Deep Fried & Family-Owned: Meet the Generations Behind Your Favorite State Fair of Texas Treats
According to a study by the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, the average lifespan of a family-owned business in the U.S. is just 24 years. Only 40% make it to a second generation, around 13% to a third, and a mere 3% survive into the fourth generation or beyond.
That’s what makes the multi-generational concessionaires at the State Fair of Texas so remarkable. These families haven’t just defied the odds — they’ve turned deep-fried creativity into a lasting legacy. Maybe it’s the magic of funnel cakes and corny dogs that keeps the family bonds (and fryers) strong?
Meet some of the iconic families who’ve made the State Fair a beloved Texas tradition — one generation at a time.
FLETCHER’S ORIGINAL CORNY DOGS
Established in 1942
In 1938, Vaudeville performers Neil and Carl Fletcher took a chance on a new venture: selling food at the State Fair of Texas. Inspired by a local baker’s cornmeal-wrapped hot dogs, the brothers reimagined the snack by deep-frying it and putting it on a stick and in 1942, the Corny Dog debuted at the State Fair of Texas. In 1988, Neil Fletcher Sr. passed away leaving the business to his two sons, Neil Jr. and Bill Fletcher. Neil Fletcher Jr. was the beloved patriarch of Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs for nearly 40 years, with his brother Bill working hard by his side. Since the passing of the Skip in 2017, the company is now led by the third generation of Fletcher’s: Neil’s children Aaron and Amber Fletcher, and his brother Bill Fletcher’s son, William Fletcher. Many children, cousins, and grandchildren work the concessions trailers keeping the tradition alive. From the classic original to creative new twists, the legacy lives on — one perfectly golden bite at a time.
JACK’S FRENCH FRYS
Established in 1945
French fries weren’t born in America, but they’ve certainly been embraced. The story goes that American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I were introduced to the fried potato sticks by French-speaking locals – hence the name. When the war ended, troops returned home with a taste for fries, but with deep fryers not yet a common kitchen appliance, the snack remained somewhat elusive until the rise of fast food restaurants in the 1940s. Enter Jack Pyland III, who saw opportunity in the post-war appetite for fried fare. In 1945, he opened his first French fry stand at the State Fair of Texas, using a family recipe that called for hand-cut potatoes, seasoned, and perfectly fried. His instincts were right: fries were a hit. At one point, Pyland operated nearly 30% of the Fair’s food stands, a feat few vendors can rival.
Jack Pyland IV was born in 1948, and he’s attended every single State Fair of Texas since. Pyland was just 12 years old when he operated his first stand, selling hot dogs and fries. After his father passed away in a plane crash in the early 1980s, Jack took the reins and has kept the legacy alive ever since. Today, he still uses the original family recipe – fresh potatoes, hand-cut, dipped in a custom spice blend, and fried to perfection.
ZABLE’S CONCESSIONS
Established in 1964
For over six decades, the Zable family has delighted fairgoers with their signature culinary creations at Texas’ most iconic fairs and festivals, including the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and Plano Balloon Festival. The tradition began in 1964 when Norman Zable discovered Belgian Waffles at the New York World’s Fair. Enthralled by their irresistible flavor, he introduced them to the State Fair of Texas - where they quickly became a beloved staple. For 55 years, Norman was a fixture at all events until his passing in 2020. His son, Mark, officially took over management in 1996, though he had been part of the business since infancy, starting at just six months old under the counter. The Zables mouthwatering creations have captured national attention, earning features on Carnival Eats, Good Morning America, Travel Channel, ESPN GameDay, and more.
FERNIE’S FUNNEL CAKES
Established in 1969
The Winter family has played an integral part of the State Fair of Texas for over five decades. They started as a vendor for the State Fair of Texas in 1969 operating a stand at The Dock (formerly known as The Beef Parlor) and Fernie’s Funnel Factory (formerly known as the original Nachito stand) across from The Old Mill Inn. After a trip to Branson in 1980, where they tasted funnel cakes for the first time, Wanda “Fernie” Winter and her husband John decided to bring the dish to the State Fair of Texas. Funnel Cakes quickly became a must have fair staple and a large part of their business thus introducing the iconic Fernie’s Funnel Cake brand. When Fernie passed away in 2021 at the age of 95, she left behind four daughters, three sons-in-law, along with a combined 27 grandchildren and great grandchildren. All four of Fernie’s daughters have been involved with the company, with the day-to-day operations currently led by daughters Christi Erpillo and Johnna McKee. While these ladies don’t plan to retire anytime soon, they have started to delegate responsibilities to Christi’s granddaughter, Taylor McPeak and Johnna’s son, Jonathan McKee who will be the company’s third generation owners… one day.