New HEB MacGregor Market Opens In Third Ward

On Wednesday, December 18th, the highly anticipated HEB MacGregor Market opened its doors to the public. The grand opening follows yesterday's VIP ribbon cutting celebration which was attended by newly re-elected Mayor Turner, Third Ward community leaders and organizations, and HEB team members. The celebration included a tour of the new store but was more of a display of HEB’s desire to be a part of the community. After more than a year of community engagement, it’s evident that store executives gained an understanding of who their customers are. The celebration began with HEB making a surprise donation of $5,000 each to Change Happens and S.H.A.P.E. After commending both organizations for their work in the community, the gathered crowd was welcomed in by the sounds of TxSU’s Ocean of Soul, and the bright smiles and signature red and gold of Yates High School cheerleaders. Aside from the 90,000 square-feet of available fresh produce and dairy products, bakery goods, seafood, deli meat, and organic options, the store also boasts a Pharmacy, Curbside pickup services, and a hot meal creation station. There is also a nod to Third Ward’s legendary Frenchy’s chicken with their products prominently displayed and available for purchase. The grocer anticipates the creation of more than 300 jobs for Houstonians. Some of these jobs will replace those lost in the closure of the Scott location. The MacGregor Market is the first new grocery store in Third Ward in nearly thirty years. The beloved Texas grocery chain was one of the first to consider investing in the area. Despite demographic data that would traditionally be viewed as less than favorable to investors, the store teamed up with the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) and the Houston Housing Finance Corporation (HHFC) for innovative financing to make it happen. Less than a year later, they are open for business and have spurred further economic development. By anchoring here in the community, the grocer has opened the door for other businesses like Frost Bank to consider bringing services and jobs as well. Provided they follow HEB’s lead and ingrain themselves in the community, it is a win for residents and businesses alike, and with that everything truly is better.