H-E-B to close longtime Austin grocery store after more than four decades

A longtime H-E-B grocery store in Northwest Austin is preparing to close its doors after serving the community for more than 40 years, marking the end of an era for one of Texas’ most recognizable supermarket chains.

The H-E-B at 12860 Research Blvd. in the Spicewood Springs area will permanently close on July 31 after the company decided not to renew its lease. The location first opened in the early 1980s and has remained a neighborhood staple despite being one of the chain’s smaller and older-format stores.

Lease ending prompted closure

H-E-B said the decision was made as part of its ongoing evaluation of its store network and long-term growth strategy rather than because of a broader reduction in operations. The company has invested in several newer stores nearby that offer expanded services and updated layouts.

“While decisions like this are never easy, we are grateful to the customers, Partners, and community who have supported this store over the years,” Cathy Harm, H-E-B’s senior vice president for Central Texas, said in a statement. She added that the company remains committed to serving the area through nearby locations.

Support for customers and employees

H-E-B said all employees at the Spicewood Springs store will be offered positions at other area locations. To help ease the transition for shoppers, the grocer will also provide free curbside pickup and home delivery throughout August for customers who previously shopped at the closing store.

Although the closure will leave longtime customers saying goodbye to a familiar neighborhood grocery store, it comes as H-E-B continues investing heavily across Central Texas. The company has recently completed or announced tens of millions of dollars in renovations and expansions at nearby stores, reflecting its strategy of replacing aging locations with larger, modern supermarkets offering expanded grocery selections, pharmacies, curbside pickup and additional services.

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