Lake Charles H-E-B (construction, live, stores)

[Texan Guy]

I know there was an H-E-B Pantry in Lake Charles from 1996 to 2003, but where was it?

From what I can find, it was where Market Basket is (based on addresses), but there is no way that Market Basket is less than a decade old. I want to say instead it's where "Stines Lumber Company" (or whatever) is, since the parking lot was empty in late 2003 and the building seems significantly altered since then.

I think that's the one, but I'm not sure.

Anyone from Lake Charles: how was the H-E-B? I know it was only the Pantry small-format stores, but how did it stack up with other stores in the area?

[Innotech]

Originally Posted by Texan Guy

I know there was an H-E-B Pantry in Lake Charles from 1996 to 2003, but where was it?

From what I can find, it was where Market Basket is (based on addresses), but there is no way that Market Basket is less than a decade old. I want to say instead it's where "Stines Lumber Company" (or whatever) is, since the parking lot was empty in late 2003 and the building seems significantly altered since then.

I think that's the one, but I'm not sure.

Anyone from Lake Charles: how was the H-E-B? I know it was only the Pantry small-format stores, but how did it stack up with other stores in the area?

I might be able to tell you where it is, if our company used to deliver fuel there or to whatever is there now. I will check our database to see if theres an address.

[pandorafan5687]

HEB was on Nelson Road, now Market Basket is in it's place. The location is at the Nelson Road/McNeese Street intersection. The store did pretty well as far as grocery stores went. It was a convenience especially for ppl who lived in that area. The Stine store is actually an Old Walmart discount store before a second Walmart Supercenter moved further down next to I-210.

[Texan Guy]

HEB had to have replaced something else: Winn-Dixie, maybe?

I should have known Stine was an old Wal-Mart, it looked very similar (the entryway from Google Earth) to how my local Wal-Mart looked from 1995 to 2010.

[annie_himself]

Any clue why H-E-B isn't in the SW Louisiana Market?

[pandorafan5687]

Originally Posted by Texan Guy

HEB had to have replaced something else: Winn-Dixie, maybe?

I should have known Stine was an old Wal-Mart, it looked very similar (the entryway from Google Earth) to how my local Wal-Mart looked from 1995 to 2010.

Prior to HEB being in that location, a grocery store called Delchamps was there. Prior to that, I do believe a Winn-Dixie was there.

[pandorafan5687]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Any clue why H-E-B isn't in the SW Louisiana Market?

To be honest with you, I am not sure why it isn't, but when it was there, it was a pretty good grocery store. Though it was more popular w/ those who lived in that area of the city.

[sluggermatt15]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Any clue why H-E-B isn't in the SW Louisiana Market?

If I had to guess, it's because the major chains Albertsons and Kroger have a strong presence in the area (2 stores each) and Market Basket is the "local" store.

[cBach]

I can tell you the exact reason why HEB is no longer here.

HEB on Nelson Rd in Lake Charles was HEB's first foray into the Louisiana market.

Unfortunately, during that time, Nelson Rd was being four laned and there was a ton of construction. Because of this, they really didn't get a lot of business.

The corporate offices in San Antonio saw that the chain didn't perform well and so it closed the HEB.

Had Nelson Rd not been under construction, I believe that HEB would still be opened.

This is the real scoop. You're welcome.

[pandorafan5687]

I bet if HEB were to be placed elsewhere in the Lake Area today, they would thrive. That construction made it difficult to get to. The other problem was not just the construction but the fact that LC drags construction projects out forever and ever.