H-E-B’s new tech hub does double duty
H-E-B has opened an 81,000-sq-ft., high-tech office space in Austin Texas, that reflects the regional grocer’s digital push and includes lots of amenities.
The retailer’s new 81,000-sq.-ft. “Eastside Tech Hub” houses its growing, Austin-based digital team and also serves as the headquarters for Favor, the on-demand delivery company H-E-B acquired in February. The new space complements H-E-B existing digital team at its San Antonio headquarters.
"Having a shared space like this is crucial to both H-E-B Digital and Favor's rapid growth," said Jag Bath, H-E-B chief digital officer and Favor CEO. "The Eastside Tech Hub enables us to have a strong tech presence in both Austin and San Antonio, while fostering a better connection between our teams across the two cities."
The two companies worked with IA Interior Architects to customize the recently renovated warehouse. The two-story, open-office concept offers a variety of work areas spread throughout the floor plan. To foster continued collaboration between its San Antonio and Austin-based employees, the retailer will provide shuttle rides between the two cities on Wi-Fi enabled buses throughout the work week.
Additionally, the office boasts an array of amenities, including a coffee bar featuring local roasteries, a lounge area, a large events space and a wellness center with a rock-climbing wall. Curated fitness classes, bike parking and showers are available.
The new space celebrates the unique identities of both H-E-B and Favor along with their shared Texas heritage. It includes meeting rooms named after H-E-B brand products, Texas landmarks and cities and more. Texas-inspired decorative accents include murals and other art from several Texas-based makers and artists, brick and tile sourced by D'Hanis Brick in San Antonio, handmade furniture from Marfa and plants native to the Lone Star State.
To commemorate the opening of the Eastside Tech Hub, H-E-B and Favor will make $100,000 in charitable gifts to support hundreds of students in Austin and San Antonio via STEM-based summer camps and programs.
H-E-B operates 400 stores in Texas and Mexico.