The annual State Fair of Texas is all about tradition — but these days, it’s also all about “what’s new”. The State Fair has become very diligent about stirring in new ingredients to pique fairgoers’ interest (and generate stories like the one you are reading right now).

For the 2025 exposition, which runs from September 26-October 19 in Fair Park, there are nine newcomers, plying their treats and wares.

NEW VENDORS

Chocolate Strawberry Cup in Nimitz Terrace
Kelly Villareal is a first-time concessionaire debuting her Kelly’s Chocolate Covered Strawberries, which surely made the cut because of their trendy twist: a Dubai chocolate drizzle, crushed pistachios on the top. That’s not the only strawberry treat from this San Antonio native who grew up working at and participating in carnivals and fairs with her family since she was young.

Mr. Ramen Fusion at Midway
Mr. Ramen Fusion owner Omar Alsaedeldein brings extensive experience in the food industry: From his first job as a server at 13 to opening not one, but two restaurants in Waxahachie, he’s been perfecting his craft and chasing this dream for years. After five years of trying, he’s earned a spot at the Fair where he’ll be sharing his bold ramen creations.

Shug’s Cinnamon Rolls in the Tower Building
Owner Taelor Martinez is a second-generation vendor, inspired by her father, Tom Grace (Pizza by The Giant Slice and a vendor at the Fair for over 30 years), and is thrilled to share her delicious cinnamon roll recipe from her family-friends with fairgoers. In addition to cinnamon rolls, she’ll be serving mouthwatering spuds.

Vegan Vibrationz on Nimitz Ave.
This is the State Fair of Texas’s first-ever fully vegan food vendor. This historical addition from Jovan and Josh Cole started out as a pop-up at the Dallas Farmers Market in 2018, which then grew into a food truck and later opened a brick-and-mortar in Plano at Legacy Food Hall. They serve plant-based, in-house creations, and promise to bring a healthy twist to fair food.

NEW CONCEPTS

Levi’s Denim Club – Magnolia Beer Garden
Brand-new live music experience at the Levi’s Denim Club in the Magnolia Beer Garden is set to take place each night of the State Fair of Texas at 8 pm. Guests will also have the opportunity to buy and customize new Levi’s merchandise at the activation.

Rousso’s Fat Bacon – Isaac Rousso of Taste
Step into Isaac Rousso’s Fat Bacon beside the Children’s Aquarium off First Avenue and enjoy bacon-themed eats along with craft beer, wine, and frozen drinks.

Stiffler’s Rodeo Lounge at Bull Alley
Satisfy your appetite at Stiffler’s Rodeo Lounge, where Rick and Tammy Stiffler of Stiffler Concessions are serving smoky BBQ creations, fried favorites, and hearty fair bites.

NEW FOOD STANDS

Cheap Eats on Funway
Find wallet-friendly treats at Cheap Eats, where everything is under 10 coupons at this new concept on Funway by Vandalay Industries from Abel Gonzales of AG Food. Get hot dogs, churros, and beer, right under that 10-coupon mark.

Lobster Lounge at Big Tex Circle
From Clint & Gretchen Probst of Concession Staffing Services — the vendor that brought the Gulf Coast Grill — the Lobster Lounge serves lobster rolls hot or cold, as well as fried popcorn lobster.