Anniversaries are a big deal around here — just look at America 250, for example. That's how many years it has been since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

It wasn't until 73 years later that Fort Worth was founded. Then fast forward to 1926, a booming year in which at least four of Fort Worth's most reputable businesses were established. In honor of their centennial anniversary, we're taking a look at their timelines.

🥒 Best Maid Pickles

Founded as Mrs. Dalton’s Mayonnaise Company, Jesse Otis and Mildred Dalton began selling pickles and condiments inside their grocery store at 1560 Magnolia Ave. It wasn't until 1931 that they changed its name to Best Maid. And its iconic mascot? Well, she took center stage by 1955 and was inspired by Mildred's youngest daughter.

Today, Best Maid produces 150+ products over several labels and has grown to become the largest family-owned shelf-stable pickle manufacturer in the US. Now that's a big dill.

What customers can get excited for: Limited-edition packaging and centennial merchandise. The business will also host a free celebratory block party this September but has not released specifics. Stay tuned for those details in our daily newsletter.

🌮 Original Mexican Eats Cafe

Founded by the Pineda family, the eatery is one of Fort Worth's oldest. Shortly after it opened, the restaurant was bought by the family accountant Gordon Sheffield, who then passed it down to his teenage son.

Over the years, the restaurant has seen many famous faces, but none more iconic than Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). Throughout the 1930s, FDR frequented the restaurant so many times that the owners decided to name his favorite entree after him. Today, customers can still order the "Roosevelt Special."

Robert Self, the current owner, still keeps the legacy alive through its 100-year-old cuisine, traditions, and service.

What customers can get excited for: This spring, the owners announced the restaurant will return near its original stomping grounds on Camp Bowie, opening a drive-thru and walk-up food stand. No opening date has been announced.

☕️ Paris Coffee Shop

Start your French-inspired day with a quiche from Paris Coffee Shop. | Photo by FTWtoday

Named after founder Vic Paris, Paris Coffee Shop was originally located a short distance east of Hemphill Street. In 1930, the business was sold to Greg Smith, who passed it down to his son 35 years later. During the mid-1970s, the shop moved into the former Safeway grocery store, where it still stands today.

In 2021, the restaurant closed down briefly to undergo remodeling. Today, the restaurant is a staple for most Fort Worthians.

What customers can get excited for: No events have been announced, but we're hoping for 100 more years of cinnamon rolls, chicken and dumplings, and homemade pies.

✈️ American Airlines

In April 1926, this airline first took flight from Chicago to St. Louis with a bag of mail and a dream. Back then, it was called American Airways, but by the 1930s the company rebranded to American Airlines (AA) and began going wheels up with passengers, solidifying its presence in commercial air.

By the late 1930s, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange, and in 1979 AA moved its headquarters from NYC to Fort Worth. Today, it's ranked in the top 100 of the Fortune 500 companies. It is the only company in FTW city limits to be ranked.

What customers can get excited for: Shop centennial merch, including model airplanes and apparel, and look out for special branding across the fleet.