Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—7-Eleven Inc. agreed to acquire the retail and wholesale assets of San Antonio-based TETCO Inc.
The assets include company-operated convenience stores in Utah and the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio areas of Texas plus fuel distribution to TETCO's wholesale-distributors.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and closing is expected in November.
The acquisition also signals a return to San Antonio for 7-Eleven, where the company had operated stores until 1989.
“The combination of TETCO's retail and wholesale operations will make this 7-Eleven's largest acquisition since the company accelerated its growth plan four years ago,” said 7-Eleven chief financial officer Stan Reynolds in a prepared statement. “The assets we are purchasing are quality sites that complement our existing store operation along the I-35 corridor. Plus, we are fortunate to work with seasoned convenience- and fuel-business people that are joining us from TETCO.”
As part of this purchase, 7- Eleven will acquire TETCO's motor fuel wholesale business with some 550 customers.
“We fully expect to retain and build this wholesale business, as an integral part of our overall growth strategy,” Reynolds said.
After the deal closes later this year, 7-Eleven will begin remodeling and rebranding the bulk of these locations. Customers in these areas can expect more outlets for 7-Eleven's fresh foods delivered daily, hot foods and signature products like 7-Select private brand, 7-Eleven coffee, Big Bite hot dogs, Slurpee and Big Gulp drinks.
As the global leader of convenience retailing, 7-Eleven continues to grow its business in the U.S. through traditional store development, business conversions and acquisitions. The company expects to open at least 630 new locations in U.S. and Canada in 2012.
Other significant-sized acquisitions 7-Eleven have made in the past year include the 188-store Wilson Farms Inc. purchase and the 183 sites from ExxonMobil in Florida, both in 2011.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses approximately 9,400 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, there are 47,600 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2011, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $76.6 billion.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to storiesTexas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Texas airport to begin dual customs operation with Mexico; Texas becomes one of 23 states to use electronic insurance proof; Emcor agrees to $455 million deal for Texas company;Volkswagen to open dealership in Waco; American Airlines To Add More Seats To 737s, MD-80s; Police officer says helicopter from gun range endangering his cattle; Contractors get OK to build new Beaumont Army Medical Center;Midland looks to join spaceport race; UTEP’s solar-powered house to compete internationally; State Farm to shutter El Paso call center; and more.
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