The HEB Phenomenon: Why Texans Can’t Get Enough

There are plenty of great stores here in Texas, but only one truly has Texans' hearts: H-E-B. This grocery store is by far Texans' favorite. It was founded over 100 years ago by Florence and Charles Butt in Kerrville, Texas. In the very beginning, the store’s name was CC Butt Grocery, named after Florence’s husband, Clarence Charles Butt. With a $60 loan from her savings, Florence opened H-E-B, and in 1919, her youngest child, Howard Edward Butt, took over the store after returning from World War I.

Texans Talk HEB: The Grocery Store We Can’t Live Without

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Once Howard introduced a cash-and-carry system, sales and profits soared, and he also added a meat market. He successfully opened a store in Del Rio and later purchased three more stores in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in 1927. By 1940, H-E-B had three stores in San Antonio.

HEB's Texas Magic: Why It’s the Go-To for Every Texan

The history of H-E-B is closely tied to the reason why Texans love the grocery store. H-E-B is one of those places that makes you feel like you're part of the family. It’s your go-to for last-minute items during the holidays, and the customer service makes you feel comfortable—like family. Don’t get me wrong, there are amazing stores all over this great state, but I wouldn’t want to get my Hill Country products, Blue Bell ice cream, or creamy creations from anywhere but H-E-B.