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.

Through the years, Isaac grew the family’s concessions into a vibrant collection of food and beverage destinations, including Magnolia Beer Garden and Magnolia Smokehouse. He gained recognition for his inventive fair foods, earning accolades in the Big Tex Choice Awards for creations like the Deep-Fried Cuban Roll and Cookie Fries. His remarkable success reflects a fusion of family tradition, entrepreneurial ambition, and a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences for generations of fairgoers.

In 2026, Rousso initiated a new chapter by revitalizing the historic Old Mill Inn at Fair Park as a restaurant and gathering place. Through the growth of Rousso’s Concessions, Isaac and his family have woven themselves into the fabric of the modern State Fair experience, helping to honor its traditions while infusing new flavors and memories for visitors from across Texas and beyond.

Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836. A century later, Dallas proudly hosted the Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park, commemorating that pivotal milestone and showcasing the state’s achievements. The preparations for this momentous occasion were monumental: Dallas was chosen as the primary exposition site in 1934, with construction and redevelopment transforming the fairgrounds starting in 1935. This ambitious project, valued at approximately $25 million, was an impressive feat during the Great Depression.

The exposition opened its doors on June 6, 1936, welcoming over six million visitors throughout its six-month run. Architect George L. Dahl led the effort, establishing the distinctive architectural character of Fair Park. Many buildings were crafted to represent Texas’s industrial progress, agricultural prowess, cultural identity, and economic potential.

The Old Mill played a vital role in this grand vision, illustrating the workings of flour milling and the transformative power of machinery in turning grain into food. Its original exhibition name was the Morten Milling Industry Building, serving as a working industrial exhibit rather than merely decor.

This lends the Old Mill a remarkable historical connection, crafted in the twentieth century but designed to echo the essence of a nineteenth-century industrial building, utilizing materials steeped in a much older story. Reusing heavy timbers from the 1830’s provided substantial structural reinforcement and preserved the original mill’s character, connecting the exposition’s modern flour-processing demonstration with Texas’s agricultural heritage.

The historical accounts suggest a connection to the Burrus mill and its timber. However, the precise location and age of every beam remain unconfirmed.

The construction of the Old Mill combines traditional forms and materials, resulting in an architectural style characterized as nineteenth-century domestic eclectic. Its rooflines and towers evoke the spirit of an older industrial or domestic structure, celebrating the enduring legacy of Texas’s rich history and the craftsmanship that brings it to life.

Thank you, Isaac and the Roussos Family, for your incredible dedication to creating a truly memorable destination at the GREAT State Fair of Texas on Big Tex Circle. Y’all killed it for all to enjoy!

Special thanks to the Cynthia and GANGWAY Advertising Team for providing us with full access and the opportunity to learn about the Rousso’s family’s success. Your support has been invaluable!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

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