Support Us Button Widget
Business

Inside the new H-E-B on South Congress Avenue

The Texas grocer’s oldest location in Austin is now a shiny, new gem in the Violet Crown.

December 4, 2024 • 
Morgan O’Neal, Laura Figi
A modern H-E-B grocery store entrance with a large red "H-E-B" logo prominently displayed at the top. The building features tall glass windows, a red awning with "WELCOME" written in bold letters, and multiple glass doors. The exterior includes a wide concrete staircase with railings and a decorated barricade showcasing festive designs at the bottom right corner. The sky above is partly cloudy, reflecting in the glass windows.

“Here, everything’s better” has never rung more true.

Photo by ATXtoday

There’s a new H-E-B on the block — of South Congress Avenue and West Oltorf Street, that is.

After nearly three years of construction, the new 145,000-sqft grocery store opened at 2400 S. Congress Ave. on Wednesday, Dec. 4. It replaced the city’s first-ever H-E-B location, which opened in 1957 at just 25,000 sqft.

A mural on a wall inside the new H-E-B that reads "Hey, Austin" in capital letters. The design is groovy and 70s-inspired, with colorful flowers, fruits and vegetables painted around the words.

Hey back, H-E-B.

Photo by ATXtoday

Hundreds of Austinites flocked inside at 6 a.m. for its grand opening, which featured a performance by UT Austin cheerleaders, confetti, live music, and giveaways.

Rows of checkout lanes at the new H-E-B on South Congress Avenue. Holiday-themed and birthday balloons float over each lane, which are stocked with drinks and snacks.

More than 600 employees will work at the new H-E-B.

Photo by ATXtoday

Here’s what’s in store (literally):

  • A True Texas barbecue restaurant with indoor + outdoor dining
  • The largest selection of wine in any H-E-B store
  • A heart-shaped H-E-B sign made with the old store’s outdoor sign
  • Live cooking demonstrations + samplings
  • Tons of local artwork celebrating the spirit of south Austin

That’s not all — learn more about the newest H-E-B.

More from ATXtoday
A modern, open-concept living room with curved 3D-printed walls, large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and polished concrete floors. The space features neutral-toned furniture, including beige sofas, rounded chairs, and minimalist side tables. Potted plants, books, and vases are arranged as decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A ceiling fan and recessed lighting complete the look.
Real Estate
Hot home: inside ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Wimberley
The neighborhood’s model home is now open for prospects to get a taste of ICON’s most luxurious and largest abodes to date.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A black-and-white photograph of a suburban street covered in snow. A large Chevrolet Suburban is parked on the snowy road, with visible tracks in the slush. A person wearing winter gear is skiing behind the vehicle, holding onto a rope for balance. Snow blankets the surrounding trees and houses, capturing a rare winter moment in Austin, Texas. The image is credited to the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
History
The history of snow in Austin, TX
We’re digging into the historic data on snow in Texas, from annual averages to largest storms.
January 17, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
A stage with a projection screen displaying the text "HI, HOW ARE YOU PROJECT" above an illustration of a frog with a wide mouth, two stalked eyes, and four limbs. Below the screen, there is a small setup with a microphone, an acoustic guitar, speakers, and a stool placed on a rug, lit by soft stage lights.
Culture
Andrew Bird to perform for Hi, How Are You Day concert
Bird will also be joined by Madison Cunningham at the seventh annual fundraising concert for the Hi, How Are You Project.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A luxurious restaurant interior featuring bold, abstract cowhide-patterned artwork in warm red, orange, and gold tones covering the walls and ceiling. The space includes cozy leather banquettes, white dining chairs, and marble-topped tables adorned with elegant place settings. In the background, a sleek bar area with modern lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows adds to the ambiance.
Food
Date night awaits: Book your reservations for Valentine’s Day
Don’t be heartbroken at the last minute — make your Valentine’s Day plans now.
January 16, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The splash pad outside of the Texas Farmers Market
Live
10 farmers markets around Austin
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags, Austinites. We’ve rounded up ten farmers markets in the Austin area.
January 16, 2025
 · 
STAFF
A black-and-white photograph featuring Lorne Michaels standing confidently with his arms crossed on a television studio set. The foreground includes large camera equipment and operators, while the background reveals additional crew members and an elevated viewing area. The studio lighting and detailed machinery emphasize the bustling production environment.
“Saturday Night Live” creator donates archive to Harry Ransom Center
Lorne Michaels’ archive of prominent films, the famous comedy sketch show, and early works will go on display this fall.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
An elegant spread of vibrant dishes from Ema restaurant, featuring a variety of colorful plates, including salads, roasted vegetables, and entrees artfully arranged on patterned and decorative tableware. The meal includes fresh bread, appetizers, and cocktails, all displayed on a light wood table.
Food
12 restaurant openings to look forward to in 2025
Austin’s food + beverage scene is growing — here are a few new restaurants coming to the Capital City this year.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
How to navigate our community events page
Never again wonder how to browse for cool events in our city or how to upload your own.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
The pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock with rainy clouds overhead and a lake surrounding the rock.
Travel and Outdoors
Land acquisition will double the size of Enchanted Rock
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a parcel of land adjacent to the park famous for its massive pink granite dome.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi