Ennis shoppers, the grocery run is about to get a serious upgrade. H-E-B plans to build a 112,000-square-foot store at North Sonoma Trail and East Ennis Avenue, more than double the size of the current downtown location on South Clay Street. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027, with the new store opening in late 2028, pending permits.

The new location will bring a drive-thru pharmacy, curbside pickup and home delivery parking, an in-store bakery, meat and seafood markets, a floral department, an outdoor gardening section, and a South Flo Pizza restaurant. The existing downtown store stays open until the new one is up and running, and current employees will have the chance to transfer. Additional hiring will be posted on H-E-B’s careers site as opening day gets closer.

One question remains up in the air: what happens to the downtown Clay Street property once the move is complete. H-E-B says it hasn’t decided yet, and that’s a detail worth watching for anyone who cares about the future of the historic square. What would you like to see happen to that block?