H-E-B plans new store in west Austin, sets opening date
H-E-B plans new store in west Austin, sets opening date

 

UPDATE: The Nutty Brown H-E-B will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

While the Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre is closed and the owner has relocated to a new site, its rich history will be on display at H-E-B’s newest store in west Austin. Construction has officially started on the 103,000-square-foot H-E-B store, which will use building materials and showcase iconography and memorabilia from the iconic venue.

The H-E-B store will be located at Country Road 163 and Highway 290 and is expected to be complete sometime in spring 2023 (see update). H-E-B purchased the property in 2015. UPDATE: The Nutty Brown H-E-B will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5.

Regularly recognized as a top employer in the nation, H-E-B is currently hiring for positions throughout the Nutty Brown H-E-B store. Those currently looking for employment opportunities can visit careers.heb.com to search for job openings.

Thoughtfully crafted to fit in the fabric of the surrounding communities of Bear Creek, Cedar Valley and Dripping Springs, the location’s exterior design will embrace the Hill Country aesthetic. Two entry towers and a large section of windows above the check stands area will allow for an abundance of natural light, and several native trees will be added to the landscape. And as with every new store, H-E-B will work to create a unique sense of place with an experience inspired by the story and spirit of the neighborhood.

“At H-E-B, we work hard to tailor our stores to create an experience that’s unique for our neighbors and customers,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B Group Vice President Central Texas. “We are proud to be a part of this community, and it’s important to us that we do our part to preserve and showcase the heritage and history of such an iconic landmark.”

Throughout the store, H-E-B will incorporate materials such as red brick from the original brick oven used at Nutty Brown Foods, which served as a flour mill and candy store. The H-E-B design team has plans for a tribute wall that will welcome customers near the store’s entrance. To preserve and celebrate the venue’s 70-year history, the mural will include vintage photography and colorful iconography inspired by original signage such as the blue “Welcome” awning and the neon Cowboy sign.

Mike Farr, the owner of Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre, which operated as a music venue for more than two decades, gifted signed guitars from legendary Texas musicians who once graced the stage. The plan is for H-E-B to display and incorporate the memorabilia throughout the store.

“It means a lot to me that H-E-B cares enough about the history at Nutty Brown and plans to pay homage to it in some way,” said Farr, whose new venue Round Rock Amp is set to open on April 2. “I value the way H-E-B has treated me and my business over the last several years. They’ve been amazing partners to work with. I live a few miles down the road, and it’s a surreal concept to think that a place I’ve walked into and owned for two decades is now where I’m going to buy milk and bread. But I’m excited to see it and excited to be a part of it.”

Much like Nutty Brown provided opportunities to Texas musicians, H-E-B also is committed to doing its part to support the local community. Aside from creating 300 jobs with the new store, H-E-B works with local businesses from across the state to help sell their products to Texans. One of those local companies is Skull & Cakebones, which took the grand prize at H-E-B’s 2017 Quest for Texas Best competition. Since then, the company, which has a plant-based bakery and market in Dripping Springs, has grown its distribution reach to include dozens of H-E-B stores across central Texas.

“Small business is the heart of Texas communities. H-E-B is helping to build these local economies, and they can single handedly change the course of a small business’s life. They sure changed ours,” said Yauss Berenji, Skull & Cakebones Owner and Chief Creative Officer. “It means everything to see our products on the shelf at H-E-B. It’s proof that our hard work and relentlessness pays off. It is so much more than just selling our product to a grocery store. This is our H-E-B. We shop at H-E-B and when we are there I always stop and point, so excited to see our cupcakes on the shelf.”

At a private groundbreaking ceremony, where the Skull & Cakebones team passed out their popular gluten-free Amaretti almond flour cookies, H-E-B commemorated the occasion by announcing support to three local nonprofits. Committed to its Spirit of Giving philosophy, H-E-B presented $5,000 each to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM), Hill Country Conservancy, and Dripping Springs Helping Hands Food Pantry.

“H-E-B digs deep when supporting their neighbors, and their community giving reflects how support for nonprofits is leveraged to benefit thousands or individuals and families in need in our community,” said Rikki Hardy, HAAM Vice President of Donor Relations & Community Engagement.

George Cofer, Hill Country Conservancy CEO added that H-E-B’s support for nonprofits “provides critically important funding and other resources to strengthen programs that address every aspect of our social fabric and quality of life. H-E-B’s involvement in the communities they serve is a win for us all.”

The thoughtfully designed H-E-B store will offer a world-class shopping experience with an emphasis on fresh, top-quality food options at H-E-B’s celebrated low prices. With expansive product assortment and several convenient services customers come to expect from H-E-B, other amenities will include:

  • H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery, allowing customers to shop online and pick up orders at the store or schedule delivery to their homes
  • Pharmacy with drive-thru
  • Full-service Bakery and Tortilleria that offers a wide selection of artisan breads, fresh tortillas made in house, large varieties of decadent desserts, pastries, and cakes
  • Expansive Deli featuring large assortment of cheese and charcuterie
  • Wine and Beer department with sampling stations and variety of local, national, and international labels
  • Wide selection of organic foods and expanded Healthy Living department
  • Blooms floral area offering online ordering
  • Full-service meat market and seafood counter
  • Meal Simple area with chef-inspired options for quick and simple meal planning
  • Sushiya offering handmade sushi selections made in-store daily
  • Texas Backyard, offering products for grilling, gardening and outdoor entertaining
  • Fuel station

 

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th 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 170,000 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 more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th 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 170,000 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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