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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.

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