but why ya'lls saying HEB so good, it was like when i was hearing all this hub bub about Trader Joes and when i had access and went, not impressed.
I mean, the MILFS were def higher quality
I think people like Trader Joes because they've never seen an HEB or Aldi.
It's hard to explain it if you're not here. Texas pride is part of it, HEB being located in only Texas, is *hugely* specialized around Texas only things (eg: you can buy an iron skillet shaped like Texas, or buy Texas shaped tortilla chips). They source most everything for their own brands from Texas farmers, etc. Every store is decorated around why Texas is the best, etc. Plays into the local attitude.
But aside that, their stores are just great experiences. They have a full time chef cooking, chatting with customers, to cook you up a sample, or to answer common cooking questions. If you wanted a spice recommendation for some dish you're making they can help you. If you wanted a wine pairing for a food, they will do that too. They also have their own culinary academy. They have a sushi bar, really really fresh meats, and great seafood. You can even get king crab legs at most HEBs.
HEB here is custom-tailored to the location of where it is. If you go to the hood of Austin, you're going to get a lot of cheap shit generally. I live in whiteland, so everything at mine is really nice for example two rows of wine selection, and a cheese selection that is almost as big as the bakery. Fresh olive bar. Produce is all fresh and solid, and overall their selection is top notch.
Not only that, their generic brand stuff is outstanding. Most people here actually prefer HEB brands over normal brands, and it's cheap as fuck. They have a gigantic variety of fully cooked food too, that is just delicious.
I guess if I had to compare it, it's like Aldis. Just a great experience, great products, really high quality brand, and extremely cheap.