H-E-B: the truth behind the name of the stores that millions love in the US

Texas is the only US state home to H-E-B, the beloved supermarket chain. Nevertheless, those on a trip to Mexico shouldn’t be surprised if they run into H-E-B locations south of the border. In total, the company operates more than 300 stores, which also owns the higher-end grocery chain Central Kitchen, exclusive to the Lone Star State. According to Forbes, the company has around 154,000 employees and in 2024 took in more than $46 billion in revenue.

Although a staple in many communities, some shoppers may not be aware of the origin of the retailer’s name.

The Butt families legacy in the grocery business

H-E-B, comes from the name of the store’s founder: Howard Edward Butt. Butt was the son of a grocer, and he chose to keep the family business alive, upon returning from World War I. His farther opened the C.C. Butt Grocery Store in 1905, and more than a decade later, Howard would begin to expand the business started by his father in Kerrvile, Texas.

The chain remains privately owned and is currently run by Howard’s son, Charles Butt with the company’s headquarters found in San Antonio Texas. Charles is a billionaire, and H-E-B remains one of the country’s most profitable privately owned businesses.

The store operates a private label, also known as H-E-B, which offers similar products to name brands at a lower price. This method is also employed by Target, Walmart, Costco, Safeway, and numerous other retailers in the grocery industry.

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