On Wednesday, Joe V’s Smart Shop, a proud division of H-E-B, opened its ninth store at 4203 Red Bluff Rd. Since 2010, Joe V’s Smart Shop has offered the Greater Houston community incredibly low prices on goods including fresh-cut meats, fresh produce, scratch baked goods, organic selections and grocery items.

“For the past eight years, Joe V’s Smart Shop has provided families the opportunity to make healthy food choices at affordable prices,” said Roxanne Orsak, President of Formats and Joe V’s Smart Shop for H-E-B. “We are thrilled to join the Pasadena community with the opening of our ninth Houston-area location.”

In honor of the grand opening, the grocer enlisted the community to nominate schools within the Pasadena Independent School District deserving of donations via a social media contest. Joe V’s Smart Shop presented donations totaling $20,000 to five Pasadena schools, including Bailey Elementary, Pasadena Memorial High School, Pomeroy Elementary, Red Bluff Elementary and Teague Elementary, at the store’s grand opening celebration.

“We wanted to kickstart our involvement in the Pasadena community and there is nothing more rewarding than investing in education,” said Joe Villarreal Director of Operations for Joe V’s Smart Shops.

The phenomenal success of the first Joe V’s Smart Shops, located on Antoine Drive, Uvalde Road, West 43^rd, W. Bellfort, Shepherd Drive and Garth Road, has helped pave the way for the newest store. Like its predecessors, the Joe V’s Smart Shop in Pasadena features quality meats and seafood, fresh produce, national, H-E-B and Central Market brands, organic selections throughout the store and a bakery dedicated to providing the top items purchased most by customers in the area.

Store leader and Pasadena resident, Onofre Rodriguez has hired 150 new Partners (employees), all from within a five-mile radius of the store. The 61,000 sq.-ft. store will employ a cross-functional store team, allowing employees the opportunity to learn a variety of skills.

“We value my community and look forward to not only providing a value-driven shopping experience, but also creating jobs for our neighbors,” said Rodriguez.

To keep up with Joe V’s Smart Shops, please visit www.joevsmartshop.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/joevsmartshop and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/joevsmartshop.