H-E-B opens its first store in Manor

HEB opens in Manor

H-E-B celebrated opening its first store in Manor Wednesday with cheers and a lot of confetti. Since the doors opened, hundreds of people have been through the store.

MANOR, Texas - Some Central Texans were up at the crack of dawn Wednesday for a big grand opening. The City of Manor now has their very own H-E-B.

What we know:

A new 101,000+-square-foot H-E-B is now open at the northwest corner of FM 973 and Hwy 290 in Manor. 

The 101,000 square foot store includes a pharmacy and curbside pick-up services. A fuel station and car wash are coming soon.

H-E-B’s Manor store employs nearly 400 people, most from the local area.

Local perspective:

"It was kind of waiting for that big countdown. We did the countdown, a lot of cheers, we walked in, the confetti goes everywhere. Kind of an unbelievable moment. I'm realizing, I'm sure the residents are realizing we're standing in H-E-B and our home is less than a mile away," City of Manor Mayor Dr. Christohper Harvey said.

For years, Manor has been known as a food desert. Families have had to drive at least 10 miles for fresh produce or different food options. The wait for this store has been long for some people.

"We had one of the local pastors here that said she moved here in the late 70s and they were told then that HEB was coming, so we have folks from 2 years to 50 years that have been waiting for this, it’s kind of a dream come true," Dr. Harvey said.

When the day finally came, some people camped out in hopes of being some of the first people inside.

"We had some that were lined up as early as 5 p.m. yesterday," H-E-B Public Affairs Manager Johnny Mojica said.

Since the doors opened, hundreds of people have been through the store.

"It's just been really fun just to see just the excitement from so many customers," Mojica said.

Sharon Alexander drove from Del Valle.

"What did I get today? Something sweet, cinnamon rolls, cornbread, little meat. Somebody had to go see, take a picture with H-E-B Buddy, and I got some popcorn," Alexander said.

Clemente Blanks came from Elgin.

"What do you love about HEB?" FOX 7 Austin reporter Meredith Aldis asked.

"The prices, the products," Blanks replied.

For a total of $20,000, H-E-B commemorated the store’s grand opening with $5,000 donations each to the Manor Schoolhouse Foundation, Manor Education Foundation, Manor United Methodist Church Pantry, and Manor Arts Council.

The mayor said this is an important milestone.

"It means that we’re one step closer to ensuring that everyone has meals with access to healthy foods and when we have access to healthy foods and safety, we can do better in school and in work," Dr. Harvey said.

The mayor said this is a catalyst for a campaign they are launching next year called ‘Better Together.’ The mayor said he wants the residents of Manor to know each other, take care of each other, and hopefully handle conflicts differently because of their relationships.