, and at least nine more stores on the way in the coming years, let's take a look back at the 119-year history of Texas' beloved grocery store chain.Many know that H-E-B stands for Howard E. Butt, the man who is is largely credited with founding the grocery store chain. But, contrary to popular belief, it was Howard's mother Florence Butt who opened the first H-E-B location.
In 1905, with her husband unable to work, Florence Butt put together $60 of grocery stock and opened the C.C. Butt Grocery in the ground floor of her family's Kerrville home.When did H-E-B become H-E-B? Butt returned home from his service to finally take over the family business in 1919. Back in Kerrville, he and his mother managed the family store together, and eventually made the business model switch to a self-service grocery store in 1921.
The chain rapidly expanded from there, entering Corpus Christi, Austin and San Antonio within 11 years. Around that time, the company's headquarters was moved to Corpus Christi.By 1946, he'd finally, and formally, shortened it to H-E-B.In 1952, H-E-B adapted to the curve, opening its first"supermarket." At the time, a place where shoppers could have their baker, butcher and pharmacist all in the same place was something of a novelty.
Mi Tienda provides shoppers a traditional Mexican grocery experience, with fresh tortillas and pan dulces made daily in house.According to Forbes, H-E-B raked in