We know that Texans love H-E-B. The iconic grocery store has been a part of Texas life since 1905 and the chain continues to offer a shopping experience that the state loves. H-E-B really does have it all. The best Texas brands, a strong connection with the community, and a great shopping experience. With H-E-B The Heights, though, the store has turned all that up to 11 and if you're in the Houston area, it's definitely worth a visit.
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The two-story, 92,000 square feet store located at 2300 N. Shepherd Drive in the Houston Heights neighborhood opened last year and it's fast become a neighborhood favorite. From the sign outside where you have to get a picture to the four craft beer kegs on tap in their extensive beer and wine section, this store is one you need to plan to spend some time in.
Scott McClelland, H-E-B president in Houston, worked for some time to get a location of the grocery store in the Heights area; because the chain wouldn't open without the ability to sell wine and beer, local regulations had to be changed first.
"We appreciate all of the support and effort by The Heights community that made it possible for H-E-B to build here", McClelland said during the store's opening celebration. "Creating a store that captures the spirit of The Heights was our number one goal. I think we've been able to add to the character of the community with this store."
The store features amenities like a covered parking garage, elevators and escalators to easily navigate the double-story structure, and curbside pick up, but that's not the coolest thing about the Heights H-E-B.
The Heights location also features a piece of local artwork that's worth going to see just for itself. Houston sculptor Elaine Bradford created a sculpture of chickens dressed in colorful custom-fitted sweaters with large coins called "Who says that chickens can't fly, or that money can't fall from the sky?" Bradford was inspired by the chickens H-E-B gave away during the 1930s; the chickens were good for free groceries and handfuls of nickels in the store. The permanent art installation can be found above the second-story entryway.
Because the new store was built after local alcohol regulations were changed, the Heights H-E-B features a giant beer and wine selection. They carry more than 1,800 bottles of wine and 300 beers, emphasizing local and craft offerings. Plus, they have a dedicated wine manager on the spot to help you with any questions.
The new H-E-B in the Heights has some of the chain's favorite features, including a full-service pharmacy on the first floor with drive through access, the H-E-B Blooms! floral department and a full-service bakery and Tortillería where you can indeed find the best flour tortillas around.
With pickup and home delivery options, lots of people are happy to limit their time spent actually in a store. So the Heights store is offering more of an experience to entice shoppers to stay awhile. You can head upstairs to the H-E-B store's coffee shop, the Roastery Coffee Kitchen which offers specialty coffee sourced from around the world, including many varieties roasted in Houston.
Or you can stop at the Cooking Connection and the Showtime Kitchen for live cooking demonstrations and daily samplings. You can get juices and guacamole made on-site to appease your hunger while you shop.
And because H-E-B is just as known for supporting their local communities as they are for their love of Texas food, in honor of the H-E-B Heights store opening, the chain donated i$5,000 to Friends for Life, a no-kill animal shelter in Houston, and $5,000 to HITS Theatre, an educational organization that offers classes in singing, dancing and acting.
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