Central Market
A gourmet supermarket chain originating in Austin, Texas and owned by H.E.B. supermarkets of San Antonio. All 7 locations are in Texas.
Locations exist in the four major metropolitan regions of the state—Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. The number of locations in each of the metro areas is 4, 1, 1, and 1 respectively. This is ironic, as H.E.B. does not have and never has had any of their regular supermarket locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area while having a large presence in the other three regions. However, this may be due to the very competitive nature of Dallas/Fort Worth's grocery business environment.
The Central Market concept has been very successful and well-received since its inception. One is hard-pressed to find an equivalent in other U.S. states in terms of store size, gourmet/world product selection, price competitiveness, and customer traffic. The store is viewed by both the company and its customers as a destination supermarket, much like IKEA is viewed as a destination furniture store or The Home Depot's EXPO Design Center is viewed as a destination home interiors store.
All Central Market locations feature "Cafe on the Run," a fast-gourmet eatery catering to both shoppers and non-shoppers alike. Special events also occur at the markets weekly or monthly. Some locations have live music, an upstairs lounge, and other amenities.
Locations exist in the four major metropolitan regions of the state—Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. The number of locations in each of the metro areas is 4, 1, 1, and 1 respectively. This is ironic, as H.E.B. does not have and never has had any of their regular supermarket locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area while having a large presence in the other three regions. However, this may be due to the very competitive nature of Dallas/Fort Worth's grocery business environment.
The Central Market concept has been very successful and well-received since its inception. One is hard-pressed to find an equivalent in other U.S. states in terms of store size, gourmet/world product selection, price competitiveness, and customer traffic. The store is viewed by both the company and its customers as a destination supermarket, much like IKEA is viewed as a destination furniture store or The Home Depot's EXPO Design Center is viewed as a destination home interiors store.
All Central Market locations feature "Cafe on the Run," a fast-gourmet eatery catering to both shoppers and non-shoppers alike. Special events also occur at the markets weekly or monthly. Some locations have live music, an upstairs lounge, and other amenities.
Central Market by pwumavs March 24, 2008
