Second H.E.B. Central market? (Mart, Blanco: home, to buy, organic)

[hillcountrywinefan]

Because of my job I am often in Austin and when I can, I shop at the Westgate Central Market. The layout is far different from the one here in SA on Broadway. I prefer the Broadway store and its clean, logical layout. Westgate, especially before the renovation, was a total mess. It is slightly better now but still too cramped for my preferences.

There's even differences in some of the food items available from the Dinners for Two, and some items in the seafood department that are found in San Antonio but not in Austin (Hatch Chile Crabcakes for example.)

I'd like to see another one open in San Antonio that would be larger than the existing Broadway store, but given the economy I'm not sure that HEB would make that move. I shop at Whole Foods and enjoy the benefits of both stores, but have always considered Central Market my favorite.

If HEB did ever open another CM in SA, I'd venture a guess that the La Cantera area or Stone Oak/Sonterra area may be prime candidates.

[Torpedos]

As long a CM still gives out all the samples they do, I will visit often.

[Soviet]

Originally Posted by Randyk47

Under construction right now is a new HEB at the intersection of Wilderness Oak and Hardy Oak. They've said it will be a distinctive store though I don't recall them saying it'll be a Central Market. I don't recall the exact month but late spring/early summer looks likely based on where they are in the construction process as of yesterday.

I had no idea they were constructing one! I'll have to check it out! Then again, I haven't been at that intersection in ages. Is there a traffic signal there now instead of stop signs?

[quovadimis]

No traffic signal, only stop signs. Our fingers are crossed the light will go up soon before a kid gets killed on that corner going or coming from school. Drivers are crazy in the morning and with the Wilderness extension opening it has gotten busier. They have also started construction on the the bank and such behind the CVS.

[Randyk47]

Originally Posted by quovadimis

No traffic signal, only stop signs. Our fingers are crossed the light will go up soon before a kid gets killed on that corner going or coming from school. Drivers are crazy in the morning and with the Wilderness extension opening it has gotten busier. They have also started construction on the the bank and such behind the CVS.

Supposedly part of the deal with HEB and the developer with the city was to install a light at Wilderness Oak and Hardy Oak. I drive Wilderness Oak frequently to get over to Blanco and that intersection is just plain bad, especially over the last year or so with the increased traffic in that immediate area. About a month or so ago the utilities locator folks obviously had come in and marked the corners with the various lines, circles, etc., and I thought that meant they were going to start sooner instead of later but as of Friday past I saw no indications they were or had done even any prep work.

[rattle axis]

Opening today, "The Market at Stone Oak."

H-E-B's new 'groceraunt' opens Friday in Stone Oak - San Antonio Express-News

Curious to hear some feedback from folks.
How does this compare to say, the flagship Whole Foods in Austin? I get the impression it is the same sort of experience.

I'll go check it out for myself in a few weeks, once the fanfare subsides.

[GEM-Texas]

Looking at the description, looks like it will have the standard HEB, Central Market 'fancy' stuff. The sushi looks like the kind they sell in all stores and the bakery looks pretty much like what you get at Alon or Central Market. The smoked meat is not new - they tried it in the Market on Bandera and 410 but that flopped as they misread the area. That store had a big cheese section and smoked meats but it was upscale and the crowd that shopped there was not.

Not saying this is a bad store, it might be just fine for the new area but it looks like its put together from things in the company's repertoire.

[Me007gold]

Originally Posted by quovadimis

No traffic signal, only stop signs. Our fingers are crossed the light will go up soon before a kid gets killed on that corner going or coming from school. Drivers are crazy in the morning and with the Wilderness extension opening it has gotten busier. They have also started construction on the the bank and such behind the CVS.

The light is up and it is absolutely terrible. It severely messes with the flow of traffic.

[Shock]

Originally Posted by Me007gold

The light is up and it is absolutely terrible. It severely messes with the flow of traffic.

I'm pretty sure the majority will say the exact opposite. I don't have to worry about other inattentive drivers not knowing when to go on a 4 way stop. That's what I like about it more than anything.

[pobre]

Originally Posted by Shock

I'm pretty sure the majority will say the exact opposite. I don't have to worry about other inattentive drivers not knowing when to go on a 4 way stop. That's what I like about it more than anything.

Oh, you mean you don't just stop briefly, then charge through?