H-E-B breaks ground in Mansfield

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

H-E-B got a warm welcome on a chilly morning when the grocery chain broke ground on its first store in Mansfield on Friday.

Approximately 150 spectators, including city and state officials, trudged through melting ice and mud to watch the groundbreaking of the long-awaited store at the southeast corner of the intersection of US 287 and East Broad Street.

Mabrie Jackson, senior director of public affairs for H-E-B, laughed off the 38-degree temperature Friday morning.

“In Lubbock, we had subzero temperatures and sleet for the groundbreaking and the opening,” she said. “This is nice and warm, it’s like the Bahamas. It’s always a good day when you break ground on an H-E-B.”

Construction will actually start on the 118,000-square-foot store next week, Jackson said, the second H-E-B in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The store should open in 15 to 16 months, she said.

“The support in North Texas has been overwhelming for us,” Jackson said. “Mansfield has been so nice and patient. The Mansfield location is exciting because the area is growing so quickly.”

H-E-B purchased the 28-acre site in 2016, setting off a flurry of excitement that turned to frustration as residents waited for construction to begin.

Mike Jarzombek, vice president of meat at H-E-B, and Jackson thanked residents for being patient.

“It took us 117 years to get to Mansfield,” Jarzombek said. “I’m just asking for a little bit more of your patience.”

The new store will feature a deli, pharmacy with drive-thru, an in-house sushi chef, bakery and tortilleria producing fresh tortillas, True Texas BBQ and home section featuring furniture.

Mayor Pro Tem Todd Tonore delivered comments from Mayor Michael Evans, who was attending a funeral.

“We are excited that H-E-B recognized Mansfield as a city on the move,” Tonore said. “We also welcome our neighbors that will come and spend money.”

H-E-B officials made it clear that the grocery plans to get involved in the community, starting by presenting $10,000 checks to the Mansfield Women’s Club, Urban Truth, The LOT, Willie Brown Academy and Erma Nash Elementary School.

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