190 Brands Started in Texas Covering 1843 to 2019

Texas is famous for its wide open spaces, larger-than-life characters, and—perhaps surprisingly—a remarkably rich roster of homegrown companies. From humble sugar mills in the 1840s to today’s cutting-edge tech and lifestyle brands, Lone Star State entrepreneurs have continually reshaped industries across the globe. Join us on a whirlwind tour through the eras and innovations that have defined Texas business history.

19th-Century Pioneers: Plantations, Preserves, and Provisions

The story begins in 1843 with the founding of Imperial Sugar Company in Sugar Land. What started as a modest refinery grew into one of America’s oldest and most respected sugar producers, giving its namesake town both sweet success and global renown. By mid-century, San Antonio’s Pioneer brand dairy and Galveston’s Borden (famous for Eagle Brand condensed milk) were laying the foundations for Texas’s food-production legacy.

As the frontier expanded, so did entrepreneurial spirit. Fort Worth’s Pendery’s butcher shop (1870) and Denison’s Great Western Foods (1872) began feeding growing communities, while Plano’s Kimberly-Clark (also 1872) would eventually leap into personal-care innovations like Kleenex and Huggies. By 1879, Justin Boots was stitching what would become globally coveted western footwear—proof that Texas craftsmanship could cross oceans.

Early 20th Century: Oils, Outlets, and Outfits

The dawn of the 20th century brought oil booms and department stores. Beaumont’s TEXACO (1902) rode the Spindletop gusher into one of the world’s largest oil companies, while in Dallas that same year, Neiman Marcus began its ascent as a luxury-fashion icon.

Meanwhile, everyday Texans flocked to:

• H-E-B (1905), the family-owned grocer whose stores now sprawl across Texas and northern Mexico.

• Mrs Baird’s Bread (1908), pioneering pre-sliced loaves that redefined convenience.

• Shiner Beer (1909) and Pearl Beer (1883), regional lagers that became beloved tokens of Texan pride.

Workwear and leisure both got a boost: Fort Worth’s Dickies (1922) outfitted laborers nationwide, and Dallas’s Hilton Hotels & Resorts (1919) ushered in modern hospitality.

Mid-Century Staples: Sodas, Salsas, and Service

By the 1940s and 50s, Texas had stamped its mark on fast food and soft drinks. Waco’s Dr Pepper (1885) solidified its place among America’s oldest sodas, while San Antonio’s Pace Foods (1947) introduced salsa to dinner tables everywhere. Postwar growth sparked new chains:

• Whataburger (1950), Corpus Christi’s now-iconic burger joint.

• Church’s Chicken (1952), bringing Southern-style fried chicken to the quick-serve world.

• Circle K (1951), which would grow into one of the globe’s largest convenience-store brands.

Banks, batteries, and baked goods flourished too: USAA (1922) serving military families, Interstate Batteries (1952) powering vehicles coast to coast, and Fort Worth’s Best Maid Pickles (1926) adding a tangy twist to sandwiches everywhere.

The Rise of Recreation and Retail: Theme Parks to Tech

As Texans looked for fun, entrepreneurs answered the call:

• In 1961, Arlington became home to Six Flags, pioneering America’s thrill-ride parks.

• Plano’s Frito-Lay (1961) merged savory snack lines under one roof.

• San Antonio’s Southwest Airlines (1967) disrupted air travel with a low-fare model that now carries millions.

The 1970s and 80s saw both casual-dining staples and electronics powerhouses emerge:

• Chili’s (1975) and Taco Cabana (1978) made Tex-Mex a national craving.

• Whole Foods Market (Austin, 1980) birthed the modern organic grocery movement.

• Compaq (Houston, 1982) and Dell Technologies (Austin, 1984) put “Made in Texas” PCs on desks worldwide.

At the same time, specialty retailers like Dallas’s The Container Store (1978) and Fort Worth’s American Eagle Airlines (1984) diversified the state’s business portfolio.

21st-Century Innovators: Apps, Artisans, and Ambitious Startups

Today’s Texas scene is as vibrant as ever. Austin’s Indeed (2004) and Bumble (2014) lead in online services; Frisco’s Dude Perfect (2009) became a YouTube phenomenon; and Round Rock’s Gourmet Texas Pasta (2017) crafts artisanal noodles with farm-fresh ingredients.

But legacy brands continue evolving:

• Blue Bell Creameries (1907) still scoops its Famous Homemade Vanilla.

• Schlitterbahn (1979) expands water-park thrills.

• Yeti (2006) turned rugged coolers into a cult classic.

From Tito’s Handmade Vodka in Austin to RTIC Outdoors in Cypress, Texas entrepreneurs keep balancing tradition with disruption—whether it’s grain-free tortillas, precision fire pits, or prebiotic sodas.

A Texan Tradition of Tenacity

What unites these over 150 years of companies is a blend of grit, community focus, and a knack for spotting opportunity—qualities as big as the state itself. Whether refining sugar cane, bottling soda, stitching cowboy boots, or coding tomorrow’s apps, Texas businesses have shown that a spirit of innovation knows no bounds.

As you drive through small towns or soar above skyscrapers, don’t be surprised to see a big, bold “Made in Texas” label. It’s more than geography; it’s a legacy of vision, resilience, and that unmistakable Texan pride.