H-E-B opened its 94th Houston-area location on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in Katy Park at 24924 Morton Ranch Drive, Katy, with an onsite DJ as well as surprises and delights for customers waiting in line.

A community check presentation was made just before the ribbon was officially cut. “H-E-B is passionately committed to its customers beyond the four walls of its stores, weaving an undeniable Spirit of Giving into its business philosophy,” company officials said in a press release. “In this spirit and in celebration of the grand opening, H-E-B will donate $5,000 to Katy ISD’s Miller Career & Technology Center Culinary Arts Program. The two-year program exposes students to a variety of post-secondary options in the restaurant and service industry through hands-on experience including restaurant management, food preparation, food safety, and more while running the onsite bistro.”

Miller Career & Technology Center Culinary Arts Program were scheduled to arrive at Katy Park (across from H-E-B Katy Park), after press time for the Katy Times. H-E-Buddy, Rodeo Mascot HOWDY, local cheerleaders, local band, and store Partners were scheduled to welcome the trail riders with signs and swag.

Area residents will enjoy spacious shopping with a pledge to deliver unsurpassed freshness and quality at affordable prices under the leadership of Moniece Shead, General Manager, a 24-year H-E-B Partner (employee) and long-time Katy resident. “I have lived within five miles of the store for the last three years and know the community has been yearning for their own neighborhood H-E-B,” said Shead. “My team and I are excited to be a part of this community’s growth and to provide our new neighbors with convenient, close-to-home shopping paired with outstanding Texas hospitality.”

Moniece has been recognized by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee for her involvement in community and education awareness and is the recipient of the H-E-B Business of the Year Award, and the H-E-B D&I Diversity Champion Award. She has been a Junior Achievement leader with several elementary schools and has volunteered in the classroom, aiding teachers in daily classroom tasks, special projects, and mentoring multiple students.

The 117,000+ square-foot store will employ more than workers. The center offers a drive-through pharmacy, a fuel island and car wash. According to the company website, the neighborhood H-E-B is the original and primary store format and no two stores are exactly alike. The Katy Park store offers grocery, bakery, deli/food service, produce, meat, seafood and a floral department.

The Katy Park shopping center includes eight other pads and is currently leasing space.