H-E-B

H-E-B is a privately owned grocery retailer based in San Antonio, Texas, with a legacy that stretches back to 1905. The company began as a single family-run store founded by Florence Butt in Kerrville and has steadily grown into a dominant presence in the Texas and northern Mexico grocery markets. A major turning point in its early history came in the late 1920s, when Howard E. Butt expanded the business and gave the company its name.

As of November 2025, H-E-B operates 455 stores, including flagship supermarkets, H-E-B Plus! locations, and the Central Market concept, which caters to more upscale and specialty shoppers. The company’s footprint covers a wide range of communities across Texas and extends into Mexico, where it maintains over 50 stores, particularly in Monterrey and surrounding regions.

Over the past five years, H-E-B has accelerated its expansion, focusing on high-growth areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Monterrey. Recent actions include opening new stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and investing in both large-format and urban infill locations. The company has also adapted to changing consumer habits by acquiring Favor Delivery in 2018, which strengthened its digital and last-mile delivery capabilities.

H-E-B remains independently owned and does not franchise its stores. It is consistently recognized as one of the largest private employers in Texas, with a reputation for community engagement and charitable giving. The company’s leadership will transition to Roxanne Orsak as president in January 2026, signaling continued stability and commitment to innovation. H-E-B’s scale, financial strength, and diverse store formats have made it a reliable anchor for retail centers and mixed-use developments, supporting both established and emerging communities across its markets.