H-E-B plans to open Hudson Oaks store

Grocer H-E-B is coming to Hudson Oaks, a move that city leaders hope will attract more growth to the community between Weatherford and Fort Worth.

“Not only does H-E-B provide another local option as a different variety grocer, but provides the city its second anchor, which will help attract high-end restaurants and businesses to the city,” Mayor Pat Deen said.

The new H-E-B at U.S. 180 and Lakeshore Drive will be a good fit for Hudson Oaks because the city wants to continue to operate with no property tax, Deen said, adding that the recent agreement also helps set the city apart from adjacent communities.

“H-E-B’s proximity to the proposed Town Center concept on the Oykey corridor will dramatically accelerate this development,” Deen said. “From a location standpoint, we felt we offered H-E-B the best strategic location in the county. It is central to not only the Eastern Parker County Cities, but also to Weatherford.”

Deen said some 76,000 people in a 10-mile radius could use the store.

The last two years have brought major developments from retail shopping to corporate relocation and regional entertainment opportunities such as Splash Kingdom Waterpark to Hudson Oaks.

Hudson Oaks is also welcoming Hibbett Sports and Great Clips in the new Shops at Hudson Oaks, along with Palio’s Pizza Cafe, Blu Jasmine, and AT&T in coming weeks. Freedom Powersports will be opening a 30,000-square-foot flagship showroom at Lakeshore Drive and I-20.

“We really are very proud of the fact we are one of only a few cities in the state of Texas with no city tax that has a fulltime police and fire department,” Deen said. “It’s too easy for government to put more taxes on people; so we really have taken the approach in Hudson Oaks to roll up our sleeves and work hard not to do that.”

City Administrator Patrick Lawler said, “We are excited about what H-E-B will mean for Hudson Oaks and Parker County.”

HEB, based in San Antonio, is one of the largest grocery chains in the nation, with more than 150 locations in Texas. The Central Market stores, with a high-end, foodie focus, are part of the company.

This story was originally published November 27, 2014 at 7:09 PM with the headline "H-E-B plans to open Hudson Oaks store."