1

Walmart

Image: Marques Thomas

When it comes to big brands, Walmart is one of the largest in the country, and even the world. But its humble beginnings can be traced back to Bentonville, Arkansas , where Sam Walton opened his first store, aptly named Walton’s, in 1950.

Since then, the company has grown into a business worth over $530 billion, with stores all around the globe. Yet, its headquarters remain in the small town of Bentonville.

2

Hormel Foods

Image: Hannes Johnson

From Skippy to Country Rock and even Spam, the Hormel Foods label carries a lot of successful brands. However, when the company was founded in 1891 in Austin, Minnesota, it began as a much more modest venture.

Even after over 130 years and a huge growth, the brand still remains in the charming little town of Austin and has no plans to relocate.

3

Kellogg's

Image: Yvens Banatte

In 1894, America’s breakfasts changed with the invention of the cornflake. W.K. Kellogg invented this wonder at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a health resort run by his family. A few years later, in 1906, Kellogg founded his own company, the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company.

To this day, the massive company, which generates $13.5 billion in annual revenue, remains in Battle Creek, Michigan , a city of 51,000 residents.

4

Dick's Sporting Goods

Image: Artificial Photography

If you’ve ever thought that Dick's Sporting Goods sounds a bit like the name of a small-town shop, you are not wrong. The founder, Richard Stack, started his business in 1948 by opening a small fishing tackle store in Binghamton, New York.

By 1970, Stack had expanded the business to include gear for all kinds of sports and outdoor adventures. Today, the company, which is still family-run and operates out of Binghamton, generates $7.3 billion in annual revenue.

5

Kohler

Image: Oxana Melis

It’s not often that a town changes its name in favor of a company born there, but that’s exactly what happened in the tiny village of Riverside, which renamed itself Kohler. The company was founded in 1900 as a plumbing manufacturer and has since expanded its business into faucets, sinks, and toilets.

And, while the company has grown to be a multi-million-dollar enterprise, its headquarters remain in the picturesque village of, yes, Kohler, Wisconsin .

6

Progressive Corporation

Image: Jamie Street

Progressive Corporation is one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S., also providing coverage for boats, motorcycles, and RVs. However, it started small in Mayfield Village, Ohio , in 1937. The company was founded by lawyers Jack Green and Joseph Lewis in their hometown, and it has remained headquartered there to this day.

7

CVS

Image: Tbel Abuseridze

This ubiquitous pharmacy chain opened its first store in 1963, and just seven years later, it had expanded to 100 locations. Today, CVS operates 10,000 stores nationwide while maintaining its small-town identity, thanks in large part to its headquarters in Woonsocket, Rhode Island .

8

Caterpillar

Image: Sindy Süßengut

A brand known for its ruggedness, Caterpillar Inc. makes tractors, construction, and mining equipment, and even clothing. The company is ranked in the Forbes list as one of the most valuable brands in the world, with over $51 billion in revenue. Despite its global success, Caterpillar still maintains its headquarters in the small town of Deerfield, Illinois .

9

The Hershey Company

Image: Janne Simoes

It makes sense that The Hershey Company, probably the biggest chocolate brand in the world, is headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania . The company produced its first product, Hershey’s Cocoa, in 1894 and has continued to grow and innovate ever since, all the while remaining in the small town that saw its birth.

10

Sonoco

Image: Kelly Sikkema

This packaging company produced its first product, a cone-shaped paper yarn carrier, over 120 years ago in Hartsville, South Carolina . These days, Sonoco is the world's largest producer of paperboard containers.

Despite its growth, the company has remained loyal to its roots, and its headquarters are still based in Hartsville.

1

Not seeing each other before the wedding

Image: Katy Duclos

Not seeing each other before the wedding was once considered essential. This superstition comes from the era of arranged marriages, when it was feared the couple might back out if they met beforehand. It evolved into the romantic "first look" at the altar. Many couples now skip it in favor of private pre-ceremony photos. Understandable!

2

Marrying in white

Image: Javier González Fotógrafo

Popularized by Queen Victoria in 1840, the white gown symbolized purity and wealth. U.S. brides embraced the trend for over a century, but modern weddings increasingly feature colorful gowns or non-traditional attire. Some pick their favorite color! Why not?

3

Wearing a veil

Image: Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz

Once meant to protect brides from evil spirits or hide them from jealous eyes, the veil became a symbol of modesty. In the U.S., it persisted more as a fashion choice. Today, many brides favor hairpieces, flowers, or nothing at all.

4

Roast speeches

Image: Mads Eneqvist

Roast-style speeches became popular as toasts with a humorous edge, sometimes poking fun at the couple, especially at casual receptions. While funny for some, they’ve also led to plenty of awkward moments. Have you ever seen a video online of particularly harsh ones? As a result, many weddings now stick to heartfelt speeches to avoid offense.

5

Throwing a bouquet

Image: Michal Mikulec

This playful tradition gave single women a "good luck" charm for marriage. It replaced older customs where guests tore pieces from the bride’s dress for luck. Many couples now swap it for alternative games or skip it entirely.

6

Receiving queues

Image: Shardayyy Photography

For decades, couples stood in a formal line after the ceremony to greet each guest in turn. It was a way to ensure everyone felt acknowledged. But some prefer not to miss that informal mingling during the reception! Instead, they spend time with their loved ones more casually, enjoying the natural flow of the party.

7

Matching bridesmaids’ dresses

Image: Joeyy Lee

Tradition once had bridesmaids dressed alike in the same color, cut, and fabric to create a uniform look. Today’s weddings often mix styles, shades, and even prints. The change allows friends to choose something flattering—and something they can actually wear again.

8

Full sit-down dinners

Image: Hồng Xuân Văn

The classic multi-course plated meal was once a wedding reception staple. Today, many couples opt for food trucks, buffet tables, or hearty hors d’oeuvres for a more social, less formal vibe. And, let’s face it, it also helps with costs and keeps the timeline flexible.

9

Saving the top tier of the cake

Image: Raquel Ming

Couples once froze the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary, as a symbol of enduring love. But after a year in the freezer, the result was often stale and unappetizing. These days, many order a fresh mini cake instead.

10

Rice throwing

Image: Emma Miller

Showering the couple with rice at the exit was a long-held sign of prosperity and fertility. Concerns over mess, safety, and wildlife led to alternatives like bubbles, sparklers, or flower petals. The celebration remains, just with less sweeping.

11

Dollar dance

Image: Tiko Giorgadze

In this tradition, guests paid for a short dance with the bride or groom, contributing to the couple’s honeymoon fund. It was playful and personal, but could feel awkward or even outdated. Many couples now skip it in favor of more inclusive group dances.

12

Matching family seating sides

Image: Thomas Beaman

Traditionally, guests sat on the side of the family they knew best—the bride’s family on the left, the groom’s on the right. Today, signs inviting guests to "sit anywhere" reflect a blending of families and a more casual approach. Alternatively, tables may be intentionally assigned to mix new people together.

13

Garter tosses

Image: Jeanie de Klerk

Once a bawdy medieval custom where guests scrambled for proof of consummation, it became a lighthearted party moment in American weddings. The groom removes and tosses the bride’s garter to single men. Today, it’s often skipped because it can feel outdated or awkward.

1

Double-Double Animal-Style, In-N-Out

Image: Nathan Dumlao

In-N-Out is a well-known fast-food chain with many celebrated products and fans all over the country. But this particular menu item holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many of its visitors.

The Double-Double Animal Style burger with caramelized onions has the flavor and texture any burger with high hopes would dream of attaining. The crunchy pickles and lettuce, the soft buns, fresh tomatoes, and delicious cheese complete this culinary wonder.

2

Smoked Bacon Burger, SilverLake Bistro

Image: Arabi Ishaque

Miami, a town with many great eateries, is home to SilverLake Bistro, a mom-and-pop-style restaurant that walks the line between casual and refined. This burger sanctuary creates gourmet-grade burgers from scratch, complete with all the classic toppings.

The classic SilverLake Burger features premium-quality double patties , cheddar cheese , porcini mayo , homemade steak sauce , and smoked bacon , creating a sublime culinary experience.

3

Nasty Burger, Laha’s Red Castle

Image: amirali mirhashemian

It may sound like strong words, but for many who have tried them, Kentucky’s Laha’s Red Castle makes the "best cheeseburgers in the world."

One of its most cherished menu items, the Nasty Burger , is topped with caramelized onions and cheese scrapings from the griddle , creating a flavor experience that evokes the taste of onion soup mixed with a very, very good burger.

4

Dry-aged Burger, Bludorn

Image: Dennis Lorente

Bludorn’s Dry-Age Burger is a perfect example of simple ingredients done right and tasting incredible. The aged cheddar , short rib patty , Dijonnaise mustard , and caramelized onions come together to create a hamburger that isn’t overstuffed, allowing each ingredient to express its flavor.

5

Wagyu Burger, Ada’s Place

Image: Chris Tweten

The name itself gives a hint of what to expect when tasting Ada’s Place’s Wagyu Burger. The ultra-premium quality of the meat provides a tender and flavorful taste and texture.

The hamburger is served with American cheese and caramelized onions, which complement the meat and add a layer of crispness and creaminess to the experience.

6

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Brasil

Image: Fidel Fernando

Good, simple burgers can be hard to find in an age where beastly, gourmet patties seem to be the crowd's prevalent choice. But when browsing through the menus, these options do exist and sometimes make for the best experience possible.

Brasil’s aptly named Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of those cases. The double burger comes with caramelized onions , a delicate touch of jalapeño sauce , and crispy bacon , all lovingly wrapped between toasted potato rolls. All the best. Nothing more, nothing less.

7

Nancy’s Burger, Nancy’s Hustle

Image: Yoad Shejtman

Everybody knows that the menu item carrying the name of the location is bound to be something special, and the namesake burger at Nancy’s Hustle is no different.

The double-meat cheeseburger comes with house-made pickles skewered on top and is embraced by a soft inside, crispy outside English muffin . A simple treat that explodes with flavor in your mouth.

8

Mother Rucker, River Twice

Image: Howard Bouchevereau

Sometimes, the most experimental places also offer simple items that are just perfect. Such is the case with River Twice, a sophisticated restaurant with multi-course menus featuring exotic ingredients.

River Twice’s burger option, the Mother Rucker, might seem like an odd item on such a refined menu, but those who have tried it swear by it. This hamburger features perfectly cooked patties with crispy edges and a pink interior, topped with high-quality American cheese , pickled red onions, and mayo .

9

Lancaster Burger, Hill East Burger

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Hill Burger East is a well-known establishment among burger lovers, offering decadent takes on the classic patty. Its many options have something for everyone, but one stands out as the king: the Lancaster Burger.

This premium beef burger is topped with bacon , smoked cheddar , fresh arugula leaves , pickled onions , and a homemade hot sauce (optional, of course), combining its flavors into a mouth-watering treat for carnivores.

10

Juicy Lucy, Matt’s Bar

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Just as the name implies, the Juicy Lucy is not the kind of burger for someone who prefers their food neat. This creation features grilled beef and onions , topped and enveloped by hot, molten cheese . The flavorful combination is nothing short of delicious, but diners are advised to let the cheese cool off a bit before diving in.