If you grew up in Texas, chance are there are some long-gone stores that you miss dearly. From dinners at Pig Stand to Christmas shopping at Foley’s, spending a day out on the town just isn’t quite the same anymore. The following are 7 stores that anyone whose childhood was spent in Texas will undoubtedly remember. See how many you remember:
- Pig Stand
Flickr/carlos Believe it or not, Pig Stand was the first drive-in restaurant in America, opening its doors in 1921 in Dallas. Anytime you go to Sonic or someplace similar, you can thank this Texas gem for paving the way. The chain went bankrupt in 2006 and shut down all of its stores, and even though one reopened in San Antonio, the quality and nostalgia just don’t measure up to our fondest memories. The scrumptious chicken-fried steak, onion rings, Texas toast, and malt shakes will forever live on in our hearts.
- Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Facebook/FarrellsIceCreamParlours Many Houstonians refused to eat ice cream from anywhere else - Farrell’s was that good. There were three locations inside malls throughout the city, and people would come to get a delicious treat even when they didn’t have any shopping to do. The parlor also served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but most people who frequented the establishment would be shocked to hear that - all anyone cared about was the ice cream!
- Piccadilly Cafeteria
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik I myself have plenty of cherished early-2000s memories of after-school meals with friends at the Piccadilly in the local mall. It may not have had quite as many options to choose from, but if you were just looking for a quick, homestyle lunch or dinner, it was a nice place to get just that.
- Joske’s Department Store
Wikipedia Joske’s opened in San Antonio and quickly expanded to 27 stores throughout the state. I think it’s safe to say that it was the premier department store for Texans to shop at. Some of us don’t have any recollection of it, but those who do take a little trip down memory lane upon walking into Dillard’s - the store that acquired Joske’s in 1987.
- Gallagher’s Steakhouse
Flickr/rosebennet Who remembers eating a nice steak at Gallagher’s and listening to the live bands that played regularly? I sure do. The restaurant had locations in San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Richardson. With great food and a great atmosphere to boot, this place is surely missed.
- Foley’s Department Store
Wikipedia Before the monolith that is Macy’s took over it and several other department stores, Foley’s was our go-to for everything from clothing to housewares. Sometimes I still catch myself using its name instead of Macy’s!
- Blockbuster
Flickr/imjosh Before the days of Netflix and Hulu, people actually had to leave their house to rent movies - shocking, right? My family and I would make the trip to Blockbuster nearly every weekend to decide (AKA argue for at least 30 minutes until someone finally gave in) on a film to watch for our Saturday movie night. My favorite part as a kid was always the seemingly endless rows of candy and other snacks near the register.
What other Texas stores do you remember from the past? Share your cherished memories with us!
Flickr/carlos
Believe it or not, Pig Stand was the first drive-in restaurant in America, opening its doors in 1921 in Dallas. Anytime you go to Sonic or someplace similar, you can thank this Texas gem for paving the way. The chain went bankrupt in 2006 and shut down all of its stores, and even though one reopened in San Antonio, the quality and nostalgia just don’t measure up to our fondest memories. The scrumptious chicken-fried steak, onion rings, Texas toast, and malt shakes will forever live on in our hearts.
Facebook/FarrellsIceCreamParlours
Many Houstonians refused to eat ice cream from anywhere else - Farrell’s was that good. There were three locations inside malls throughout the city, and people would come to get a delicious treat even when they didn’t have any shopping to do. The parlor also served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but most people who frequented the establishment would be shocked to hear that - all anyone cared about was the ice cream!
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
I myself have plenty of cherished early-2000s memories of after-school meals with friends at the Piccadilly in the local mall. It may not have had quite as many options to choose from, but if you were just looking for a quick, homestyle lunch or dinner, it was a nice place to get just that.
Wikipedia
Joske’s opened in San Antonio and quickly expanded to 27 stores throughout the state. I think it’s safe to say that it was the premier department store for Texans to shop at. Some of us don’t have any recollection of it, but those who do take a little trip down memory lane upon walking into Dillard’s - the store that acquired Joske’s in 1987.
Flickr/rosebennet
Who remembers eating a nice steak at Gallagher’s and listening to the live bands that played regularly? I sure do. The restaurant had locations in San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Richardson. With great food and a great atmosphere to boot, this place is surely missed.
Before the monolith that is Macy’s took over it and several other department stores, Foley’s was our go-to for everything from clothing to housewares. Sometimes I still catch myself using its name instead of Macy’s!
Flickr/imjosh
Before the days of Netflix and Hulu, people actually had to leave their house to rent movies - shocking, right? My family and I would make the trip to Blockbuster nearly every weekend to decide (AKA argue for at least 30 minutes until someone finally gave in) on a film to watch for our Saturday movie night. My favorite part as a kid was always the seemingly endless rows of candy and other snacks near the register.
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