SAN ANTONIO, TX - H-E-B is introducing a new, and unique, solution to the buy-side in response to the state of the market. While companies like Kroger, Aldi, and C&S Wholesale Grocers have paired up with foodservice operators as a way of providing jobs for the sector, the Texas-based grocer is taking a different approach to help out restaurant and foodservice operators.

According to news source My San Antonio, H-E-B is selling full meals from local San Antonio restaurants as part of a new pilot program.

“We are a family of foodies, and we have a deep relationship with lots of restaurants and chefs, so this is something we wanted to do to help in these difficult times,” said Dya Campos, H-E-B’s Director of Government and Public Affairs, according to the news source.

Though a pilot like H-E-B's would have typically taken months to be launched, the retailer has worked hard to roll it out within the span of a week—a testament to H-E-B’s commitment to doing all that it can to be an ally. This has included ensuring the restaurant participants follow the correct regulations and labeling requirements mandated at the retail-level.

Max & Louie’s New York Diner, Rosario’s Mexican Café Y Cantina, Fresa’s, and Ramen Tatsu-ya are the first San Antonio hotspots to join the pilot program, with all of the proceeds earned from the sale of the meals going directly back to these restaurants.

“[H-E-B has] been an unbelievable partner,” said Max & Louie’s Owner Drew Glick. “Everybody’s coming together in a time of pain to help an independent restaurant survive to thrive.”

Will more grocers roll out similar pilots as partnerships between retailers, foodservice operators, restaurants keep popping up? And how will this affect the supply-side? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.

H-E-B