The story of H-E-B began 100 years ago in a tiny family shop in Kerrville. Today H-E-B serves families all over Texas and Mexico with over 300 stores and 56,000 employees.

H-E-B's commitment to excellence has made it one of the nations 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 $11 billion in 2003.

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.

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.

2000 - H-E-B introduces H-E-Buddy mascot. Children across Texas are
delighted.

2001 - H-E-B enters the Houston market in a Texas-sized way with
large-format stores; the first one opens at Fountainview and
Westheimer.

2002 - H-E-B hosts the first Excellence in Education Awards
celebration in San Antonio. Today, H-E-B awards more than $400,000
in cash prizes to outstanding educators annually.

2002 - H-E-B opens its state-of-the-art Quality Assurance Laboratory,
giving the company technologically advanced scientific capabilities.
H-E-B is the only retailer in the U.S. to undertake extensive safety
testing of produce and ground beef.

2003 - H-E-B ranks sixth in the nation and first in Texas in a
Consumer Reports reader's survey of the nation's top conventional
supermarkets; the survey is based on price, checkout speed, service
and cleanliness.

2003 - H-E-B ranks 10th in the nation among privately held companies
based on $11 billion in annual sales, according to Forbes .


2003 - H-E-B opens a new $4 million, 14,000-square-foot
Transportation Terminal in Weslaco.

2004 - H-E-B introduces its new “H-E-B Plus” concept store in San
Juan, Texas. The 109,000 sq. ft. store provides customers with
expanded product and service offerings including extensive music,
video and DVD selections; a larger baby department; dedicated space
for grills and grilling supplies; an expanded card and party product
section; lawn and garden equipment; electronic and household items
and designated space for “surprise buys.”

2004 - H-E-B opens new Houston Bakery, a 114,000-square-foot, fully
automated facility to provide fresh breads to the region. The bakery
produces an average 153 loaves of bread and 750 buns per minute.

2004 - H-E-B opens a brand new $30 million retail support center in
Monterrey, Mexico.

2005 - H-E-B celebrates 100 years of serving Texans.