For generations, H-E-B has been more than a grocery store in Texas—it has been a trusted neighbor, a reliable employer, and a steadfast community partner. Now, that legacy of service and innovation is expanding once again, as H-E-B prepares to bring its popular Joe V’s Smart Shop concept to South Houston’s City Park area, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to affordability, access, and economic investment in Houston’s diverse neighborhoods.

According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, H-E-B plans to invest at least $11.9 million into the new Joe V’s Smart Shop located at 1227 Orem Drive. The planned 56,786-square-foot store will be a single-store, non-separated mixed-use building, designed by Fort Worth-based RSP Architects. While regulatory filings are often preliminary, confirmation from H-E-B’s construction team signals that this project is very much moving forward—bringing both excitement and opportunity to the area.

A Smart Shop Built for Smart Budgets

Joe V’s Smart Shop was created with one clear mission: deliver quality food at consistently lower prices without compromising freshness or value. Through an innovative pricing and operations model, Joe V’s trims costs behind the scenes and passes those savings directly to customers—an approach that resonates deeply with working families, seniors, and budget-conscious shoppers across Houston.

This South Houston location will become the 15th Joe V’s Smart Shop in Texas, with the majority located right here in Houston, underscoring the city’s importance to H-E-B’s growth strategy. The concept has seen rapid expansion, with the 14th location opening recently in Irving, alongside new stores in Dallas and North Houston earlier this year.

Investing in Houston—One Neighborhood at a Time

H-E-B’s expansion isn’t limited to Joe V’s. The company continues to grow its flagship stores across the Greater Houston area, reinforcing its role as a major economic engine. In October, H-E-B opened a 116,000-square-foot store in the Jordan Ranch master-planned community, marking the 97th H-E-B location in the Houston area. Additional plans include a $30 million Montgomery store and land acquisition near Interstate 45 and Lago Mar Boulevard for future development.

Beyond Houston, H-E-B’s growth across Dallas-Fort Worth—with new stores in Rockwall and projects underway in Forney, Murphy, Bedford/Euless, and future locations planned for Celina and Denton—demonstrates a Texas-wide momentum rooted in long-term vision rather than short-term gains.

A Valued Partner with Deep Texas Roots

With more than $50 billion in annual sales and over 455 stores across Texas and Mexico, H-E-B remains one of the most respected privately held companies in the nation. Its family of brands—including Central Market, Mi Tienda, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Favor—reflects a keen understanding of Texas’ cultural and economic diversity.

For Houston Style Magazine readers, this expansion is more than a business headline—it’s a reminder of what it looks like when a company grows with a community, not just in it. From disaster relief to food access, job creation to neighborhood revitalization, H-E-B has consistently shown up for Houston.

As Joe V’s Smart Shop prepares to open its doors in South Houston, one thing is clear: smart prices, smart growth, and smart community investment continue to define the H-E-B way—proving once again why this Texas icon remains a valued partner in Houston’s past, present, and future.