Staff Report
A new H-E-B will stand on the site of the former Nutty Brown Amphitheatre, about seven miles east of Dripping Springs.
Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheatre operated as a music venue for more than two decades. H-E-B purchased the property in 2015 and the amphitheatre officially closed in November 2021.
Construction has since begun on the 103,000 square-foot store which will use building materials and showcase iconography and memorabilia from the venue, such as red brick from the original brick oven used at Nutty Brown Foods, and a mural that will include vintage photography and iconography inspired by original signage such as the blue “welcome” awning and cowboy neon sign.
Additionally, Mike Farr, Nutty Brown’s owner, gifted signed guitars from legendary Texas musicians who played at the venue that are expected to be displayed throughout the store, along with other memorabilia.
“It means a lot to me that H-E-B cares enough about the history at Nutty Brown and plans to pay homage to it in some way,” Farr said. “I value the way H-E-B has treated me and my business over the last several years. They’ve been amazing partners to work with. I live a few miles down the road, and it’s a surreal concept to think that a place I’ve walked into and owned for two decades is now where I’m going to buy milk and bread. But I’m excited to see it and be a part of it.”
The store will feature H-E-B staples including curbside and home delivery services, a drive-thru pharmacy and a fuel station and car wash, along with a bakery, tortilleria, deli, wine and beer department, Healthy Living department, Blooms floral area, full-service meat market and seafood counter, Meal Simple and Sushiya products and Texas Backyard area.
The store will be located off Nutty Brown Road and Highway 290. It is expected to be completed in spring 2023 and will create 300 jobs.
