B Pharmacy services. While Curbside pickup isn’t available at the temporary location, customers can still access this service at the nearby Riverside H-E-B plus! store.

The H-E-B located at 2400 S. Congress Avenue, which first opened in 1957 with 25,000 square feet and later expanded to 69,000 square feet, was demolished in February 2022. The reimagined store is now being transformed into a brand-new SoCo H-E-B, marking the first time this location will be completely rebuilt from the ground up, nearly doubling in size to 145,000 square feet.

H-E-B remains deeply committed to bringing South Congress customers an iconic store that will offer a world-class shopping experience, and we will continue to provide additional updates as they develop. Customers looking for more information, including how to contact H-E-B with questions about updates to the new store can contact our Customer Relations team at customer.relations@heb.com or call 1-800-432-3113.

Media requesting more information may contact H-E-B Public Affairs at news@heb.com.

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.

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.

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