Have you ever heard the phrase “everything’s bigger in Texas”? With its standalone culture and larger-than-life influence, the Lone Star State has a lot to offer. Texas not only has its own chains and stores unique to the state, but its significance reaches far across America and touches the hearts — and tongues — of millions.
“The people, the landscapes, the sheer size: there are a whole host of reasons that Texans wear their state pride like a badge of honor,” an article from Texas Proud said. “But perhaps the main reason is because of their state’s unique and deep roots within American history.”
Texas is known for its big bites, cowboy culture and sweet yet sassy southern attitude. Pit stops carry anything, from cowboy hats to corn dogs, and restaurants serve footlong loaded potatoes. Although life in Texas isn’t always full of horseback rides and rodeos, its residents love the foods and stores that make the state welcoming and comfy.
“Another major point of pride among those living in Texas is all of the culture the state has contributed to the rest of the world,” the Texas Proud article said. “It seems Texas has always managed to stay on the cutting edge of tech while still maintaining its down-home values.”
A handful of businesses originated in Texas, and a lot of them stay exclusive in and around the state. One of the best examples is state-renowned Bucee’s, founded by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. Originally opened in 1982 next to Lake Jackson, according to the Buccee’s website, these ginormous gas stations are known for their irreplaceable snacks and clean, private restrooms. The Bucee’s in Luling holds the current world record for the largest gas station in the world, with 75,593 square feet of snacks, drinks, gas and homeware. More than half of the locations remain in Texas, with a few scattered throughout Southeast America and the newest installation coming to Arizona in 2026.
“I hope they leave with the experience that we exceeded their expectations, and then they tell their friends and neighbors,” Aplin said in an interview with Fox 10 Phoenix. “We’re bringing Texas barbecue to Arizona; we’ll be here in a year, get ready.”
Another example is H-E-B, which started as a small grocery store in Kerrville in 1905. According to the Texas State Historical Association, it was originally founded by Florence Thornton Butt as a one-room grocery store. She gave the business to her son, Howard Edward Butt, who greatly improved the store’s management, distribution and efficiency. H-E-B even began helping those in need and donates a portion of its profits to charities and food banks. With Howard’s leadership and passion for the community, the store grew into a chain of over 170 stores today, all in the state of Texas. These bustling stores are packed with groceries, meals, herbs and spices grown and known in Texas.
“H-E-B is the secret that only Texans are in on,” an article from Eater said. “It’s a retailer whose ethos is very clear: This is Texas – where the food is better, the people are more loyal, and the shape of our state is actually quite remarkable.”
Other companies, such as Whataburger and Wingstop, started in the Lone Star State but took off across the nation. Whataburger opened in 1950 in Corpus Christi by entrepreneur Harmon Dobson, who wanted to create a burger shop with burgers so big customers would remark, “What a burger!” While most of its stores remain in Texas, its numbers continue to grow in many other states. Wingstop, with over 2,000 locations coast to coast, originally opened in Garland in 1994 with the goal of making chicken wings their own entree.
“Harmon’s hope was that customers would fall in love as he had: discovering a product so novel and delicious that they’d return to it again and again,” the Whataburger website said. “By creating a made-fresh-to-order experience, Whataburger planted roots with homegrown customer loyalty.”
Texan culture touched the heart and mind of Kent Taylor so much that he opened a Texas-inspired steakhouse in Clarksville, Indiana in 1993. Texas Roadhouse is known for its hand-cut steaks, fresh rolls with cinnamon butter and charming atmosphere. Taylor wanted to create an affordable Texas-style dining experience to keep customers happy and give them a taste of the South. Today, there are over 680 Texas Roadhouse restaurants across America.
“Alongside your steak, you’ll also receive free entertainment [from] every server performing a line dance and baskets brimming with all the free bread and cinnamon butter you can eat,” an article from Food and Wine said. “That’s a very particular type of value, and the American consumer seems to recognize that.”
Texas culture has left its mark on America inside and out, with its delicious food and memorable shops. From its influence across the country to businesses that remain deep in the heart of Texas, the state has a unique sense of style that has millions coming back for more.
“After oil, Texas pride may be the state’s single most lucrative natural resource — in part because it can take so many different forms, each of which can be sold to a distinct audience,” the article from Eater said. “The stores represent Texans as they see themselves.”
