• Early Years: 1930s

The Henna Chevrolet story officially began in 1936 when Louis Henna Sr. and his wife Billie Sue Henna-Cariker opened their dealership in the neighboring community of Round Rock, Texas. During a time when the nation was still recovering from economic hardship, the Hennas saw an opportunity to serve their growing community with quality vehicles and honest service.

Round Rock in the 1930s was a small but vibrant community, and the Hennas quickly established themselves as trusted members of the local business landscape. Their approach was simple yet effective: treat every customer like a neighbor. This philosophy of personalized service and community connection would become the foundation on which the Henna legacy was built.

• The 1929 Fire: A Story of Gratitude and Community Spirit

Before launching the standalone dealership that would bear his name, Louis Henna Sr. experienced a setback that would ultimately reveal his true character. He operated a garage that was destroyed by fire in 1929, threatening to end his automotive ambitions. However, the quick response of the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department saved his valuable inventory from  destruction.

Rather than simply moving forward with his business plans, Mr. Henna wanted to express his profound gratitude to the firefighters who had saved his business. In a remarkable gesture of appreciation, he donated a motorized fire engine to the department: a 1.5-ton gravel truck that would help them better protect the community. This act of generosity exemplified the Henna family's belief that success means giving back to those who support you. 

With renewed determination and community goodwill behind him, Louis Henna Sr. built a showroom on South Mays Street, laying the groundwork for what would become a Central Texas institution.

• Expansion to Austin: 1960s-1990s

As Central Texas continued to grow throughout the mid-twentieth century, Henna Chevrolet grew alongside it. The dealership's reputation for quality and service attracted customers from an ever-widening area, prompting the family to expand its operations to meet the increasing demand.

By 1968, the business had developed into what was known as the Henna Chevrolet Supermarket. This was no ordinary car lot. It was a massive automotive destination that captured the imagination of Central Texas drivers. Television promotions of the era showcased the impressive inventory, featuring everything from passenger cars to camper and RV rentals. The "Supermarket" concept reflected the dealership's commitment to offering customers a comprehensive selection of vehicles to meet every need .

This period of expansion demonstrated the Henna family's ability to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining their core values of customer service and community involvement.

• Second-Generation Leadership

In 1997, a significant transition occurred that would assure the continuation of the Henna legacy. Ownership of the dealership passed to the second generation under Louis Henna Jr., keeping the business private, local, and family-held. This transition represented more than just a change in management. It was a reaffirmation of the family's commitment to their founding principles.

Under second-generation leadership, the dealership continued to develop while honoring the traditions established by Louis Henna Sr. and Billie Sue Henna-Cariker. The emphasis on personal service, community involvement, and customer satisfaction remained at the forefront of every business decision.