Howdy Y’all,
The Old Mill building at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, stands as a remarkable testament to history and creativity within the State Fair of Texas. If you listen it whispers timeless historic events. Built in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition, it evokes the charm of an old-fashioned flour mill, offering a heartfelt contrast to the sleek modern architecture that surrounds it.
Over the decades, this iconic structure has been a beacon of industrial demonstration, food exhibits, and a beloved restaurant. Its rich history intertwines early Texas milling, the celebration of the state’s 1936 centennial, and nearly a century of food and entertainment at Fair Park.
Today, it is lovingly known as the Old Mill Inn, its legacy embodying much more than just a dining experience, thanks to the vision of Isaac Rousso of Rousso’s Family Concessions.
I’ve had the privilege of spending time with Isaac and interviewing him on multiple occasions. His passion for creative cuisine, joyous gatherings, and dedication to preserving the history of the State Fair of Texas is truly unforgettable.
Isaac Rousso, a Dallas-born entrepreneur, epitomizes the immigrant spirit, unyielding hard work, and entrepreneurial creativity that have shaped the State Fair of Texas. His parents’ arrival from Cuba in 1962 marked the beginning of a new chapter for their family. In 2005, Isaac embarked on his journey as a State Fair concessionaire, expanding on the family’s food legacy with Taste of Cuba, introducing fairgoers to delightful Cuban-inspired flavors and solidifying the Rousso family’s significance at Fair Park.
