Texas is known for its inventions, and many of the innovations in use today came from entrepreneurs residing in Dallas – Fort Worth. Whether its technology, entertainment, or variations of scrumptious food or drinks, some of our faves come from the Metroplex. Here are 10 things you may not have known originated here:

1. The largest and longest-running state fair is located in Dallas.
State Fair of Texas/Facebook
The State Fair, which has been around since the late 1900s, has announced that its 2018 theme will be celebrating Texas innovation!
2. 7-Eleven was the world's first convenience store, and it was born right here in Dallas.
7-Eleven/Facebook
Orin Zebest/Flickr
There's no such thing as too many Slurpees! Part of the fun is being able to customize your drink, down to the color of your straw.
3. Dallas-based El Fenix Restaurant is known as the home of Tex-Mex.
El Fenix Mexican Restaurant/Facebook
El Fenix is celebrating its 100th year in 2018! Part of their centennial anniversary is monthly specials, like $1.00 margaritas.
4. Dallas is also home to the perfect complement for Tex-Mex: the frozen margarita!
La Hacienda Ranch/Facebook
Mariano Martinez, of La Hacienda Ranch restaurants, created this blissfully frozen concoction when he did a little tinkering with a soft serve machine. He blended together ice, lime juice, and (of course) tequila, and a new favorite drink was born.
5. The integrated circuit, better known as the microchip, was created at Dallas' Texas Instruments Corp.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
It was created by engineer Jack Kilby in the late 1950s. The invention had a huge impact on the advancement of technological industries.
6. North Texans gets credit for drive-through banks and ATM machines...
Frank Hebbert/Flickr
Hillcrest State Bank in Dallas opened the first drive-through bank in 1938. Drive-through conveniences didn't really take off until the late 1950s-early 1960s, but we still get to claim this innovation.
8. ...and even elevator music.
Ginny/Flickr
Dallas' Statler Hilton is credited with pioneering elevator music to lessen the awkward silence between strangers riding together.
9. The corny dog.
Todd Carr/Flickr
While the origination of the corn dog is claimed by several companies, Fletcher's Corny Dog rules supreme here. It is stuff of legends and sold at the State Fair of Texas each year.
10. Mary Kay cosmetics got its start here.
Tim Wang/Flickr
This Dallas-based global empire was founded in 1963 with $5,000 and lots of perseverance. Top sellers for the company continue to receive the coveted pink Cadillacs!

Did you know that these things were all born here in Dallas? Do you know of any other excellent firsts or inventions that we hold claim to? Share you thoughts in the comments below!

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