Think About It

Mashed potato vending machine is only the beginning: 5 more bizarre fooddispensers for 7-Eleven

Yes, it's mashed potatoes in a vending machine. Welcome to 7-Eleven.
Zufelt Zoo
The 7-Eleven mashed potato vending machine in all its glory.
Zufelt Zoo
Looks ... delicious?
TheZigZagger.com

The Internet issued a collective "OMFG" this week when it discovered a surprising specialty inside certain 7-Eleven stores — an instant mashed potato and gravy vending machine. According to Tecca, the machines are particularly popular in Singapore and haven't really made a foothold in America, which, frankly, I find to be a travesty.

I mean, if America is giving up our top spot as the country that invents new and increasingly weird ways to eat carbs, then how can we claim to be the greatest country in the world? I'm pretty sure falling behind in mashed potato technology was the cause of the fall of Rome. That or the Visigoths.

If Singapore is going to monopolize the instant watery mashed potatoes and gravy machine market, than we will just have to come up with our own machines.

Here are five ideas, America. You're welcome.

5. Queso.

Technically, cheeses already come in a variety of dispensers, whether it's a pump at a baseball stadium or a spray can. But let's take a classic crock pot of Ro-Tel dip and Velveeta, turn it upside down and add a spigot.

4. Eggs

Push a button to choose between scrambled, over easy, fried or poached. I'm picturing that no matter what you choose, the egg comes out in a square shape.

Yum, square eggs. Frankly, I don't know why egg beaters hasn't already done this.

3. Lobster bisque

Just because you are buying an instant premade meal from a convenience store doesn't mean you can't be fancy. I'm not even going to explain this one. Just trust me, it'll work.

2. Banana pudding

Mmmm, bowl of banana pudding, straight out of the dispenser. They sell Nilla Wafers at 7-Eleven, right?

1. Kraft EasyMac

All jokes aside, there's no longer any reason that this shouldn't exist. It's a premade fake carb product that only requires the addition of water and heat, and it's the kind of thing that people who find themselves hungry at 7-Eleven at 4 a.m. might enjoy.

Call it "SuperEasyMac," add a Slurpee and you've got a quality meal.

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best in Texas

Hidden Houston cocktail den ranks No. 47 on North America best bars list

Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston

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The best bar in Texas is located in downtown Houston. Bandista, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, ranks No. 47 on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

That’s a 12 spot jump from Bandista’s debut at No. 59 in 2025. Southern-inspired cocktail bar Julep (No. 84) and Austin’s Midwest-inspired neighborhood bar Nickel City (No. 96) are the only other Texas establishments on the list. New York’s Sip & Guzzle topped the list, which was revealed at a ceremony in Vancouver on Wednesday, April 22.

“Scientific laboratory tech meets classic southern hospitality at Houston's hot spot Bandista,” the bar’s entry on the 50 Best website reads. “Deep within the downtown Four Seasons Hotel, the chic lounge is hidden behind a nondescript bookcase. Inside, a mix of local cocktailians and visiting VIPs experience a unique take on the classic speakeasy. Yes, touches of Art Deco invoke the expected 1920's vibes and the exclusive space oozes Gatsby. However, the focus here is on tequileros and Prohibition's oft overlooked smuggling routes along the US-Mexican border.”

The text goes on to highlight the bar’s use of advanced techniques, its range of agave-based cocktails, and charming service, such as a drink the Almost Famous, a mezcal cocktail that’s presented by a bartender with a Polaroid camera to capture the moment.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Bandista named among North America’s 50 Best Bars,” says Four Seasons general manager Tom Segesta said in a statement. “Our incredible and creative team is always experimenting and innovating, ensuring that everyone who comes through the bookcase has an experience like no other.”

Bandista is led by beverage manager Jonathan Jones. The bar team includes CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Bartender of the Year finalist Josh Alden, Sam Ruiz, and Zachary Churbock.

“Our team at Bandista is absolutely thrilled with this amazing recognition,” Jones said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating well with our guests old and new all year long.”

Opened in 2022, Bandista is hidden behind Toro Toro, the hotel’s pan-Latin steakhouse. With just 20 seats — 12 in the lounge and eight at the bar — the bar offers an intimate setting for drinks made with refined techniques and premium spirits. It regularly hosts pop-ups with guest bartenders from across the country and around the world, including Jewel of the South (New Orleans), Employees Only (New York City), and VIRTÙ (Tokyo).

Patrons make reservations for 90-minute seatings. The bar is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5 pm until midnight.

awards lists cocktails downtown hotels bandista