H-E-B’s newest San Marcos location takes shape along I-35 on September 28, 2026, ahead of its Oct. 7 opening.
San Marcos is less than 24 hours away from welcoming its newest H-E-B, marking the third location for the grocery chain in the college town.
The 114,000-square-foot store on McCarty Lane will open its doors at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, bringing San Marcos its first True Texas BBQ along with a full lineup of grocery, dining and shopping services.
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Here’s what to know before the doors open.
San Marcos’ newest H-E-B enters the final stages of construction on September 8, 2026.
When does the new H-E-B open?
- Grand opening: Wednesday, October 7
- Ribbon cutting: 5:55 a.m.
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Doors open: 6 a.m. -
Location: 1074 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos
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What is H-E-B giving away at its San Marcos grand opening?
The celebration starts at 4 a.m. with free coffee, goodies and a DJ. The San Marcos High School Diamond Dance Team, Drumline and Mariachi Band will perform starting at 5:15 a.m., according to H-E-B’s website.
At 11 a.m., H-E-B will host whole fish cutting, brisket cutting and a seafood boil. Texas State mascots Boko and Koko will make an appearance from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first 250 customers in line will receive free hats and goodie bags, while the first 100 Curbside customers will receive free hats. Shoppers can also find chances to win prizes during the first two weeks, along with free samples and demos throughout the store.
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A giant H-E-B sign towers over I-35 in San Marcos on September 28, 2026, ahead of the store’s October 7 opening.
Where is the new H-E-B in San Marcos?
The new store is at 1074 E. McCarty Lane, near Interstate 35.
It’s located within a short drive of San Marcos’ major outlet shopping destinations, including the San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets San Marcos.
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City and H-E-B officials officially broke ground on November 4, 2025 on San Marcos’ third H-E-B location along I-35 and McCarty Lane. The store is expected to open in late 2026.
True Texas BBQ makes its San Marcos debut
The new H-E-B will also mark the arrival of True Texas BBQ in San Marcos.
The restaurant will offer H-E-B’s s barbecue, including brisket and other smoked meats, with indoor seating for shoppers.
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The new H-E-B nears the finish line in San Marcos on September 28, 2026, with opening day just a week away.
What else is inside?
- Sushiya with handmade sushi and other fresh selections
- Full-service seafood department
- Full-service meat market
- Bakery and Tortilleria
- Deli and prepared foods
- Meal Simple ready-to-cook and prepared meals
- Drive-thru pharmacy
- Curbside pickup
- Home Delivery
- Fuel station
- Car wash
- Blooms by H-E-B
- Fresh Bites convenience store
- Beer and wine
A future Home Depot will serve as the first major anchor at McCarty Commons in San Marcos, with the planned 135,918-square-foot store expected to begin construction in fall 2026, according to state filings.
What’s coming next to the San Marcos H-E-B?
Next door a much larger development is taking shape along the McCarty Lane stretch.
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A roughly 260-acre development is planned to include retail and commercial space, housing, employment uses, parks and open space.
A Home Depot is one of the major anchors planned for the growing area, with additional development expected around the store as McCarty Commons takes shape.
