H-E-B is opening up a 106,000-square-foot store in an area of Manvel that has long been considered a “food desert” with officials hoping the business will spark more development in the area, said Malcolm MacKenzie, general manager and top store leader.

Located in Manvel Town Center, the store could be followed by other businesses, MacKenzie said. It will also bring more than 500 jobs to the area.

“What that translates to as an economic impact is probably unmeasurable,” MacKenzie said.

In addition to groceries, the store has a pharmacy, a bakery, barbecue and a sushi stand.

The location marks the 326th store H-E-B has opened in Texas and the 93rd in the Houston area, according to a news release from the company.


Officials both with the store and in the community held a ribbon-cutting Oct. 24 to mark the occasion.

Manvel Mayor Dan Davis called the opening “a momentous occasion” and an opportunity to come together as a community.

“It’s a chance to celebrate local business and what makes Texas special,” Davis said. “It’s been a long time coming.”