Shopping for groceries can be a hassle when searching for an affordable and convenient store. Fortunately, Austin provides plenty of choices.
One such shop is Fresh Plus Co-op, a family-run enterprise that supports local artisans and offers regional craft beers to its customers. Plus, they have an eclectic selection of greeting cards and packaged foods from nearby businesses.
Fresh Plus Co-op
Fresh Plus Co-op has four locations in Austin: Clarksville at 1221 W Lynn St, Hyde Park at 408 E 43rd St, Allandale at 2917 Anderson Ln, and West Campus at 2401 San Gabriel St.
They provide delivery and accept credit cards. Their selection of locally-sourced products makes them incredibly convenient, and the staff is always friendly.
Their prices are very reasonable, and they offer many great deals throughout the year. This makes this store an excellent option for grocery shopping in Austin’s surrounding area.
The co-op also offers the Double Up Food Bucks program, which enables customers to utilize their EBT/SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables. This initiative has been viral, assisting many in the community.
H-E-B Central Market
H-E-B is the leading supermarket chain in Texas, operating over 400 locations throughout Texas and Mexico, with annual sales exceeding $10 billion.
H-E-B’s Central Market opened in 1994 as a family-owned venture to offer customers an alternative shopping experience: more space for hot food items, cafeteria-style seating, and fresh produce options.
Many locations feature patios with live music, so you can pick up groceries and enjoy your shopping experience while listening to talented local artists.
H-E-B has a longstanding presence in Austin, having opened one of the first stores in South Austin and still operating today at its historic store on South Congress Avenue. H-E-B is also known for its disaster relief initiatives; with three mobile kitchens that can serve more than 6,000 meals an hour and is an essential presence at shelters during natural disasters, they have earned their customers’ loyalty.
Thom’s Market
Thom’s Market has four locations throughout Austin and the surrounding area. Their first location, located on Barton Springs Road in 2007, opened their second location near Burnet and Allendale roads in North Austin.
Thom’s Grocery Store boasts an impressive selection of products for grocery store customers at reasonable prices. Their inventory includes flavored seltzers, kombucha, coffee, tea, and trendy sodas; they have wine and beer to match and some fine cheeses on display.
They offer some fun little trinkets at great prices! Visit 1418 Barton Springs Rd to check them out; the store also features a deli and street-facing cafe where you can grab a bite while you browse. They also have an exciting gift store full of the hottest things on the market, like toys and candles!
Royal Blue Grocery
Royal Blue Grocery, founded in Austin, opened its first location downtown in 2006 and followed it with a physical store opening in San Antonio the following year. This modern urban market offers customers a curated selection of meals, drinks, and snacks throughout the area.
Some call Royal Blue’s stores “bodegas,” while others describe them as corner stores. Whatever you call them, their shops provide various products and services. Stump town coffee, sandwiches, pizza, and specialty groceries like frozen goods will be found there.
In addition to their grocery selection, they serve beverages such as Saint Arnold microbrew root beer and Jeni’s ice cream. Plus, they carry an extensive range of fresh foods and produce.
Royal Blue has two locations in Southtown: their brick-and-mortar locations Downtown, as well as their food trailer in Southtown, which opened its doors Monday, March 13th for coffee, panini, tacos, and pastries.
