After an eight-year wait, Mansfield’s H-E-B has finally opened.
“I know we all appreciate the end to the question, ‘When is H-E-B going to open?’” said Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans at the ribbon cutting of the 118,000-square-foot store at 1670 East Broad Street.
The San Antonio-based grocery opened its sixth store in North Texas on June 26, finally delivering the most anxiously awaited addition to the fast-growing city.
H-E-B purchased 28 acres at the southeast corner of US 287 and East Broad Street in 2016, but didn’t break ground until February 2023.
Mansfield residents have eagerly anticipated the store’s opening, even forming a Mansfield H-E-B Foodie Group on Facebook that has drawn more than 20,000 followers, many of them purchasing T-shirts to celebrate the Mansfield opening.
A crowd of more than 200 attended an invitation-only VIP tour and ribbon cutting, easing the fears of Juan Carlos Ruck, executive vice president of the North West Food Drug Retail Division at H-E-B.
“I’m always afraid that no one’s going to come,” Ruck said.
Shoppers started lining up the afternoon before the 6 a.m. store opening.
The Mansfield H-E-B will reflect the community, said Shannon Crites, manager of the new store.
“We have hired just under 800 partners, 90 percent of them locally,” he said.
Those local employees will have a lot to do, keeping the massive retailer running.
Mansfield’s H-E-B will feature a True Texas BBQ with a drive-thru and sit-down restaurant, plus a pharmacy with a drive-thru and in-store facility.
Other features include:
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Bakery featuring handmade artisan breads, cakes and in-store made, warm tortillas
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Deli department with an expansive cheese selection and charcuterie station
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Sushiya offering handmade sushi selections made in-store daily and an Asian grill with rice bowls, teriyaki and more
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H-E-B Meal Simple with fresh, convenient chef-inspired meals prepared in store
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Cooking Connection with live demonstrations and samplings for easy recipes to make at home
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Produce section with large organic and
Texas-grown selections
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Meat market with Prime, natural and organic meats, and fully cooked options
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Expansive selections in grocery and general merchandise departments such as dairy, frozen foods, baby, and seasonal
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Blooms floral department, offering online ordering and delivery service
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As the No. 1 beer and wine retailer in Texas, the store has an extensive craft beer and wine section with sampling station
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Healthy Living department with bulk food items, sports nutrition products and supplements
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Texas Backyard department, featuring plants, pottery, grills and outdoor essentials
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Beauty department with a wide selection of cosmetics and other beauty items
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Pet department featuring pet toys and treats as well as Heritage Ranch by H-E-B pet food, where 1 percent of sales from the product line supports Texas animal shelters
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Household Essentials department with seasonal disposable plates, bowls and utensils, and Texas Tough brand, including Texas Tough value pack with storage bags in one easy-to-use box
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A gas station and car wash near the entry off East Broad Street
In addition to the hundreds of new employees, the Mansfield H-E-B will have a significant economic impact, said Jason Moore, executive director of the Mansfield Economic Development Corporation.
“Theres the property tax, sales tax and out-of-town spending,” Moore pointed out. “The trade area for an H-E-B is bigger than any other grocery. People will drive 28 minutes to get to an H-E-B, while regular grocery stores only have a 15 to 20 minute range.”
Mabrie Jackson, managing director of H-E-B Public Affairs, was happy to finally open the Mansfield location.
“It is an honor to work with the Mansfield Mayor, city council and wonderful city staff to make this store possible,” Jackson said. “They have been wonderful partners and we look forward to serving the Mansfield community, offering an exceptional shopping experience and fresh quality products with our everyday
low prices.”