HUTTO – A fast-growing Central Texas city is working to lure their first grocery store to the community, and alleviate the need for residents to drive a half-hour away to buy food.
Many Hutto residents currently drive 25 minutes to the HEB in Round Rock.
"Unfortunately I had to come to this grocery store because we do not have one in Hutto," said Laura Watkins. "It'd be nice to be able to stay in my own hometown to do my shopping instead of having to leave to go to another town.
A new study by the City of Hutto finds more than 50 percent of people who live in the area shop for groceries at HEB, followed by 16 percent at Wal-Mart. The study shows if a Hutto store opened today, it could bring in nearly $14 million per week.
"It's one thing to say it but now we can show it, we can actually take them and show them what their weekly sales potentials would be," said Hutto Assistant City Manager Micah Grau.
The best option for Hutto residents is currently Walgreens. For many of the 21,000 who live in Hutto, being forced to drive up to a half hour each way for groceries is a major inconvenience.
"It'd be really nice if we had something close by, do a quick milk run, get some eggs," said Jiby George of Hutto.
"We're just wishing we had one," said Candy Ferren of Hutto. "Everywhere you go everybody is talking about it."
The City of Hutto will take its new findings and try to lure a grocery store. HEB owns undeveloped property within the city near Gattis School Road and the 130 toll road.
