Dallas-based Central Market celebrated 20 years in Dallas and Plano with special events to mark the anniversary. Central Market is H-E-B’s natural and specialty banner that first opened in Austin in 1994 and now operates 10 stores across Texas. The Plano store opened in February 2002 and Dallas-Lovers Lane opened later that June. From November 2nd to 4th, both stores commemorated the 20th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free cake, free food, and cooking lessons with local celebrity chefs. Plano provided smoked brisket prepared by chef Kent Rathbun and held a tasting event with chef Cat Cora. The Dallas-Lovers Lane store held tasting events with chefs Stephan Pyles, Dean Fearing and Robert Del Grande. “Dallas and Plano have always been sophisticated foodie communities with their own culture and notable food destinations. We were fortunate to be immediately embraced by life-long H-E-B customers, new customers, chefs, and the entire foodie community when we opened our doors 20 years ago,” said Stephen Butt, president. “Since 1994 when Central Market first opened its doors in Austin, it has been our goal to help customers enjoy living through a more fun, informed relationship with food – regardless of where they are on their food journey. We credit the success of both stores to the employees, who are some of the best in the industry, and also to our incredible customers, who we’ve joined on their food journey for the past 20 years.” Since opening in Dallas and Plano in 2002, the retailer has donated more than $30 million to local nonprofits including schools, food banks, museums and cultural organizations, military families, first responders, and disaster relief services.
