The story of H-E-B began almost 100 years ago in a tiny family shop in Kerrville. Today H-E-B serves families all over Texas with almost 300 grocery stores and 55,000 employees.
H-E-B's commitment to excellence has made it one of the nation's largest independently owned food retailers. Yet H-E-B's success has not changed its commitment to giving the customer exceptional service, low prices and friendly shopping.
A Family Business
In 1905, Charles C. and Florence Butt moved their three sons from Memphis, Tennessee, to Kerrville in the Texas Hill Country. With an initial investment of only $60, Florence opened the C.C. Butt Grocery Store on November 26.
The youngest son, Howard E., became intrigued with the grocery business. He took over the family business in 1919, upon his return from World War I. In 1924, he expanded the Butt Grocery Company with a new store in Junction, about 60 miles from Kerrville. Howard's motto was, "He profits most who serves best."
Charles, the youngest son of Howard E. Butt, became president of the H.E. Butt Grocery Company in 1971. Today, Charles Butt is chairman and CEO of H-E-B, having grown the business from sales of $250 million in 1971 to $7.5 billion in 2000.
Florence Butt opened her first store with a set of beliefs that were passed on to her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Good principles and a can-do attitude, whether times are good or bad, are at the heart of H-E-B's success.
A History of Innovation
Thanks to constant innovation, H-E-B has always kept pace with its customers' changing lifestyles. Innovations range from the installation of the first in-store meat market and delicatessen in 1919, to the advent of the H-E-B MarketPlace in 1991, which includes in-store restaurants and a wood-burning pizza oven from Italy fired up 24 hours a day. A few
H-E-B milestones:
1940s - H-E-B opened its first air-conditioned stores and began stocking frozen foods. Exclusive brand names also appeared, including Village Park, Park Manor and others.
1950s - H-E-B opened its first supermarkets, consolidating a fish market, butcher shop, pharmacy and bakery under one roof.
1976 - The H-E-B Milk Plant opens in San Antonio and is now the largest milk plant in Texas. H-E-B also operates the state's largest bread bakery.
1990s - H-E-B introduced a new H-E-B Brand, under the concept of "Own Brands." Already, over 3000 H-E-B Own Brand products have been launched, ranging from eggs and yogurt to bacon and charcoal.
1994 - H-E-B opened the first Central Market in Austin, featuring a European bakery, a deli with meats and cheeses from around the globe, and a juice and ice cream bar.
1997 - H-E-B expanded its business across the border into Mexico.
