fyb - What do you hate about HEB? It remains my favorite grocer out of all the places I have lived - or at least the way it was when I lived in Texas is my favorite, anyway. It's been 4-5 years since my last visit to an HEB, though, so don't know how much it has changed.

To answer the OP's question: As it has always been, freedom.

HEB = Hurst Euless Bedford, an area between Dallas and Ft. Worth

HEB = a grocery store chain. The Central Market chain is owned by HEB. Our last stop before leaving Dallas is always at Central Market--it's one of a kind, better than Whole Foods, in my opinion.

Cranachin, almost every time we go, we are charged for something we did not receive. We bought a store brand of cheese and the next day it was riddled with mold, took 30 minutes to return it and clerks at service desk are the rudest ever.

They put all of your fruits and vegetables in one bag, no matter how much you've bought (bananas on the bottom). I do think "our" store (closest) is poorly run and I'm sure not all stores are that bad, but they do have an attitude that the customer is an annoyance.

used to spend over $1000 a month there but now we buy all we can at Costco and Target.

No, all HEB's are not that bad; in fact, the one I shop at is great. You need to go online and tell Customer Service your concerns about your HEB.

follow_your_bliss-

I agree with AustinTraveler. The ones I regularly shopped at in north Austin were fantastic - like I said, probably the best over-all grocery stores I have encountered of all the places I have lived. In fact, I know other people who moved to Texas and became big HEB fans as well. (There's a reason to add to your list, maribethp - shopping at HEB!)

I never had the kinds of problems you report. You definitely should let corporate know.

I'll take HEB over Kroger's or Randall's. Their fresh french bread is the best around. But I like Fiesta for interesting fruits, veggies, and fresh tortillas.

I'm with FYB on HEB. Hate it!! And we go to the same HEB. It's terrible. Product selection is terrible...HEB brand of most veggies or nothing. HEB brand of many canned goods or nothing. I know, I know, sometimes they are from the "other" manufacturer, and rebranded under the store brand, but I don't think so here.

Part of the problem is this store I think, and it's so bad I have complained to management, but to no avail. Laundry detergent brand might only come in a small size, which would have me always running to the store for it...even for a family of 2. When we first moved here after living in hotels for 13 years, I thought the product Bon Ami must have been discontinued as it wasn't available. No...it's only not available in this store. And on and on...I've actually sent 3 complaint emails and I am not one to complain ever. You just get so frustrated with them you throw up you hands and send off a zinger. And feel better for it.

Unfortunately fyb and I aren't close to any other HEBs, and they have a monopoly in San Antonio. I too now do more shopping at Costco than there.

And yes, the Austin stores are different. My mom lived in Austin for years and never had a problem there.

I've been in Austin for 27 years. Traveled a bit around the state, and I can't imagine living anywhere in Texas but Austin.

And there are a few HEB's in Austin I avoid. The ones I frequent (Bee Cave, Escarpment, William Cannon) are great.