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H-E-B's Passion for Food

H.E. Butt Grocery Co. has built a culture around the merchandising of exceptional food. That culture pervades almost everything the chain does. Following are some elements of H-E-B’s drive to pay tribute to good eating: 

H.E. Butt Grocery Co. has built a culture around the merchandising of exceptional food. That culture pervades almost everything the chain does. Following are some elements of H-E-B’s drive to pay tribute to good eating: 

Central Market: H-E-B’s store format that celebrates the best of fresh and prepared foods. Only seven such units exist but many concepts are extended to the chain’s other stores.

Central Market Café on the Run: H-E-B’s food-service concept includes a 40-foot full-service case with salmon, lasagna, sliced flank steak, soups, a salad bar and many other items. This concept began at Central Market but has been extended to other H-E-B stores in slightly smaller form.

Cooking School: Classes at Central Market include those on ethnic specialties, couples cooking and wine tasting.

Foodie Newsletter: Central Market newsletter that showcases the store’s events and food culture. The most recent issue includes meal recipes suggested by the chain’s cooking school managers.

Cooking Connections: In-store areas for cooking demonstrations by culinary professionals. About 15 H-E-B stores incorporate this feature.

Fully Cooked Line: A largely meat product line that “reflects how Texans live.” The concept recognizes local cooking traditions, including a brisket slow-cooked for 18 hours and needing only re-therming.

Creamy Creations: Popular store-brand ice cream with more than 60 flavors, including Intense Chocolate, Texas Pecan Pie and the top-selling Homemade Vanilla.