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AUSTIN — H-E-B is doubling down on its commitment to the greater Austin area with an ambitious plan to expand its retail footprint, renovate existing locations, and tackle pressing community issues like affordable housing. The retailer has announced a slate of new projects, including a store at McKinney Falls Parkway and William Cannon Drive in East Austin, and a $1 million contribution to Austin Habitat for Humanity to support two affordable housing developments.
“At H-E-B, we’re always looking for ways to invest in our stores and the community,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B’s senior vice president for the Central Texas region. “This level of investment takes years of planning, and we are incredibly excited to continue providing the greater Austin area with stores that are new, expanded, and remodeled.”
The McKinney Falls store, slated to open in 2027, will address the growing needs of an underserved area experiencing rapid population growth, the company said. It is part of a broader initiative that includes 12 major Austin-area projects this year, evenly split between new stores and renovations. These developments are expected to create over 4,000 jobs in the local economy.
Recent projects underscore H-E-B’s focus on communities in and around East Austin. The retailer recently opened its third store in Pflugerville, featuring the city’s first True Texas BBQ restaurant. Construction began in October on a 106,000-square-foot store in Manor, which is expected to open in late 2025. Meanwhile, the Tech Ridge store has undergone significant renovations, and the Ed Bluestein location is set for expansion in 2026.
Elsewhere, new stores in Georgetown and San Marcos are scheduled to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively. The crown jewel of the current expansion efforts will be the South Congress store, which will open on December 4. The multi-level location, which will span over 145,000 square feet, will feature a unique design, dining areas, a broad selection of products, and three levels of parking.
Beyond its retail investments, H-E-B is addressing Austin’s housing affordability crisis. The retailer’s $1 million donation to Austin Habitat for Humanity will fund the construction of affordable housing projects, including the 126-unit Persimmon Point development near the planned McKinney Falls store and the Whisper Valley project in Manor, which will initially offer nearly 50 single-family homes.
Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, lauded the retailer’s contribution, calling it a “monumental investment” in helping hardworking families achieve homeownership and fostering stronger neighborhoods.
H-E-B’s community focus extends beyond housing. Over the past five years, the company has contributed nearly $50 million to Austin-area nonprofits, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the region. As it celebrates its 119th year, H-E-B continues to combine retail innovation with a steadfast dedication to serving the communities where it operates.
With its construction and renovation plans and ongoing philanthropic efforts, H-E-B is positioning itself as a cornerstone of growth and opportunity in the Austin area.
