Brookshire Grocery Co. broke ground July 9 on its newest Brookshire’s store in West Tyler, Texas, a project the company describes as a hometown investment built through local partnerships with businesses and community leaders.
Company leaders, community members and local officials, including Mayor Pro Tem Petra Hawkins, gathered at the future store site to commemorate the occasion. Construction is underway, with the store anticipated to open in 2027.
“This groundbreaking represents a significant milestone for BGC – one that I know our founders, W.T. and Louise Brookshire, would be incredibly proud of,” said Jerry LeClair, interim CEO for Brookshire Grocery Co. “For nearly 100 years, the mission and values they established have guided our company and continue to serve as the foundation for every decision we make. This new store is a continued commitment to the community that has supported us since 1928.”
The new location will allow BGC to meet growing customer needs and will feature fresh meats and produce and amenities including Starbucks Coffee and a full-service pizza program. The store also will have a patio, a full-service bar and a Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue, representing the first expansion of the Tyler institution. Stanley’s will prepare and smoke barbecue on site.
Founded in 1960, Stanley’s is the oldest continuously operating family-owned barbecue restaurant in Tyler. Owned by Nick and Jen Pencis, the restaurant has earned a loyal following for its East Texas barbecue, including slow-smoked brisket, ribs, house-made sausage and its “Mother Clucker” chicken sandwich.
“Both BGC and Stanley’s have deep roots in Tyler,” LeClair said. “Together, we’ll create an experience that is uniquely East Texas and uniquely Tyler. We’re proud to partner with a local business that has become a true East Texas institution and give our customers another reason to gather, connect and enjoy a great meal together.”
BGC credited the city of Tyler for its collaboration throughout the planning and development of the project and Tyler-based HGR Contractors for its leadership on the build. More than 90 percent of the subcontractors working on the project are based in East Texas, according to the company.
Brookshire Grocery Co. is a regional family-owned grocery business operating more than 215 stores in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma, with three distribution centers. The company employs close to 17,000 people and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work since 2020. Founded in Tyler, BGC has been in operation since 1928.