Grocer H-E-B Pursues Development North of Fort Worth

H-E-B is set to further expand its North Texas holdings with a plans about 30 minutes northwest of Fort Worth, in Wise County.

The Rhome City Council approved a development agreement last week that allows H-E-B to purchase land at the southeast corner of Farm Road 3433 and U.S. 287, within the expanding Reunion development, the Fort Worth Star Telegram reported.

A spokesperson for the San Antonio-based grocery chain confirmed the deal.

“H-E-B has a vast portfolio of real estate across the region, and we often buy real estate in anticipation of future growth,” a spokesperson told the outlet.

The development tract lies in a region where 18,000 homes are in the pipeline. The Reunion development, led by PMB Capital and spanning the former Rolling V Ranch, is set to be a significant residential and commercial area.

“It’s a big deal for us,” said Mayor Kenneth Crenshaw. “A lot of people were surprised when we announced it. I think it’s going to be the center of attention for southern Wise County.”

H-E-B’s decision to secure property in Rhome is in line with its ongoing expansion across Dallas-Fort Worth. The company recently bought 10 acres at the southeast corner of Hillcrest Road and LBJ Freeway in North Dallas, a site set to become the first H-E-B location in Dallas.

H-E-B, headed by CEO Howard Butt, has also opened stores in Frisco and Plano, with upcoming locations in Allen, Celina, Melissa and Rockwall. This expansion is aimed at meeting the increasing demand in these rapidly growing suburban areas. The company’s success in the region includes not only traditional H-E-B stores but also Central Market and Joe V’s Smart Shop locations in Dallas.

The DFW metroplex saw strong demand for grocery stores last year, with grocery-anchored shopping centers playing a central role in retail development. According to Weitzman, nearly half of the 1.5 million square feet of retail space delivered last year was devoted to grocery stores, a trend that is expected to continue with 2.7 million square feet projected for this year.

— Andrew Terrell