San Antonio-based H-E-B Grocery Company opened its first store in the DFW metroplex on Wednesday to an overwhelmingly positive response.

Hundreds of people stood in line, wrapped around the building, for the 6 a.m. grand opening of the Frisco H-E-B, amidst fanfare from a high school marching band and cheering crowds.

DFW area residents have eagerly anticipated the store opening for more than a year. Although DFW has been home to six Central Market stores — owned by H-E-B’s parent company — for more than two decades, the new Frisco store is H-E-B’s first flagship store in the area.

The 118,00 square-foot location is filled with new amenities and innovations, including a BBQ restaurant, a full-service pharmacy with a drive-thru, and a home decor department.

H-E-B is also introducing a new line of DFW sushi options (which includes a DFW Roll) and a new Café Ole coffee blend called Taste of DFW. It is a medium-bodied blend with caramel, chocolate, and pecan flavors.

Several art installations by local artists are featured throughout the store’s adjacent two-acre greenspace. The artwork includes a mosaic bench with tiles decorated by H-E-B partners, teachers, firefighters, kids, and other locals, as well as fruit sculptures, interactive sculptures, and more.

H-E-B is the largest privately held employer in Texas. The new store will employ approximately 750 team members at the new location. More than 85% of the employees were hired locally from the Frisco area, according to the company’s press release.

“Opening our flagship H-E-B format in the DFW area has been an aspirational goal of ours for many years, and the company has a long-term commitment to serve a broad range of customers and communities across North Texas,” said Central Market Division President Stephen Butt.

“H-E-B is a company known for its steadfast commitment to Texas, and we’re excited they’re now a part of our community,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney. “So, let me be the first to say, Frisco, welcome to My H-E-B.”