n 1927, Southland Ice Company emplo

n 1927, Southland Ice Company employee John Jefferson Green began selling eggs, milk, and bread from the improvised ice house storefronts in Dallas, Texas, with permission from one of Southland's founding directors, Joe C. Thompson Sr. Although small grocery stores and general merchandisers were available, Thompson theorized that selling products such as bread and milk in convenience stores would reduce the need for customers to travel long distances for basic items. He eventually bought the Southland Ice Company and turned it into Southland Corporation, which oversaw several locations in the Dallas area.