Austin, TX
H-E-B opens reimagined store at historic South Congress location in Austin
The day has finally come. After more than two years of construction, H-E-B’s reimagined South Congress store in Austin has opened its doors to customers.
Crowds lined up in the rain before daybreak Wednesday to be among the first shoppers to get a glimpse of the 145,000-square-foot multi-level store when it opened at 6 a.m. CT. The completely new store, located at 2400 S. Congress Ave., more than doubles the size of the store it replaced, which was the grocery chain’s longest-standing Austin location.
Hook ‘Em entertains shoppers lined up to see the new South Congress H-E-B in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 4, 2024.Courtesy H-E-B
“After more than six decades of serving the South Congress and Oltorf communities, we are proud to offer our loyal customers a brand-new store filled with H-E-B favorites along with new amenities and features tailored to the area,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B senior vice president of the Central Texas region. “This is an iconic location, and this project reflects our commitment to preserving the heart of our long-time store while creating a meaningful space that will better serve the community for years to come.”
The new store, which is open daily from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. CT, includes a ground level with indoor and outdoor dining areas, a second level for shopping, three levels of above-ground parking with more than 500 spaces, and a True Texas BBQ restaurant.
Additional amenities include Curbside and Home Delivery services, a full-service pharmacy with drive-thru, a bakery with store-made tortillas, an expanded beer and wine selection, a Flower Bar with seasonal bouquets and arrangements, a Sushiya department with store-made sushi and poke bowls, and a Meal Simple section with fresh chef-inspired meals prepared in store.
H-E-B commissioned several art installations throughout its new South Congress store in Austin, Texas.Courtesy H-E-B
The store also combines smart lighting with abundant natural lighting. H-E-B commissioned several art installations throughout the store, ranging from murals to sculptures.
The South Congress H-E-B first opened in 1957 with 25,000 square feet and later expanded to 69,000 square feet. It was demolished in 2022 to make way for the new store. During construction, customers in the area were served by a temporary location at the nearby Twin Oaks Shopping Center.
To commemorate the opening of the new store, H-E-B donated $10,000 each to the Barton Springs Conservancy, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, St. Edward’s University Food Pantry, Texas School for the Deaf, and St. Ignatius Martyr Church Food Pantry.
The new South Congress store employs about 600 partners — the term the company uses for its employees.
With more than 160,000 partners across the company, H-E-B is the largest privately held employer in the Lone Star State. The San Antonio-based chain operates more than 435 stores across Texas and Mexico.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson expressed concern Monday about two items on the Austin Transit Partnership Board agenda later this week, one to negotiate an office lease in a downtown office building for up to $32 million for roughly 8 years and another to furnish the space for $15 million. READ MORE: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/inappropriate-mayor-pushes-back-on-47m-light-rail-office-relocation-plan/
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George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.
Why it matters
As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.
The details
Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.
- Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
- He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
What they’re saying
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”
— George Strait
What’s next
Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.
The takeaway
George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.
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Strong storms moved through Central Texas on Sunday, causing damage near Schulenburg in Fayette County and prompting tornado warnings in Burnet and San Saba counties. The National Weather Service said the damage in Fayette County was likely caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported, but a barn was blown over and trees and power lines were downed.
Why it matters
Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation in affected areas. Understanding the nature of the storms, whether they produced tornadoes or straight-line winds, is important for assessing the risks and preparing communities for future severe weather.
The details
Storms moved through the region on Sunday, with tornado warnings issued in Burnet and San Saba counties. In Fayette County near Schulenburg, a metal building was blown over, a barn was destroyed, and trees and power lines were downed by what the National Weather Service said were straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported.
- Tornado warnings were issued in Burnet and San Saba counties on Sunday.
- Storms and damage were reported in Fayette County, near Schulenburg, on Sunday.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.
Judson Ulrich
A resident who sent in a photo of a large tree branch that snapped and fell during the storms.
Kaylee Houston
A resident who sent in a photo of a trampoline blown into a tree by the storms.
Karey Ann Ann Kalich
A resident who sent in photos of a metal building blown over by the storms.
Danielle Buckley
A resident who sent in a photo of a tree struck by lightning during the storms.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
The National Weather Service will continue to assess the damage and determine the exact nature of the storms that moved through the region on Sunday.
The takeaway
This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden and powerful storms, which can cause significant damage even without producing tornadoes. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and heed any future weather warnings.
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