13 Things Made in Texas That Prove it's The Cultural Hub of The Universe

Author Spotlight

13 Things Made in Texas That Prove it’s The Cultural Hub of The Universe

This summer we’re all over our new favorite Pride and Prejudice retelling, The Season. Part of what makes it great is that it’s set somewhere totally unexpected – the Dallas debutante season. We love main character Megan McKnight’s pride in her home state, even if she’d rather be kicking balls on the soccer field than attending them as a debutante at the moment. To celebrate Megan’s kick-butt adventures in the Lone Star state, we asked author Jonah Lisa Dyer to share 13 majorly important things that originated in Texas!

Jonah Lisa: Texas Pride is a real thing. Most Texans have an EXTRA LARGE serving of it, and free refills, too. No doubt, we’ve unleashed some pretty questionable things on the universe–silicone breast implants, Barney & Friends, elevator music and George W. Bush to name a few. Sorry ‘bout that. But I’m an optimist so I focus on the positive. Texans have brought the world some thoroughly enjoyable things as well. Let me enlighten you.

7-Eleven

The original convenience store, and home to the Slurpee, started in Dallas and took its name because it was open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., unheard of in 1946. I hear 7-Elevens are currently taking over Scandinavia.

Dr Pepper

The best soda on the planet was invented by a pharmacist at a Waco drugstore in 1885, a year BEFORE Coca-Cola. If out to impress your Texas host, order a Diet Dr Pepper at lunch.

Shopping Centers & Malls

Texans love to shop so it makes perfect sense that the country’s first shopping center, Highland Park Village, and the first indoor mall, Northpark Mall, were both created in Dallas.

ATM Machines

Reasons for Texans needing fast cash could run into the hundreds very quickly, but backroom poker games might have played a part.

Chili

In a state with so much cattle it’s not surprising that this slow-cooked, spicy, beef dish was invented in Corsicana & San Antonio almost simultaneously in the 1800s. I happen to be in possession of a family “Texas Red” recipe that dates to 1920’s Laredo. And just to be clear, real Texas chili does NOT have beans.

Fritos Corn Chips

Stephen’s grandparents famously had a chance to invest penny stock in Frito Lay, but passed after tasting the chips at an investor party—too salty. Put Chili & Fritos together and you’ve got yourself another bona fide Texas creation: Frito Pie.

Chili’s Restaurant

The original restaurant was nothing more than a chili & hamburger stand on Dallas’ Greenville Avenue. It had a screen door.

The Super Bowl

Texas oil gabillionaire Lamar Hunt coined the term after being inspired by super balls.

The Integrated Circuit (aka Microchip)

Yep, Texas Instruments made your MacBook and your iPhone possible.

Corn Dogs

“Deep fry it in cornbread and put it on a stick!” Some brilliant Texan spoke those words in 1938 and Fletcher’s Corny Dogs were born. They’ve been a staple at the State Fair of Texas—nay, around the world—ever since.

Laser Tag

Probably created to bring together two favorite Texas past times: shooting at things and staying out of the heat.

Whole Foods Market

That’s right, we invented 7-Eleven AND the country’s signature organic foods market. Texas is nutty like that. Hard to believe but the original store in Austin was just a tiny hippie grocery store that smelled like patchouli.