“We started it back in 2020 when it was filed with the Plano zoning board that H-E-B was planning to build,” said Kist. “As soon as I learned of their plans, I talked to Tommy and his wife and we decided to start a page for our friends to keep them up to date on the happenings.”
Since then, the page has gained a following of more than 9,000 by mid-November and has morphed into the North Texas H-E-B Fanatics Facebook page, a place for lifelong fans and newbies to celebrate each opening as the brand grows.
“H-E-B has been an unofficial part of my family,” said Trogden. “Growing up in San Antonio, something from the store was at every birthday and every holiday. When we moved to the Dallas area, we were longing for H-E-B to make its way up here.”
The first store feeding the north side of D/FW opened in Frisco in late September, with about 1,500 people waiting in line to get inside to experience all that H-E-B has to offer. Another store opened in Plano in early November with similar fanfare. Weeks after opening, both stores still have lines at times and are often packed. Recently, the Dallas Observer talked with Kist and Trogden to learn the top six items they think were worth the wait in line.
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese
Longtime fans and newbies alike love this mix of shredded cheddar and white cheddar cheeses with mayonnaise, pimentos and jalapenos.
Bakery Butter Flour Tortillas
As one of the most sought-after items in the store, these tortillas are made fresh and are perfect for tacos, fajitas or snacking on the ride home. 
Brisket Queso and Bakery Tortilla Chips
This ready-to-bake queso comes with pit‑smoked brisket, pico and cheeses. Grab a bag of thin and crispy bakery tortilla chips to enjoy the melty goodness. 1877 Mineral Water
Sourced and bottled in Mineral Wells, Texas, this water has a nice balance of effervescence and flavor. 
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
There are many varieties of jalapeño poppers; these are just the basic cream cheese variety.
Lauren Drewes Daniels
