H-E-B …. Worth the Hype?

Y’all, it finally happened!!!!  In Mansfield, Texas, the LONG awaited and MUCH anticipated day arrived!!!

Our new H-E-B finally arrived!

“What’s H-E-B?” you may be asking. Well, for the non-Texans let me explain….

Here in Texas there are a few iconic brands that are native to our state, namely Blue Bell Ice Cream, Buc-ee’s, Dr. Pepper, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs and…. H-E-B…. the grocery store of all grocery stores! Because Texans are fiercely loyal to their native brands, H-E-B has what some might consider an almost cult-like following. 

I’ve lived here almost 18 years now. but because we didn’t have an H-E-B in town, I’ve never really shopped at one. I mean, I’ve been in one before, of course, but never spent very much time looking around. So, naturally, since our new store is only 2.5 miles from my house, I HAD to go check it out and see what all the hype is about. (This is also a good place for a side note and FYI… it’s pronounced H   E    B  … not Heb… you say the individual letters, not a blend them like a word. I may have mispronounced it many years ago when I saw my first one. Did not make that mistake again)

Let me just say…. I’m pretty sure this experience has brought me one step closer to become a “real” live Texan! 

It really is ALL that … and a bag of chips…. and homemade flour tortillas, too!

The first thing I spotted upon entering was the school supplies. Aisles and aisles of glorious, beautiful school supplies! Be still my teacher heart!  

And then…. Decor!!! I was sold and hadn’t even gotten to the food yet.

One of the most awesome things about H-E-B is their coupons! Now, unlike other stores where you have to add them to your app or clip ahead of time, they put them right there WITH the product so you can just grab one or scan on the app. For me, this is genius. I’m the queen of “left it at home” when I go to the store so I love having them right there,  plus you never have to worry if you’ve gotten the right item for the right coupon… also a thing with me.

They think of everything. Right there, attached to one of the first aisles was a store map. But in case you missed it, there was a very friendly employee handing out store maps just around the corner.  And speaking of employees…. they were literally EVERYWHERE! Super nice, smiling, ready to help… now there’s an idea. 

But, the real test… do they carry the brands I love?

Well, sure they do! This place is HUGE!!! They had my husband’s favorite salsa, Joe T. Garcia’s… he literally goes through at least 1-2 jars a week.  (He does dispute that number but I am the one shopping so…) The price was also less than my other local stores.

And…. this was another clincher! White Lily Flour! My southern-girl heart leapt for joy! I’ve never been able to purchase this here in Texas! 

 

 

Something else we love here is Texas-shaped and Texas-themed items, which of course, there was a plethora.

When they say, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” H-E-B takes that very literally! Every department is Hu-mungous! You name it, they have rows and rows of it. 

Cheeses…

Meats….

 

Deli Meats…

Breads…

Pastries and donuts…

Cakes, cookies, macaroons… every sweet treat you can think of…

Fruits…

Veggies…

Even flowers!

Not just flowers but custom arrangements, too.

So whether you want to cook from scratch…

Purchase pre-prepped meals to make cooking faster…

Take advantage of their “Grab and Go” ready made foods…

Or if you’re just worn out and don’t feel like cooking at all….

They’ve got you covered!

Literally, a one-stop-shop. 

Now, move forward at your own risk… dead fish pictures ahead… you have been warned…. turn back if it’s not your thing…

 

I’ve never seen a fresh fish department like theirs. SOOOOOO many fish…. and NO fishy smell! 

But the coolest thing… 

This gigantic sword fish that these guys were wheeling around the store.

Then they filleted it right there in the open for all the world to see… and were selling Swordfish Steaks to anyone who wanted them. 

I didn’t end up with Swordfish Steaks but I did buy a few things and the store was EXTREMELY busy… did I mention the cult-like following? So I was a bit concerned when I went to check out that the line would be very long.

Well, it wasn’t! Though they do have a few self-checkout lanes, most are not!

Yes, you read that right. FIFTEEN old-fashioned checkout aisles. And best of all….. EVERY SINGLE ONE WAS OPEN! Now if that’s not a breath of fresh air, I don’t know what is. When’s the last time you saw all the lanes open and someone else checked you out? There was only one person ahead of me and they were just finishing up so I was in and out of the lane so quickly…. even using my coupons I had collected along the way.

And last, but not least…. I saved $45!… and 81 cents…

So much fun! 

Hmmm… I wonder if they will come home with me and unload the car?