Feature photo: HEB officials at the groundbreaking ceremony on March 4.
Posted: 2022-03-17
Austin (Travis County) – While the Nutty Brown Amphitheater and Cafe is closed and the owner has moved to a new location, its rich history will be on display at the new HE-B store in west Austin.
Construction has officially begun on the 103,000 square foot HEB store, which will utilize building materials and showcase iconography and memorabilia from the iconic location.
Carefully designed to blend into the fabric of the surrounding communities of Bear Creek, Cedar Valley and Dripping Springs, the exterior design of the location will embrace the Hill Country aesthetic.
Two entrance towers and a large section of windows above the checkpoint area will allow for an abundance of natural light, and several native trees will be added to the landscape. And as with every new store, HEB will strive to create a unique sense of place with an experience inspired by the history and spirit of the neighborhood.
Front exterior rendering.
“At HEB, we are working hard to adapt our stores to create a unique experience for our neighbors and customers,” said Cathy Harm, group vice president of HEB Central Texas. “We are proud to be part of this community, and it’s important to us that we do our part to preserve and showcase the heritage and history of such an iconic monument.”
Throughout the store, HEB will incorporate materials such as red brick from the original brick kiln used at Nut Brown Foods, which served as a flour mill and confectionery. The HEB design team has plans for a tribute wall that will serve as a beacon near the store entrance. To preserve and celebrate the venue’s 70-year history, the mural will include vintage photographs and colorful iconography inspired by original signage, such as the blue “welcome” awning and neon Cowboy sign.
Mike Farr, the owner of the Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheater, which operated as a concert hall for more than two decades, donated guitars signed by legendary Texas musicians who once graced the stage. The plan is for HEB to display and integrate the memorabilia throughout the store.
HEB Group Vice President, Central Texas, Cathy Harm, received a guitar from Mike Farr.
“It means a lot to me that HEB cares enough about Nutty Brown’s story and plans to honor him in some way,” said Farr, whose new venue round rock amp The opening is scheduled for April 2. “I appreciate the way HEB has treated me and my business over the past few years. They have been incredible partners to work with. I live a few miles away, and it’s a surreal concept to think that a place I walked into and owned for two decades is now where I go to buy milk and bread . But I’m glad to see it and glad to be a part of it.
The thoughtfully designed HEB store will provide a world-class shopping experience with an emphasis on fresh, premium food options at HE-B’s renowned low prices. With a wide assortment of products and several convenient services that customers have come to expect from HEB, other amenities will include:
- HEB curbside and home delivery, allowing customers to shop online and pick up their orders at the store or schedule delivery to their home
- Pharmacy with drive-thru
- Full-service bakery and tortilleria offering a wide selection of artisan breads, fresh homemade tortillas, wide varieties of decadent desserts, pastries and cakes
- Expansive deli offering a wide assortment of cheeses and charcuterie
- Wine and beer department with sampling stations and a variety of local, national and international labels
- Extensive organic food selection and expanded healthy lifestyle
- Blooms flower zone with online order
- Full-service meat and seafood counter
- Simple dining area with chef-inspired options for quick and easy meal planning
- Sushiya offers daily handmade sushi selections in store
- Texas Backyard, offering products for grilling, gardening and outdoor entertaining
- Petrol station and car wash
Edited from the press release.
