Denverites sure are a creative bunch… wouldn’t you agree? In addition to being talented artists, scholars, writers, and athletes, our natives have invented a whole slew of innovative products, foods, and empires, including:
1.) Cheeseburger
What better way to begin a list of inventions than by mentioning the beloved cheeseburger?! Many have claimed to have invented this mouthwatering concoction, but we KNOW that it was invented by Louis Ballast of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver.
2.) Xeriscaping
You have seen this low maintenance landscaping here and there, but did you know that it is referred to as xeriscaping and that it was invented by Denver Water in 1981? Now you do.
3.) Wheel Clamp
I've never found one on my car so I guess it's a pretty cool invention? The infamous wheel clamp (or "Denver Boot") was invented in 1944 by concert violinist Frank Marugg as a favor to his friends in law enforcement and politics.
4.) Shopping centers
Ah, yes; my favorite place to shop (Cherry Creek Mall) was first designed in the 1920s and then came to life in the early 1950s, making it the first one-stop shopping experience of its kind.
5.) Chipotle
You're welcome. (The first Chipotle opened in 1993 near the DU campus.)
6.) Qdoba
You're welcome. (Originally known as Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill, Qdoba's first storefront was opened in 1995 at the corner of Grant Street and Sixth Avenue.)
7.) Noodles & Company
You're... well, you get the idea. (The first Noodles was opened in 1995 in Cherry Creek.)
8.) Christmas lights
They're festive. They're kitschy. They were (allegedly) invented by early 20th century merchants along the 16th Street Mall.
9.) Shredded Wheat
Quite possibly one of the heartiest of breakfast cereals, Shredded Wheat was invented by Denverite Henry Perky in the 1890s.
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