H‑E‑B announced plans Thursday for a substantial new supermarket on San Antonio’s East Side, a move that underscores growing residential and commercial development along the city’s eastern corridor.
The store will sit at the intersection of I‑10 and Loop 1604 East, near Converse, and is expected to open in late 2026. Company documents say the location will total 125,000 square feet and include a broad roster of services designed to serve both nearby neighborhoods and commuters heading to outlying communities.
What shoppers will find
- True Texas BBQ Restaurant with indoor seating
- Drive‑thru pharmacy and full pharmacy services
- Extensive Curbside pickup with more than 30 spaces and Home Delivery
- In‑store bakery, sushi station, deli and large produce and meat markets
- Cooking demonstrations and sampling through Cooking Connection
The company said the store will serve several East Side neighborhoods and commuters traveling toward Seguin, La Vernia and other nearby areas, reflecting H‑E‑B’s strategy of locating large-format stores on growth corridors that link the urban fringe to rural and exurban communities.
"I have some deep roots in this community. I grew up here," said General Manager Will Tate, who has more than three decades with the company and will lead the new location.
H‑E‑B highlighted features shoppers expect at its larger locations: artisan breads and warm tortillas baked daily, made‑to‑order sushi, chef‑inspired prepared meals, a wide cheese and charcuterie offering, and a seafood selection the company describes as sustainably sourced. The announcement also notes H‑E‑B’s position as the state's top beer and wine retailer.
Local stakes
For San Antonio, the new H‑E‑B represents both immediate and longer‑term implications. In the near term, construction and store operations typically generate jobs and local contracting work. Over time, large grocers can anchor further retail and residential development and affect traffic patterns on major roadways such as I‑10 and Loop 1604.
H‑E‑B underscored local leadership for the project: the store’s general manager, Will Tate, is from the area and has held leadership roles across the company during a career of over 30 years. Company materials emphasize the store will celebrate and serve the East Side community.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | I‑10 & Loop 1604 East (near Converse) |
| Size | 125,000 sq ft |
| Opening | Late 2026 (expected) |
| Key services | BBQ restaurant, drive‑thru pharmacy, curbside, home delivery |
The company did not release estimates of construction timelines beyond the late‑2026 opening window, nor did it provide a headcount projection for staff. As the project advances, residents and local officials will watch for updates on traffic mitigation, permitting and hiring plans tied to the new store.
