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THE FREAKING WORLD CUP IS HERE! / THE GALS WHO INFLUENCE THE WEST / TOP REALTORS

The City's Magazine

Ryan Bingham The Oscar-winning, whiskey-making, "Yellowstone"-starring troubadour gets all nostalgic on us about his Cowtown roots.

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FEATURES JUNE 2026 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 6

Of Troubadours and Vagabonds

Not all who wander are lost. Country crooner Ryan Bingham reflects on his Cowtown roots, restless journey and the hard roads that shaped him, and a new album. By Brian Kendall

50 Catalogue Cowgirls

58 Howdy, World Cup

By Kenzie Johnson

By Shilo Urban

They’re gussied up, turning heads, and fueling newfound fascination with the West. They’re Western influencers. And they’re driving crowds to the Western industry.

It’s fixin’ to get wild, y’all. That’s the Queen’s English in these parts, redcoat. National teams, thousands of visitors, and, yes, the Brits are coming to town. A primer.

64 Top Realtors

These residential Realtors are the tops in knowing how to close the deal.

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

DEPARTMENTS JUNE 2026 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 6

30 THE FORT 14 City Dweller

Little ol’ Fort Worth is one of the 10 biggest cities in America. Good goobly goo!

22 Calendar

Nate Bargatze: America’s nicest comic is about to sell out Dickies.

24 Fort Worthian

Christina Brown is the artistic director of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

26 Music

Say what now? Cowtown has become a hotspot for EDM festivals. (That’s electronic dance music, Boomer. And like uninitiated.)

30 State Lines

Albany, Texas: pop. 1,854.

34 Cowhand Culture

Dallas musician and writer Josh Alan Friedman swaps Atomic Acoustic Guitar for literary surrealism in a new novel rooted in 1970s Long Island.

38 The Reverie

Who was that stranger letting his hair down in Hell’s Half Acre?

CHOWTOWN 94 Dining

Fort Worth’s buzzy Beren Meze & Grill House has expanded into a stylish Near Southside space, bringing elevated Turkish cuisine to the city’s evolving Mediterranean dining scene.

24 26

ETC. 104 Snaps 110 Give Back 112 Close

+ 70 The Informer 102 Dream Home

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

EDITOR’S LETTER

Writing Is Hard

owner/publisher hal a. brown president mike waldum

ur editorial intern, Kenzie Johnson, wrote a feature, “Catalogue Cowgirls,” for this issue (page 50). It’s about Western influencers, those whose Instagram feeds are impacting an entire industry, and it’s an incredible piece of lifestyle journalism — with great photos by Olaf Growald to boot. Having a restrictive word count and requiring multiple interviews and a thoughtful opening narrative, the eightpage piece no doubt took a minute to put together. Even more impressive: Such lifestyle pieces are fairly new to Kenzie. A recent graduate of Tarleton State University, where she was a barrel racer, Kenzie’s main experience has been in equine journalism. And even more impressive than that: She did it the oldfashioned way. With only her keyboard and reporting by her side, Kenzie faced the hardships inherent in writing — the notorious block, deteriorating eyesight, caffeine jitters, and eventual carpal tunnel syndrome — head on and trudged through the inevitable migraines. I bring this up because I was in the office early this morning — the day we go to press — still having some last-minute writing and editing to accomplish. One of my colleagues who works in a different department, after jokingly recommending I simply use ChatGPT to complete my tasks, expressed a genuine astonishment at the editorial team’s ability to create content and to do so with integrity. And, sometimes, I’m equally astonished. Because writing is hard. Consistently tapping into a creative well, wringing out its last drops at 7 a.m. for a social media teaser on funnel cake or a story on the city’s best lavender lattes is one heck of an exhausting endeavor. But the struggle is half the fun. Hope you enjoy the very human copy in this issue.

Brian Kendall

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

EDITORIAL executive editor brian kendall contributing editor john henry contributing writers brandi addison, malcolm mayhew, michael h. price, shilo urban copy editor sharon casseday editorial intern kenzie johnson

ON THE COVER: Photographer Olaf Growald, creative director Craig Sylva, and executive editor Brian Kendall trekked down to Ramsay Midwood’s Sam’s Town Point — a South Austin honkytonk, to photograph singersongwriter Ryan Bingham for our June feature. Read the feature on page 42.

NEXT MONTH

Best of Fort Worth The Year 1936

CORRECTIONS? COMMENTS? CONCERNS? Send to executive editor Brian Kendall at bkendall@fwtexas.com.

DIGITAL EDITION: The virtual editions of both current and previous issues are available on our website. Flip through the pages to read more about the great city of Fort Worth by visiting fwtx.com.

ART creative director craig sylva senior art director spray gleaves contributing ad designer jonathon won contributing designer lauren deitzer ADVERTISING advertising account supervisors gina burns-wigginton x150 marion c. knight x135 account executive tammy denapoli x141 territory manager, fort worth inc. rita hale x133 account executive patrick mccune x158 senior production manager michelle mcghee x116 MARKETING director of digital robby kyser marketing manager corinn crippin events and promotions consultant victoria albrecht CORPORATE chief financial officer charles newton operations manager kaitlyn lisenby founding publisher mark hulme CONTACT US main line 817.560.6111 subscriptions customerservice@fwtexas.com

Fort Worth Magazine (ISSN 1536-8939) is published monthly by Panther City Media Group, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to Panther City Media Group, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Volume 29, Number 6, June 2026. Basic Subscription price: $29.95 per year. Single copy price: $4.99

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REALTOR ®

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

PROMOTION

Paula Perrone, CEO

HOW PERRONE PHARMACY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH COMPOUNDING PRESCRIPTIONS Prescription medication isn’t onesize-fits-all. When patients face allergies, dosage intolerance, or side effects from commercial drugs, compounding pharmacies step in. In Fort Worth, Perrone Pharmacy has provided these customized solutions since 1952. Under CEO Paula Perrone, the independent pharmacy specializes in tailoring medications to individual clinical needs. This process—managed by Chief Pharmacist Officer Marcus Zavala,

Marcus Zavala, PharmD, Perrone’s Chief Pharmacist Officer

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THE FORT PEOPLE TO KNOW THINGS TO DO PLACES TO GO

ALL THE VIBES

Fort Worth’s cultural curveball: EDM festivals are booming just south of the Stockyards at Panther Island Pavilion. “The city’s been wonderful to us. It’s really the perfect place to do a festival.”

WHAT WE’RE WRITING ABOUT THIS MONTH:

On page 14 Fort Worth surges into the top 10 of America’s biggest cities. On page 22 What to do in June … other than put on shorts. On page 24 Ballet gave Christina Brown purpose. Now she’s passing that gift to the next generation. On page 30 Headed west out to Albany. On page 34 Dallas musician and longtime Fort Worth favorite Josh Alan Friedman channels decades of music, satire, and New York surrealism into a new novel. On page 38 The (not so) mysterious fellow Fred Miller and his dog Guess, who one day apparently enjoyed a little too much “recreation” in Hell’s Half Acre.

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

THE FORT

by John Henry

CITY DWELLER

Growing Like Wildflowers

Fort Worth cracks America’s top 10 cities as census growth surge reshapes the Friendship State.

n 1900, the dutiful citizens of Fort Worth were said to be “indignant” over the new U.S. Census figures released. “The report of the government census of Fort Worth just made public has not been received with any great satisfaction by the people of this city,” the Morning Register said. The number of 26,000 was simply too low. “The fact that Fort Worth’s population has steadily increased during the past 10 years or since the regular government census of 1890 was taken, is well known and is corroborated by everybody who has kept abreast with the growth of the city during these

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

10 years.” If the counters had accurately made note of all those living in the suburbs — Arlington Heights, Riverside, Polytechnic, and the North Side — that figure would surely be at least 35,000. Much has changed over that time. In 2026, they surely missed a few in Fort Worth, which has officially moved into the ranks of America’s 10 largest cities, fueled by one of the nation’s biggest annual population gains. New U.S. Census Bureau estimates released in May showed Fort Worth added 19,512 residents between July

2024 and July 2025 — the second-largest numeric increase of any city in the country — helping the city surpass Jacksonville, Florida, for the No. 10 spot nationally with a population of 1,028,117. Fort Worth’s rise into the nation’s top 10 most populous cities comes amid a broader reshaping of population growth across Texas and the United States. The Census Bureau said the South continued to dominate national growth patterns, even as population growth slowed in many parts of the country. Nine of the nation’s 10 largest numeric population gainers were located in the South, according to the report. Texas remained one of the nation’s biggest growth engines overall. Census QuickFacts estimates show the state’s population climbed to 31.7 million residents in 2025, up from 31.3 million in 2024 and nearly 29.1 million at the time of the 2020 Census. (Five years after annexation, in 1850, Texas had a population of just more than 212,500. In 1900, the figure was 3 million-plus.) The Census Bureau also noted that growth increasingly shifted toward midsized cities and outer-ring suburban communities, while many of the nation’s largest urban centers experienced slowing growth or small declines. “Big-city growth slowed significantly between 2024 and 2025, with some major hubs even seeing small declines,” Census Bureau statistician Matt Erickson said in the release. “In contrast, midsized cities found a ‘Goldilocks zone’ where domestic and international migration, paired with new housing, helped prevent the sluggish growth seen in small towns and larger metropolitan centers.” The bureau attributed much of the slowdown to lower levels of net international migration nationwide. Separate Census estimates released earlier this year showed population growth slowed in most U.S. counties and metro areas between 2024 and

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CITY DWELLER

2025, particularly in the nation’s largest population centers. Even amid the broader slowdown, North Texas and other Sun Belt regions continued adding residents at rates that outpaced much of the country, driven by housing growth, domestic migration and economic expansion. That fact was pronounced in Texas and specifically in DFW. Six of the eight fastest growing cities and towns — by percentage increase — were in Texas. Of those, five were in DFW. Celina is the fastest growing city in America, with a 24.6% increase — to 64,427 — between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. Fulshear, a suburb of Houston whose history dates to Texas’ earliest settlements, was No. 2, followed by Princeton, Melissa, and Anna. Forney was No. 8. Numerically, six of the top 10 fastest growing cities were in Texas, starting with Fort Worth at No. 2, followed San Antonio and Celina at Nos. 3-4, Houston and Fulshear at Nos. 5-6, and the bustling McKinney at No. 10. Charlotte, North Carolina, was No. 1. Texas placed four cities in the nation’s top 10 most populous municipalities: No. 4 Houston, No. 7 San Antonio, No. 9 Dallas, and now No. 10 Fort Worth. Whou’d a thunk it? Maybe our guys of yesterday, still chagrined by that 1900 count. Dallas took it on the nose, too, they noted. “Dallas too! The census bulletin gives that city a population of 42,638, against 38,067 in 1890. The increase of population in 10 years has been 4,571. Considered by the ratio of growth, this is a worse showing than was made by Fort Worth. We have now 15.65% more people than we had in 1890, while Dallas has only 12% more. We feel for our fellow sufferers.” The enumerators clearly eventually found them all — and then some.

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Ethos Ascent

Fort Worth native Greg Kwedar and filmmaking partner sign a deal with Netflix following the Oscar success of “Sing Sing” and “Train Dreams.”

ort Worth native Greg Kwedar and filmmaking partner Clint Bentley — the duo behind Netflix’s Oscar-nominated drama “Train Dreams” — has signed a first-look deal with the streaming giant. The filmmakers, operating through their production banner Ethos, will develop and produce feature films for Netflix. Bentley and Kwedar have built a collaborative partnership in which they co-write projects and alternate directing duties. Bentley helmed “Train Dreams,” while Kwedar directed the pair’s previous feature, 2023’s “Sing Sing.” The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report last month. Kwedar’s profile rose significantly during the 97th Academy Awards cycle, when the Fort Worth native, who attended Trinity Valley, earned a first-time Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Sing Sing.” He shared the nomination with collaborators Bentley, Clarence Maclin,

and John “Divine G” Whitfield. Another Fort Worth native, musician Abraham Alexander, also became a first-time Oscar nominee for “Sing Sing.” Alexander earned a Best Original Song nomination for “Like A Bird,” which he co-wrote with Black Pumas musician Adrian Quesada. “Sing Sing” follows Divine G, portrayed by Colman Domingo, an imprisoned man who finds purpose through a theater program inside New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The film drew acclaim for its use of formerly incarcerated performers, including Maclin, portraying versions of themselves through the prison’s real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. The Netflix agreement also includes a notable independent-film component. Bentley and Kwedar plan to work with emerging filmmakers discovered through top film festivals and film schools, with Netflix fund-

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ing the development and production of low-budget features that the streamer will ultimately release. The initiative reflects the filmmakers’ broader mission to support new voices at a time when financing and distribution options for independent cinema have become increasingly fragile in the post-pandemic era. Ethos, which Bentley and Kwedar launched in 2024, already operates outside the traditional production-company model. For projects made with emerging filmmakers, the company plans to pay cast and crew equal wages while also offering participants equity in the films. “In founding Ethos, our hope was to create a home where independent filmmakers can make bold, enduring work in an environment that is equitable and sustainable for the whole community of artists working on these films,” Bentley and Kwedar said in a statement released at the time of the announcement. Sean Berney, Netflix’s head of film acquisitions, said the company shared the duo’s interest in fostering the next generation of filmmakers. Bentley and Kwedar, who was an accounting major at Texas A&M before dropping it mid-test his senior year to chase film, have become fixtures on the festival circuit through a run of acclaimed independent films. Their debut feature, “Transpecos,” premiered at SXSW and won the audience award, while “Jockey” debuted at Sundance and earned Clifton Collins Jr. a special jury prize for acting. “Train Dreams,” meanwhile, emerged as a major awards-season contender following its Sundance debut in 2025, eventually earning four Oscar nominations and multiple Independent Spirit Awards. The filmmakers are also in post-production on “Saturn Return,” a Chicago-set romance starring Charles Melton, Rachel Brosnahan and Will Poulter. The film is expected to debut on Netflix later this year.

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Sam I Am

Meet Sam Houston — Fort Worth Zoo’s newest and heaviest elephant calf. by Kenzie Johnson

n April 1, 2026, in the wee morning hours, Fort Worth Zoo happily welcomed the hefty birth of a 36-inchtall, 285-pound male Asian elephant calf. And, according to zoo staff — with perhaps a bit of our own embellishment — this newborn could be something of a Shaquille O’Neal to the tusked species, standing on its tree-trunk legs within six minutes of delivery and nursing within the same hour. The calf is also the largest to be born in the program’s history. But, considering Shaq is not a Texas native and doesn’t adhere to the zoo’s state-themed naming

tradition, the newest addition to the growing elephant herd was rightfully designated after the American general Sam Houston, in accordance with their shared strength and legacy. The apple of blessed genes, beyond the calf’s name-bearing godfather of course, doesn’t seem to fall far from the tree. Sam Houston is a new founding member of a family lineage that runs four generations deep at Fort Worth Zoo — a mission the elephant habitat has been steadily building. The first Asian elephant to ever be

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born on the premises was Bluebonnet, back in 1998. The female calf helped springboard the International Elephant Foundation, an organization devoted to elephant conservation. Ramona Bass, who is chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors, says that Asian elephants are considered an endangered species and that fewer than 40,000 individuals remain in the wild, facing a steady decline. But, upon the birth of Bluebonnet nearly 30 years ago, they were able to begin their part in strengthening the species’ genetic future. Bluebonnet’s mother, Rasha, is the matriarch anchor to the growing herd and now one of the few great-grandmother Asian elephants in North America. Thanks to her, we received Bluebonnet, and from Bluebonnet, we received Bluebell — the 13-year-old mother of Sam Houston today. Bluebell was also the doting caretaker of Travis, the now 3-year-old who is a full sibling to Sam Houston and still resides at the zoo. A few other calves born to the herd include Bowie — who now lives at the Oklahoma City Zoo and sired a calf of his own, establishing the fourth generation — as well as Lady Bird, the 8-month-old calf who has, up until now, been hogging the headlines. “Each birth is a step forward, reflecting decades of dedicated care and specialized expertise,” Bass says of the slightly mind-spinning elephant genetic string. “As part of the natural world, we play a critical role in their future — and through continued research and innovation, including the zoo’s CARES lab, we’re helping ensure Asian elephants thrive for generations to come, right here in Fort Worth, Texas.” The zoo’s CARES lab, which stands for the Center for Applied Reproductive & Emerging Sciences, is where the research is handled regarding the steps to increasing population count, which is a fragile process considering

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

how long elephants take to reach a grown, reproductive state and then carry a calf in womb (to the tune of 22 months to be exact). They’ve also spared no expense in crafting a lab to help with an elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus vaccine, as well as opening the premier Elephant Springs habitat itself in 2021, which serves as the cozy quarters the gentle giants reside in — not to mention the other zoo amenities at large, including a recent revamp to the “World of Primates” exhibit and sloth addition in its space. Sam Houston has not yet been fully released into Elephant Springs and has rather been spending his first month of existence back behind the scenes alongside Bluebell, as well as with Lady Bird and her mother for supervised herd mingling. But now that the mother and son are more acquainted, beginning May 7, Sam Houston can be seen in the main habitat from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. And, according to a Fort Worth Zoo press release, integration with Lady Bird into the window of shared viewing can be expected soon also. I suppose it’s then we’ll see which calf will fight for the headlines more as the media darling. That is, until the next one comes along in the ever-growing string.

Around Cowtown in 8 Seconds A smattering of things you might’ve missed

Tackling Stockyards Gridlock: M.L. Leddy’s and the Franklin family, in partnership with Parking Systems of America, are doing something about the parking crunch on the North Side by proposing to replace an existing surface lot with a $14 million, 1 1/2-story structured parking garage at the corner of Ellis Avenue and 25th Street. It would add about 246 spaces. Sundance Revival? Amid years of speculation about its future, officials with Sundance Square announce that real estate services firm JLL will oversee leasing for more than 105,000 square feet in the once mega-popular downtown district. Honor Bound: Football players Jerry Hughes, Marshall Newhouse, and Josh Doctson, as well as trackster Ronnie Baker, women’s basketball player Zahna Medley-Kindred, and rifle sharpshooter Sarah Beard highlight the 2026 TCU Athletics Hall of Fame class. I, Chris Jamieson, do solemnly swear: Chris Jamieson is Fort Worth’s newest member of the City Council, defeating Alicia Ortiz in the election to succeed Alan Blaylock in District 10, which covers far north Fort Worth. Blaylock stepped down to run for the Texas House. Reshaping UTA: UTA is the latest North Texas university to cut or consolidate degree programs as higher education institutions confront budget pressures, enrollment shifts, and changing workforce demands. However, work on UTA West in Parker County is on schedule for a Fall 2028 debut. Indeed, Ms. Moncrief: The Exchange Club of Fort Worth, Texas, bestows its prestigious Golden Deeds Award for most outstanding citizen to Kit Moncrief. Amon Carter was the first winner in 1924. In 1942, the organization presented the award to Tarrant County’s young men, living and dead, of the armed forces. Lena Pope was the first woman to win in 1948. As the World Turns — South of the Loop: The widening scandal surrounding former Godley Police Chief Matthew Cantrell now includes the arrest of his mother for allegedly monitoring warrants tied to the prostitution investigation, while a Johnson County sheriff’s deputy who served as a witness in a separate sexual-harassment investigation involving Sheriff Adam King was later fired for alleged insubordination in what his attorney claims was retaliation. Taught to fear of Jesus in a small town. Choo-Choo, America: Unlike the 150th and 200th birthdays, there is no American Freedom Train crisscrossing the Lower 48. There are, however, distinctive locomotives on the rails. Fort Worth-based BNSF Railway has unveiled a series of specially painted locomotives — carrying numbers 250, 1776, and 2026 — to honor America’s 250th birthday.

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CALENDAR

June

May 30June 7

‘Come From Away’ A heartfelt — and strangely feel-good — musical that tells the true story of a Newfoundland town opening its doors to stranded airline passengers and crewmembers, including local Beverley Bass, in the aftermath of 9/11. Casa Mañana Theatre casamanana.org

A trio of local acts — Claire Hinkle, Tom Sless, and Cherry Mantis — take the stage at Tulips for a Thursday night bill showcasing North Texas singers, songwriters, and musicians. Tulips tulipsftw.com

Join the beloved, 99-yearold namesake of the 2½-mile commemorative walk that celebrates the end of slavery and spearheaded the movement that established Juneteenth as a national holiday. Farrington Field opalswalk2dc.com

Opal’s Walk for Freedom

Claire Hinkle

5-7

5-14

23-28

This marks the second time Bass Hall’s stage will transform into the underworld for this popular Broadway musical based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Bass Performance Hall basshall.com

In what’s become a highly anticipated annual affair, SparkFest is a multi-day performing arts festival that develops and premieres new plays and celebrates artists from underrepresented communities. Amphibian Stage amphibianstage.com

Fort Worth’s romantics rejoice, Broadway’s “The Notebook,” which includes music and lyrics by indie songstress Ingrid Michaelson, comes to Bass Hall — tissues not included with admission. Bass Performance Hall basshall.com

‘Hadestown’

June 11-20

Freedom Vibes Festival We must ask what you’ve been doing if you have yet to experience this citywide Juneteenth celebration, which includes music, comedy, culinary programming, and educational workshops. Multiple locations | freedomvibes.com

Nate Bargatze The stand-up comedian — known for his widely acquired taste for deadpan humor — has made his way back to Dickies after selling out his last Fort Worth visit in 2023. Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Nate Bargatze

The country crooner and current “American Idol” judge slides into Dickies Arena on his “Word On The Street Tour” after releasing a string of new singles in the run-up to his new album, Signs, due in September. Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com

The baritone vocals of the 2011 “American Idol” winner and ACM Awardwinning country artist will reverberate through the legendary Stockyards honky-tonk this June. Billy Bob’s Texas billybobstexas.com

Luke Bryan

‘The Notebook’

SparkFest

Scotty McCreery

photos provided by Casa Mañana Theatre // Freedom Vibes Festival // Tulips // Dickies Arena

THE FORT

VISIT US IN

FORT WORTH

THE SHOPS AT CLEARFORK

THE FORT FORT WORTHIAN

Christina Brown Artistic Director, Brown Girls Do Ballet By Brandi Addison Photo by Olaf Growald

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

FROM THE FEED

1 2

1. Backstage before performing with the Fort Worth Opera. 2. A younger Christina Brown performing ballet with a troupe. 3. Ballerinas in class at the barre. 4. Christina Brown (right) before a performance. 5. Before taking the stage at Clear Fork Trailhead. 6. Summer Intensive 2025 featuring attendees in rehearsal. 7. Beginner Ballet at a community arts and literature event.

hristina Brown has spent most of her life moving between studios, stages, and rehearsal rooms, but the life she’s built in North Texas is less about movement than it is about access. For her, a ballet studio holds a familiar cadence: mirrored walls catching motion, bodies lined at the barre, a hush before music begins. She has known that rhythm since childhood, after starting dance at 18 months old, long before she had the language to describe it as anything other than normal life. Dance never paused after that; it became a throughline in her life rather than a separate pursuit, carrying her through school, training, and studies at Texas Wesleyan University. “People are always like, ‘How did you know you wanted to be a dancer?’” Brown says. “And I always tell them, ‘I knew I had to breathe, and it’s just one of those things — like breathing involuntarily — it happened, and it was just part of my life.’” Brown, a Fort Worth native, says she never felt she had to downplay any part of herself or her identity, crediting the support she received during her early training when she studied under Fernando Schaffenburg, who was part of TCU’s dance department and served as an early director of the Fort Worth Ballet Association. Still, she remembers moments of being one of the only dancers of color in her programs, something she noticed but never allowed to define her space in the studio. “I think sometimes society does put dancers in a box, but I hope that kiddos realize that obstacles are sometimes only up here,” she says, tapping her head, “and that if we equip ourselves with the right knowledge, the right ability, then not only can we achieve it, we can conquer anything … no matter how many people look like you in the room.” Today, Brown serves as the artistic director of Brown Girls Do Ballet’s Youth Performing Company, a performance troupe that offers paid stage opportunities while providing free classes and scholarships to those

who may not otherwise have access. In this capacity, the same intensity and passion that shaped Brown’s own training is now something she redirects outward, building spaces where young dancers can feel the same sense of belonging that ballet has always given her. Brown works with young women of color between the ages 7 and 18, who perform in productions across North Texas and beyond. What looks simple on paper becomes more complex in the studio — younger dancers standing beside older ones at the barre, all moving through the same choreography, adjusting to one another in real time. “There’s no small dancer, there’s no big dancer,” Brown says. “We’re all working together.” On performance days, her focus sharpens. She says it’s common to wake up hours before her alarm. Costumes are checked and rechecked. Messages come in from parents. Timing is confirmed, adjusted, then confirmed again. She moves through every list she’s written — on her phone, on paper — until nothing is left uncertain. She moves through it all the way she moves through choreography: step by step. And before every performance, she returns to the same instruction: “Sprinkle the magic. It’s your opportunity. It’s your time.” Afterward, Brown takes time to rest. But by the next day, her mind is already moving toward what comes next, which doesn’t necessarily mean the next performance. Instead, it means new ways of thinking about art itself — and teaching her dancers that the work is less about perfection and more about ownership, no matter the form it takes. “What I hope changes,” she says, “is that every little girl can see themselves and realize there is not a barrier that should stop them.” And, like Brown, ballet won’t be something they chose, but something that arrived, stayed, and quietly became life. “Legacy starts somewhere,” Brown says. “So, if it starts with you, let it begin.”

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

THE FORT MUSIC

by Brian Kendall

Cowtown Goes Electronic

The epicenter of Western culture just played host to two EDM festivals — and one should likely expect more.

n late March, only three miles south of the Stockyards — the place one might characterize as the proverbial mecca of Western culture — at Panther Island Pavilion, over 15,000 20-somethings clad in neon mesh tops, oversized sunglasses,

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

hydration packs, and enough glitter to violate several environmental regulations danced to the propulsive bass and shimmering synths of electronic dance music (EDM). A juxtaposition, to say the least.

Then, a month later, the exact same thing happened again. Only, this time, for two days instead of one — the music loud enough to warrant noise complaints through much of the North Side. But why would anyone be surprised? What’s going down on Panther Island should be expected. Despite its proximity to the Stockyards and Fort Worth’s rodeodriven reputation, in recent years the outdoor Panther Island Pavilion has become a strange epicenter of North Texas’ growing EDM community. Since 2019, the venue has hosted Ubbi Dubbi, the area’s premier EDM event that books popular acts from across the globe, five times. And, in 2023, it served as the site of the firstever Shaq’s Bass All Stars, a bass, dubstep, and trap festival hosted by former professional basketball player — and now Inside the NBA commentator — Shaquille O’Neal under his DJ moniker, DJ Diesel. The festival returned in 2024 and 2026 and now includes multiple locations. Past artists who have performed include international recording artists Diplo, Tiësto, Zedd, Kaskade, Illenium, and deadmau5. For those who don’t recognize any of these names, just know that each individual artist has over 1 billion streams on Spotify. “Panther Island [Pavilion] is an incredible and beautiful venue,” says James “Donnie Disco” Estopinal, CEO of Disco Presents, which is the promoter of Ubbi Dubbi and Shaq’s Bass All Stars. “It’s right there on the water with the skyline in the background. The people that work there are great, and the city’s been wonderful to us; it’s really the perfect place to do a festival. I’m surprised more people don’t use it.” Originally from New Orleans, Estopinal founded Disco Presents in 1994 and has been promoting EDM events ever since. According to the company’s website, Disco Presents has sold over 20 million tickets and produced over 20,000 live events,

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THE FORT MUSIC

arena shows, and outdoor festivals in over 100 markets across the globe. And, every year, the company organizes and promotes nearly 1,000 club events across the U.S. In September 2024, Espotinal opened SILO, an EDM dance club located in the Dallas Design District. So, in the world of EDM, few have their ear to the ground and finger on the pulse as well as Estopinal. And, even though the festivals he’s promoted have been very successful at Panther Island Pavilion, he still sees Fort Worth as an untapped market with a lot of potential. “It’s underserved,” Estopinal says regarding EDM and Fort Worth. “But I think with Panther Island, we can kind of reinvent what’s going on in Fort Worth. I think people are really excited about Fort Worth and that venue because other artists have seen Shaq’s festival do very well there. And, so, we have other large artists that want to do their own festival in Fort Worth.”

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Estopinal says larger artists no longer want to just perform at festivals. They want to put on festivals, curate festivals, and have their names affixed to marquees of festivals. “Everybody wants to build their brand, and that’s kind of where the future’s going,” he says. “[Big name artists] see the Shaq Bass All Stars, and they want to do their own festival and they want to do it at Panther Island. “I think we could do 10 of those shows a year and bring a lot of money to Fort Worth.” While Cowtown doesn’t hold a candle to Dallas in terms of EDM venues — probably because Fort Worth has none, outside the occasional show or DJ that pops up at Tulips — Estopinal also sees its lack of EDM access changing. And he just might be the one to do it, expressing an interest in opening a Fort Worthbased EDM club sometime in the near future. “There’s definitely a market,” Estopinal says. “I think there’s a lot of potential and a lot of growth that still has yet to happen in Fort Worth. Panther Island [Pavilion] and the audience that’s attended all of these festivals the past seven years is proof of that. It’s proof of concept.” And with the Trinity River Vision Authority projected to be completed by 2032, a lot of new development will occur in the area that currently surrounds Panther Island Pavilion. And, yes, the pavilion itself will remain, even cited as a focal point of the upcoming development. “The pavilion is a real asset for the water district,” said Susan Alanis, water district program coordinator, in a recent interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “It has a beer garden atmosphere and will create the kind of fun atmosphere the district is looking for on the island.” Whether she foresees a deluge of EDM festivals is up for debate. But we’d recommend future residents invest in some bucket hats and glitter to prepare accordingly.

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F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

T H E F O R T S TAT E L I N E S Albany, Shackelford County Courthouse

by Shilo Urban

Albany, Texas Population: 1,854

killing was one of the ordinary, expected events of the night on which comments were over — and the incident closed — by the time the blood had been mopped up from the floor,” said buffalo hunter R.A. Slack. He was talking about Fort Griffin during its heyday, one of the wildest Wild West towns of them all. Located just north of Albany, Fort Griffin was a rowdy hotbed of hard-living buffalo

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hunters, soldiers, cowboys, cattle rustlers, bandits, gamblers, and prostitutes. Slack might have rubbed shoulders with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, who first met in the town, or even shared the community toothbrush with them. Maybe he met the sheriff-turned-outlaw John Larn, who was gunned down by his own vigilantes — inside the Albany jail. Perhaps he felt the rumble

of thousands-strong herds of longhorns passing through on the Western Trail, shuffling their way up to Dodge City from the rolling Texas prairie. One of the four major cattle routes, the Western Trail ran right past Albany and Fort Griffin. Today’s Highway 283 roughly follows the route through the area, which is still very much cattle and ranching country. Descendants of those early longhorns survive in the State of Texas Longhorn Herd, residents of the Fort Griffin State Historical Site. The grounds’ original stone walls, reconstructed buildings, and authentic artifacts give you a glimpse into the gritty life at the isolated outpost. As the frontier faded and the fort’s defenses were no longer needed, Albany supplanted it as the new, more civilized hub of society and became the Shackelford County seat. Rustic charm still pervades the well-preserved (and restored) town, whose 1883 courthouse features an ornate clock tower atop rock-faced limestone walls — Second Empire style translated for the Texas frontier. Wooden galleries and Italianate touches adorn the 19th century masonry storefronts on Main Street, which could have come right out of a movie set. Be sure to glimpse the 1926 Aztec Theater, a unique pink-stucco design that opens periodically for special events. But Albany’s can’t-miss attraction is undoubtedly the Old Jail Art Center, no rinky-dink attraction but an accred-

T H E F O R T S TAT E L I N E S

ited, widely acclaimed museum with a stupendous array of fine art and ancient artifacts. Renoir, Rembrandt, Picasso, Modigliani, Goya, and Toulouse-Lautrec are all out here on the Texas prairie — as well as beautifully crafted pre-Columbian pottery and life-size terracotta tomb warriors from China. There’s also an inspiring selection of works from the Fort Worth Circle, the young group of artists who first brought modern art to Texas via Cowtown. The museum has long outgrown the squat 1878 jail where it took root and now encompasses 17,000 square feet, including two newer wings and a sculpture garden. Venture across Pecan Street to walk the labyrinth in the ground, a replica of the famous floor mosaic in France’s Chartres Cathedral. Fine art and French mosaics may be a long way from the frontier — but Albany straddles both worlds with the ease of a cowboy in the saddle, driving a herd up the trail on this lowslung Texas prairie.

Explore Albany Savor: Goodnight Steakhouse & Saloon’s BYOB: Bring Your Own Branding Iron, so you can burn your mark into the walls of the dining room. Opened in 2023 in the former Beehive Saloon, the downhome restaurant serves bountiful portions of mesquite-grilled beef, fried chicken, and steak fingers. Live music turns it into a honky-tonk on Saturday nights. Woodsmoke and country crooners can also be found at Icehouse Restaurant, along with scratch-made Tex-Mex. Try the Mexican burger and bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Find lighter tearoom-style fare and old-fashioned sundaes at Vintage Vanilla, an endearing 1929 soda fountain and working pharmacy. Shop: Vintage Vanilla doubles as Erline’s Specialty Shop, with cutesy novelty items, nostalgic candies, and Texas-themed décor. Right across Main Street is the new Hairitage Boutique, a one-stop salon/ fashion store where you can buy an outfit and get a manicure to match. Blanton-Caldwell Trading Co. next door is actually three stores in one: a kitchen shop, a women’s boutique, and an outdoor supplier. Buy top-quality brands (Johnny Was and Double D Ranch for the women, Filson and KÜHL for the guys) and peruse a unique array of eclectica. For hunting gear, head to the excellent new Big Country Outpost and kit yourself out like a boss.

Almost a quarter of the town’s population is involved in Fandangle!

The Old Jail Art Center

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

The Original Old Jail

Enjoy: Fandangle! With a fanciful name that’s fantastically fun to say, Albany’s Fandangle is a long-running outdoor musical and pageant that takes place every summer during the last two weekends of June. Almost a quarter of the town’s population is involved in the song-and-dance spectacle, a historical dramatization of frontier life with covered wagons, vintage costumes, a stagecoach, a replica train, live horses, and a longhorn cattle drive. In August, Carefest brings Texas country and red-dirt musicians to town for a one-day concert that benefits community outreach programs. Come autumn, Albany turns into top-notch deer hunting country with guided tours and high-scoring bucks.

Snooze: Built in 1952 as a motor court, the Hereford Motel has been tastefully renovated into a boutique luxury stay. It’s all natural stone and wood here, a clean ranch aesthetic with high-end linens, soaking tubs, and patios with fire pits. Two rooms were left unrestored, with wood-paneled walls and orange bathroom tiles, for those old-school Texans who just like things the way they were. If you’re looking for a rural escape, the 25,000-acre Stasney’s Cook Ranch offers fishing, hunting, and wildlife safaris — plus lodging in replicas of historic Texas forts, including Fort Griffin. The ranch was originally established in the late 1800s by William and Matilda Cook, whose daughter died giving birth shortly thereafter. Their luck turned around, however, when they found oil on their property and struck it rich. Matilda put the wealth to good use: In honor of her daughter, she founded one of the finest pediatric hospitals in the world, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

How to Get There: Drive west from Fort Worth on I-30 or I-20 to Weatherford, then take Exit 405 for Ric Williamson Memorial Highway (the Loop). Turn right and head north for two miles before turning left onto Highway 180, a straight shot to Albany. The trip will take a little over two hours.

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T H E F O R T C O W H A N D C U LT U R E : T H E L A R G E R - T H A N - L I F E C H A R A C T E R S O F O U R C I T Y

by Michael H. Price

Frets and Fiction

Josh Alan Friedman, the Dallas-based inventor of ‘Atomic Acoustic Guitar,’ pens a novel that’s as offbeat as his sound.

n a guitar-crazed Cowtown so passionately dedicated that it has generated a Fort Worth Guitar Army — a six-string Brigadoon, multiplied by an incalculably varied rotation of players — one master of the instrument stands out as an import from New York who has changed the way this burg listens to music. Josh Alan Friedman, a resident of Dallas since 1987, spent the 1990s as

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

one of Fort Worth’s favorite in-person guitarists. He would say that the drive into Tarrant County “felt like leaving Dallas and coming to Texas,” as if entering a fresh-air zone. Friedman held forth most memorably at the downtown area’s Caravan of Dreams during its heyday as an incubator of provocative, often experimental music. Critics hailed Friedman as an

innovator on par with the likes of Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Elmore James, Leo Kottke, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Jimi Hendrix — an avatar of the blues, augmented with a songwriting lyricism so confrontationally honest that each listener could sense a personal connection. Ain’t hyperbole when it’s the truth. Friedman calls the technique Atomic Acoustic Guitar. No gimmick. Trade secret, although simple observation would reveal an athletic, coaxing resilience in handling the instrument as though it were a Nautilus machine for the forearms. A gimmick-free amplifier, no stadium rig, is all the guitar requires to heed its innate echo. Just enough electrical current to boost the acoustical notes above the tableside chatter and the barroom ruckus. Friedman accomplished all that with a bedrock-basic acoustic guitar — ideal timing, however inadvertent, to run parallel with the age of MTV’s “Unplugged” phenomenon, a stretch that caught any number of electrified guitar-slingers ditching the cables and the big amplifiers and allowing their guitars to breathe. No heavy-duty electronics in need of ditching: The guitar electrified Friedman, in figurative turn, as he exhaled Promethean fire into its natural resonance. That “Unplugged” fad had caught trend-chasing journalists unawares. So thoroughly off-guard, in fact, that one newspaper’s clue-deficient “lifestyle” editor approached Fort Worth guitarist T. Sumter Bruton in secret to pose one irredeemably knuckleheaded question: “What is the difference between an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar?” Bruton answered with straight-faced sarcasm: “Well, y’see, an electrical guitar, now, it runs on electrical energy, and an acoustical guitar — uh, it runs on acoustical energy.” Prank accomplished when the mocking insight found its way into print as an authoritative declaration. None of which affected Josh Alan Friedman in the slightest. He electrified himself in more emphatically literal terms, meanwhile, with a

Where Futures Take Flight.

FORT WORTH COUNTRY DAY

CONGRATULATES the

CLASS of

These 172 colleges and universities listed represent the institutions where 86 FWCD seniors have been admitted. Institutions listed in red indicate where one or more senior(s) will attend. Abilene Christian University American Musical and Dramatic Academy American University Arizona State University Auburn University Babson College Barnard College Baylor University Bentley University Blinn College Boston University Bryn Mawr College California Lutheran University Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic University, Pomona California State University, Long Beach Case Western Reserve University Centenary College of Louisiana Chapman University Chatham University Clemson University College of Charleston Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Creighton University Davidson College Duke University Elon University Emory & Henry University Felician University Florida Atlantic University Florida International University Fordham University George Mason University Georgetown University Georgia State University Goucher College Grambling State University Hartwick College Harvard University Hendrix College High Point University Howard University Husson University Indiana University Bloomington Ithaca College

M IL LION in scholarship dollars utilized

Keystone College King’s College London - ENGLAND Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Marist University Marymount Manhattan College McCook Community College Michigan State University Middlebury College Millsaps College Montana State University The New School New York University Nicholls State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University The Ohio State University Oklahoma City University Oklahoma State University Pace University Pacific University Paul Quinn College Pellissippi State Community College Penn State University Pepperdine University Pitzer College Plymouth State University Pomona College Princeton University Quinnipiac University Rhodes College Rice University Roger Williams University Rutgers University - New Brunswick Rutgers University - Newark Saint Edward’s University Salem State University Samford University San Diego State University San Francisco State University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design Scripps College Seton Hall University Sewanee - The University of the South

15.6

MILLION in scholarships and awards

Shenandoah University Southern Methodist University Southern New Hampshire University Southwestern University Stephen F. Austin State University Stetson University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Tarleton State University Tarrant County College Texas A&M University Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Texas Christian University Texas Tech University Trinity College Trinity University Tufts University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of Edinburgh - SCOTLAND University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Miami University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina Wilmington

AT H LE TE S participating in college sports

FIN E ARTS students pursuing studies in the visual or performing arts

University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of St Andrews - SCOTLAND University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Texas at Arlington University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at San Antonio University of Texas at Tyler University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University of Toronto - CANADA University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wilberforce University Williams College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University

2026

VA LE D I CTORI A N ANDREW LOBO

Princeton University

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SA LUTATORI A N ELIZA PEACOCK

Wake Forest University

National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Students, and College Board National Recognition Programs Scholars

AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, and AP Scholars with Distinction

T H E F O R T C O W H A N D C U LT U R E : T H E L A R G E R - T H A N - L I F E C H A R A C T E R S O F O U R C I T Y

formidable power-combo, the Josh Alan Band, which veered more toward electrified blues-into-rock. This departure would contrast strikingly with his general run of studio recordings and in-person voice-and-guitar appearances, but the basic sound remained recognizably constant. And all the while, Friedman also has held forth as a working journalist, a musical librettist-composer, a satirist, a chronicler of New York like some Charles Dickens of Times Square, and a novelist of rare cultural depth. Which brings us to...

‘All Roads Lead to Great Neck’ “I’ve had 50 years as a performing guitarist,” Josh Alan Friedman says today. “That’s enough for a lifetime.” Sixty-plus years might be more like it, given his starting point of 1965 as a student of the guitar, enchanted with the music of the Beatles but drawn more persuasively by his Jewish heritage and a fascination with Black musical traditions. Those schoolboy days also have shaped Friedman’s new novel, All Roads Lead to Great Neck. And, yes, it has taken all these years to distill the impressions into a defining account of the author’s wide-eyed impressionability at the start of the

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

1970s in Long Island. Josh and brother Drew Friedman (the soulful illustrator and portraitist) attended a junior high school of predominantly Black enrollment and unstable faculty and administration. From this basis in confounding wonderment, they navigated a New York in upheaval until they could emerge to fulfill their birthright as sons of an influential playwright and novelist — Bruce Jay Friedman — who would redefine American comedy in a manner comparable with Lenny Bruce, Kurt Vonnegut, Sid Caesar, and Mel Brooks. The reader of All Roads Lead to Great Neck might as well be there in person, so vivid and kaleidoscopic is Josh Friedman’s telling. The foredoomed stoner-protagonist, Bruce Disoto, careens through a gauntlet of real, unreal, and surreal encounters with war-protest freak-outers, a 19th-century Yiddish panderer, a neurotic prize-fighting champion, an ominous cheese-shop merchant, and the mysteries of erotic attraction and repulsion. And, yes, it all fits together in the manner of a dream of which the dreamer is aware. All this, and a cold Cel-Ray Tonic at Ratner’s Delicatessen, too. Friedman’s earlier books have foretold a comparable essence of Magical

Realism in their depictions of recognizably identifiable folks caught up in extraordinary pitfalls and fleeting pleasures. These titles would include the anthropological mastery of Tales of Times Square and the rock ’n’ roll revelations of Tell the Truth Until They Bleed. The rock-star focus of All Roads Lead to Great Neck falls upon Leslie West & Mountain, captured at a peak of guitar-shrieking perfection in that band’s perfect performing element, the fabled Fillmore East. Texas in 1987 represented a drastic change from the gaudy Times Square, New York, locale whose gloriously pungent history and inexorable decay Friedman had chronicled as a working journalist. A Texan long since by marriage and assimilation, Friedman retains the combination of sarcasm and compassion of his upbringing to an extent that qualifies him as a chronicler of New York on a par with Charles Dickens (London) and Billy Brammer (Austin). One career at a time is sufficient for Josh Alan Friedman. Sure do miss that Atomic Acoustic Guitar at Caravan of Dreams or The HOP, but All Roads Lead to Great Neck is its own reward, compounding the interest with each reading.

TRINITY VALLEY SCHOOL CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2026! COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES LISTED REPRESENT THE INSTITUTIONS TO WHICH OUR 91 SENIORS HAVE BEEN ADMITTED: American University Arizona State University Auburn University* Austin College Austin Community College District Baldwin Wallace University Baylor University* Belmont University* Bennington College Blinn College District Boston University Brigham Young University-Idaho Brown University California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Case Western Reserve University Cedar Crest College Clemson University* Coastal Carolina University Colgate University College of Charleston Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Cornell University Drake University Duke University Elon University* Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach Florida Atlantic University Fordham University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Grinnell College High Point University

Hofstra University Howard University Indiana University-Bloomington James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Louisiana State University* Marist University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michigan State University Midwestern State University Missouri State University-Springfield Montclair State University New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Oberlin College | Arts & Sciences Oklahoma State University* Pace University Rice University Rollins College Rutgers University-New Brunswick Sam Houston State University San Diego State University* Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University* St. John’s University-New York Syracuse University Tarrant County College District Texas A & M UniversityCollege Station* Texas A & M UniversityCorpus Christi Texas Christian University* Texas State University Texas Tech University* The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina The Pennsylvania State University

The University of Alabama The University of British Columbia The University of British Columbia Okanagan The University of Tampa The University of Tennessee-Knoxville* The University of Texas at Austin* The University of Texas at Dallas The University of Texas Permian Basin Trinity University Tulane University University of Arizona* University of Arkansas* University of California-Davis University of California-Los Angeles University of California-San Diego University of California-Santa Barbara University of California-Santa Cruz University of Cambridge, England University of Central Florida University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado Boulder* University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Dayton University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Houston University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Maine University of Maryland University of Miami University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Mississippi* University of Missouri University of Nebraska

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Texas University of Northern Colorado University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma* University of Oregon University of Pittsburgh* University of Richmond University of San Diego University of San Francisco* University of South Carolina* University of South Florida University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington Utah State University Virginia Military Institute Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St Louis West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Western Michigan University Willamette University Yale University VALEDICTORIAN LUNA HUDMAN Massachusetts Institute of Technology SALUTATORIAN ELI TRIVEDI Cornell University as of May 4, 2026 Bold designates at least one student attending * designates honors college acceptance

FINE SCHOLARSHIP WITH ITS FULFILLMENT AT COLLEGE

187

COLLEGES

where students were admitted

$14 MILLION

National Merit Finalists awarded in merit-based (41% of Fort Worth) scholarship dollars

students recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Students, or College Board Program Scholars

11,944 Community Service Hours (avg. 131 hours/student)

43 admissions offers to 34 unique honors programs

for field hockey, football, and volleyball

HONORS PROGRAMS RECRUITED DI ATHLETES

PK-12, Coed, Independent School of Fort Worth, TX | (817) 321-0100 | tvs.org

THE FORT

by John Henry

T H E R E V E R I E : M U S I N G S , C O M M E N TA RY, A N D I N S I G H T S

The Stranger in Hell’s Half Acre

othing was more synonymous with early Fort Worth than Hell’s Half Acre, the notorious rest stop on the cattle trails featuring all things red light that appealed to fatigued cowboys needing a break, including, but not limited to, saloons, gambling, and bordellos. Those Yelp reviews would’ve been wild. With its notoriety came a not-sogreat reputation for the early city. For example, a do-gooder Northerner interloper named Rutledge Rutherford, writing for some national publication, called Fort Worth the filthiest city in America, citing, of course, its famous district of ill repute. “There exists a state of affairs [in Fort Worth] that is really a menace to the whole nation,” that jackass wrote. That’s not to say there weren’t, ahem, issues down there. This story, however, involves a mysterious stranger the police picked up in the Acre one late afternoon in October 1897. A police officer named “Smith,” according to the Fort Worth Register, found Fred Miller “considerably under the influence of liquor.” Officer Smith chauffeured Mr. Miller down to the police station to allow him to “cool off.” In Fred’s possession, according to news accounts, were a quarter, a traveling bag, and a dog named Guess, who was locked up with his master. Fred told police interrogators that his occupation was “pedestrianism.” It’s true, he insisted, and not only was he a walker, but the champion long-distance walker of the world. He had proof, he said, in the

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traveling bag, out of which he began pulling stuff. Among the items was a heavy gold medal, which was engraved: “Police Gazette Trophy / Champion long-distance pedestrian / Fred Miller / Sept. 5, 1891 / Record 13,316 miles / Presented by Richard K. Fox, proprietor of the Police Gazette.” Also in the bag were two travel diaries. Its contents proved that Fred was who he claimed to be. On the first page of each of them was an introduction signed by Richard Fox, the owner of the Police Gazette, certifying that Miller left the magazine’s offices in New York City on April 24, 1897, to go by train to Pittsburgh, and from there on foot to El Paso. The diaries contained a large number of entries dated and signed by people who ran into Fred at various points through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas while on his way. The Police Gazette was a magazine based in New York and distributed nationally. As its name suggests, the magazine promoted itself as reporters dedicated to the issues of police and crime. In truth, it was more dedicated to that more commonly associated with a tabloid, including the most sensational of salacious and lurid tales of sexual matters, as well as celebrity gossip, and Guinness Book of World Records-type bits, such as walking from Pittsburgh to El Paso. Fox had agreed to pay Fred $1,000 — more than $40,000 today — if he could make it back to the Police Gazette offices in New York by Feb. 15, 1898. Fred started out on his trip on April 24, 1897. Fred even had a manager who

accompanied him. A “Prof. Hurst” always traveled in advance of Fred to see that “he arrives and departs OK at each town along the route.” His paperwork showed he had walked 13,316 miles over the last two-plus years. In fact, he was also carrying a journal showing round trips, on foot, from San Francisco to New York; New York to Jacksonville, Florida, and back; New York to Denver and back; New York to Portland, Maine, and back, and now this one. It’s no wonder he wanted a little “recreation” in the Acre. In reality, Fred was no stranger at all. Fort Worth police would have known all of this if they had opened their newspaper three days before. In that day’s edition was a report about Fred making a stop in Arlington. Of course, in those days, Arlington might as well have been El Paso without a car, much less a Highway 80, still 30 years in the distance. “About the only excitement during the week was the arrival of Fred Miller, the world’s champion pedestrian,” the Register reported, “and his dog Guess.” Fred’s next stop was Fort Worth for a couple of days of “recreation.” Ho, ho, ho. That story also noted that Fred made a living selling the photographs he took along the way. Let the imagination run of the contents on Fred’s Instagram account and what it might have shown of Hell’s Half Acre before Johnny Law picked him up. Whether his run-in with the police in Fort Worth caused Fred any delay and cost him his $1,000 payday isn’t known. History lost track of this eccentric long-distance walking predecessor, Fred Miller, but it was worth it to get to know him almost 130 years later.

PA SCH A L H I G H SCH OO L P r o m o t i n g Tr a d i t i o n a n d E x c e l l e n c e S i n c e 1 8 8 2 C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S , C L A S S O F 2 0 2 6 ! COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES LISTED REPRESENT A PORTION OF THE INSTITUTIONS TO WHICH OUR 476 SENIORS HAVE BEEN ADMITTED:

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T roubadours & Vagabonds Ryan Bingham writes songs, shoots pool, weaves tales, rides bulls, and acts cool … and we’re only scratching the surface. By Brian Kendall Photos by Olaf Growald

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yan Bingham is alone on a stage. Perched on a stool, clad in a scuffed and tattered cowboy hat, he fingerpicks his guitar and sings poetically in his distinct, road-worn rasp about the death of a drug trafficker. He performs with the calm earnestness of someone whose rent depends on it but knows, even if evicted, everything is gonna be all right. Despite the sincerity of his delivery, outside a few of us lucky onlookers, the old honky-tonk where we find ourselves is entirely empty.

While this might seem unusual for someone who’s headlined major festivals, sold out Red Rocks Amphitheatre, starred in the nation’s most popular TV series, and won an Academy Award, the empty establishment just might be Bingham’s comfort zone. After all, he’s played to crowds thinner than a weekday happy hour at bars, dance halls, back patios, and beer joints more times than he can count. But there are two sparsely attended bar gigs that still stand out vividly in Bingham’s memory: his first show at Woody’s Tavern in west Fort Worth and a gig in Hollywood, where Marc Ford of The Black Crowes happened to be in attendance and signed him to a record deal. “You can’t be in the right place at the right time unless you just keep putting yourself in all those places,” Bingham tells me. The song Bingham sings, perched on the stool in the empty venue, is one that was fresh to my ears. But I’d hear a studio version a month later — the day I’m writing this article — when he released his seventh fulllength studio album, They Call Us the Lucky Ones. The song, “Cocaine Charlie,” is a striking example of Bingham’s ability to tell a story through song. He’s a natural wordsmith, and such a craft allows him to spin a complex yarn in the simplest of ways. On this new album, he’s joined by the Texas Gentlemen, a Dallas-based band who he cites as the album’s inspiration and with whom he released a live album, Live at Red Rocks, in 2024. “[The Texas Gentlemen] are such a great bunch of musicians and good guys,” Bingham says. “And I feel like we all grew up on a lot of the same music. We don’t have to overly explain things to each other. It’s just effortless. It’s easy. It’s like we can just get up, and I can start playing a song and they all fall in.” We’re in a joint owned by fellow singer-songwriter Ramsay Midwood called Sam’s Town Point, a bar and honky-tonk that might encapsulate the essence of South Austin better than the neighborhood itself. It’s been around since 1981, making it five years older than our very own “World’s Largest Honky-Tonk,” and we’ll bet a dollar not much has changed. From its interior wood panels, red-leathered tavern chairs, unpaved parking lot, and collection of oddities throughout its premises, it has personality only obtained after decades of late nights and live music. If only its walls could talk. “You ever played here?” I ask Bingham, who’s here at our request for a photo shoot. “Played quite a bit of all these bars around here,” he quips. For years, such places — we’ll call them the whole of Texas

dive bars — were as much a home to Bingham as a truck bed, a friend’s couch, and a makeshift tent. He had what he calls a homebase, which happened to be in Fort Worth for a fiveyear spell, but a true home? That’s something he seems to have taken with him wherever he went, which was a lot of dang places. Few people in this day and age can be labeled a vagabond, a true wanderer with no fixed income taking life as it comes. It’s people who discovered, through difficult circumstances, that it’s best to keep moving, to stay on the road. Traveling the world in a customized Sprinter van while working a remote B2B marketing job does not a vagabond make. Desperation is a key ingredient. At one point, Bingham even morphs the word into a verb, saying he was once “vagabonding around.” And his restlessness carries over into his career, as well. He’s something of a renaissance man. If you watch TV, you might know him as the guy from “Yellowstone.” If you watch movies, he’s the guy from “Crazy Heart.” And if you dip into the liquor store on occasion, you might know him for Bingham’s Bourbon. It’s all perspective. But people in Fort Worth, well, they call him one of their own. Personally, I call Bingham a Texan first and a Fort Worthian second — which might even be something of an honorary title, though I don’t suspect any Cowtown dweller would hesitate to bestow such a label on Bingham. And he’s certainly not shy about his love for the city that, in many ways, launched his career. “Fort Worth means so much to me,” he says, unprovoked.

“You can’t be in the right place at the right time unless you just keep putting yourself in all those places.” The Vagabond

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Bingham was fresh off a flight from Paris. It’s sometime in the early 2000s, and his friend, Grayland Smith, is picking him up at DFW Airport. Bingham had spent the last year in France performing in a Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show for EuroDisney, something he said was akin to the dinner theater show one might see at Dallas’ Medieval Times, only west of the Mississippi circa 1875. “I didn’t really know what I was going to do or where I was going to go,” Bingham says about his options after deciding to leave Paris. “It just so happened the only direct flight I could get out of Paris was into DFW. So, I bought a plane ticket home, and the only guy I knew in Fort Worth was a guy named Grayland Smith.” Grayland, who along with his brother and sister, co-own Magnolia Motor Lounge, had an apartment that would become what Bingham called his “homebase.” And it wasn’t long after hopping in Grayland’s car at DFW that he started hunting for local dive bars where he could play music to make a few bucks, earning his first gig at Woody’s Tavern on a weekday night. But before he took the stage, Grayland’s brother, Matthew — who Bingham refers to as Matthew “Papa” Smith — asked if he wanted a drummer. “Yeah, f***, let’s go,” Bingham responded, effectively adding Matthew as the first member of his future band, the Dead Horses. That night, at what Bingham calls his first show — likely because of a future bandmember’s presence — he and Matthew would play to less than 10 people.

“And we played for two or three hours, just making up shit and having fun,” Bingham says. “We didn’t care. There weren’t even 10 people in the bar, all several beers in, and we were trying our best to do any cover song anybody wanted to hear. And then we would just make stuff up.” But this sparsely attended night at Woody’s Tavern would morph into the launchpad for Bingham’s career — even if it took a few years to earn a decent living at it. He’d go on to recruit the rest of his band, a group of North Texans, and they were soon on the road, playing shows all across Texas or wherever the heck they could get them, and living gig to gig. Sometimes, they’d simply eke out enough money to cover gas to next dive bar they’d play. Other times, they’d play knowing they were about to make nothing more than a few free beers. But, according to Bingham, it was still more than he was making digging ditches all day. “So didn’t take long to figure out that the guitar felt a lot better in my hand than the shovel did.” “I was just trying to survive,” Bingham says. “I was just trying to do everything I could to not have to go get a job in the oil field. I didn’t finish school. I didn’t finish [my college degree], and after I ended up leaving Paris, I was like, ‘Man, I’ll just try to see if I can play in the interim until I figure out what I’m going to do.’ At least I knew I could go play my guitar for a hundred bucks a night and make tips.” Bingham and his band would also frequent the fabled Clubhouse Concerts hosted by Joni Beard, now Joni Beard Trevino. According to Bingham, the shows, which highlighted local musicians, took place on Sunday afternoons in a ballroom at the apartment complex where Joni resided. Bingham figures use of the complex’s venue was a perk for renters. Regularly attended by about 50 people, other artists who played include Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, and Wade Bowen. “[Joni] would call me up and say, ‘Come up here and play your songs,’ Bingham says. “And then she’d feed us and give us gas money. It was a huge support back in those days. Nashville was not going to let us come to them. They weren’t having any of our shit. So, I think Texas was like, ‘Well, to hell with Nashville, we’ll support you guys right here at home.’ That was pretty special.” Even if they were unpolished musicians, played out of tune (Bingham admits to still learning how to tune his guitar during this time), and were flying by the seat of their pants, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses were a gritty band full of roughnecks and workhorses. They were going to keep at it no matter what a supposed establishment said. And this stubborn nature is what led to their name. “Everywhere we went was just trying to beat a dead horse,” Bingham says. “We weren’t getting anywhere.” Besides, the rough and tumble band was a perfect match for Bingham’s sparse songwriting, something for which he admits to having a knack. “The songwriting part came pretty easy,” he

says. “The music, not so much. I mean, I could find a groove and just kind of get hooked into it, but the words would just pour out of me.” His tunes, he admits, are structurally simple — usually deriving from what he calls “Cowboy Chords” — and are typically rooted in folk and Americana, two genres well-suited for his gravelly voice. But the songs are also lyrical, cinematic in their imagery without being pretentious or heavy-handed. “He doesn’t get overwrought with his songwriting process,” says Daniel Creamer, guitarist for the Texas Gentlemen, who saw Bingham’s process firsthand during the recording of his latest album. “So, you get these songs that are simple and boiled down to the purest essence of what makes a song good.” Bingham tells me that his songwriting process is very visual, as he typically describes things he’s seeing in his mind — “the movies in my head” as he puts it. He also surmises that his years in West Texas and New Mexico played a part in his creativity and lyrical ingenuity. “There’s nothing out there,” he says. “So, all you’re left with is your imagination.” It was his songwriting that would catch the ear of the Black Crowes guitarist, Marc Ford, when he was the only person in attendance when Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses played a gig in Hollywood in 2006. According to Bingham, it was a friend they’d met while in Marfa, Boyd Elder — famous for designing the cover of The Eagles’ 1975 album One of These Nights — who secured this fateful Hollywood gig that led to a record deal. Describing Boyd as “a trip” and a “heck of a character,” Bingham says Boyd caught wind that the band was planning on visiting Los Angeles and looking to book some shows. With no real plan in place for the West Coast trip, which is generally how they did things in those days, Boyd called Bingham up and said if they got in touch with a Carla Long, who owned a bar called The King Kings, she’d let them play for room and board as payment. Bingham would cold call Long, who agreed to let them play at midnight on a Monday evening. Marc Ford happened to be the only person patronizing The King Kings that night. “He came up to us right way,” Bingham says, “and was like, ‘I’m doing a record with you guys.’” Having spent years barhopping for work instead of for booze, there was no shortage of songs Bingham brought to the table. And the first song on his first record was “Southside of Heaven.” “And can’t you see that breeze is nothing but a change in pace Money can’t buy my soul ‘cause it comes from a hard-earned place.”

The Troubadour Bingham had lived in New Braunfels, a large German town south of Austin famous for being home to Schlitterbahn, so he knows a lot of Hill Country musicians who regularly rolled through Sam’s Town Point. With a beer in hand, Bingham strikes up a conversation with Ramsay Midwood, the owner of Sam’s Town Point — the two sharing these common acquain-

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tances. While I can’t recall any particular names mentioned, I do remember all being undeniably Texas-sounding names. Think Jig Sturgeons or Leewood Hondo — these were the handles of men born remembering the Alamo. And each, I’m sure — especially given the talent that normally graces the stage of Sam’s Town Point — are or were talented singers and songwriters. At one point, you could throw a rock in Austin and hit a budding musician. And while some faded into obscurity, others wound up holding Oscars. Two years after releasing his first album, Bingham, alongside fellow Fort Worthian T Bone Burnett — a man whose work on sountracks includes “O’ Brother Where Art Thou” and “Inside Llewyn Davis” — would win the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Weary Kind,” featured in the 2009 film “Crazy Heart.” At the time, Bingham didn’t know much about that world — the awards season was typically something that came and went without him tuning into tearful acceptance speeches or Billy Crystal opening monologues. And considering there was chatter about “Crazy Heart” never being released, Bingham was shocked when he received a phone call at 4 a.m. from a friend notifying him of the initial nomination. “And then all of a sudden, boom, it happened immediately,” Bingham says. “All these awards and nominations started coming out. At the time, I was still playing bars and touring in a van, and then it was just like, ‘Okay, you got to go to meet a publicist, and you’re going to go on this whole press tour for two or three months with T Bone and Jeff [Bridges]. And they took us all over the country doing radio shows and ‘The View’ and shit.” Fittingly, “The Weary Kind” itself emerged with little warning. After moving to Los Angeles following their meeting with Marc Ford and subsequent record deal with Lost Highway, Bingham met a good friend of his, Jack Wingham, who became his agent, despite having worked exclusively with clients in film and television. “From the first time we met,” Bingham says, “he’s like, ‘I don’t know anything about music, but I love what you guys are doing. I want to help you.’” Wingham would eventually make the two artforms cross paths when he delivered the script of “Crazy Heart” to Bingham and facilitated a meeting between the singer and the movie’s director, Scott Cooper. After Bingham’s meeting with Cooper, who expressed the need for a song, he wrote “The Weary Kind.” “I had the script, and I wrote the song going down the road in the back of a van,” he says. “And when I got home, I recorded it and called Scott and was like, ‘Man, I got this song I want to send you. What’s your address?’ He goes, ‘Are you in Los Angeles?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ And he said, ‘Well, I’m at T Bone’s house. Why don’t you just stop by?’” So, Bingham shows up, that day, with a home-recorded version of the song. T Bone Burnett answers the door. “He’s like 7-feet tall,” Bingham recalls. “He’s got sunglasses on and is looking down

just towering over me. And I hold out my little demo CD to give to him.” Burnett then invites Bingham into his house, where there are a couple dozen other people, including Jeff Bridges, all talking about music for the film. Then Burnett, with the room deafly quiet, plays Bingham’s CD with volume at a 10. “And I’m about to run out and just hide in my van. I’m having a heart attack. I mean, this is some little home recording. But he listened to the whole thing with everyone really quiet.” Once the song completed, he’d put Bingham through another trial by fire when he handed him a guitar and asked him to play the song live. Once Bingham jumped through this additional hoop, Burnett said, “That’s our song.” Recording the song, however, wasn’t a walk in the park. Surrounded by incredible musicians Bingham looked up to, he was understandably insecure about his own musicianship, his own ability on guitar. “All of a sudden I’m with T Bone Burnett and these acclaimed musicians — the best musicians in the world,” Bingham says. “And they’re looking at me asking me what to do. I’m like, “F***, I don’t know. “ He’d end up suggesting to Stephen Bruton, a fellow Fort Worth musician and a graduate from TCU, that he play the guitar parts during the recording of “The Weary Kind,” expressing concern that he might not be playing it in a way that meshed with the band. “And he just looked at me, and goes, ‘Kid, there are no f***ing rules. “‘There’s a reason why you’re here, and it’s the song that you wrote. The way you play the guitar on that demo and how you played it when you sat down on that couch and played it for us, you just play it just like that.’” “And Stephen Bruton, he’s just a legend of a guy,” Bingham says. “He played guitar with Bonnie Raitt and all kinds of folks. And I really got to know him well and really loved and appreciated him. He had cancer at the time [when we recorded ‘The Weary Kind’] and ended up passing away shortly after that. But pretty big Fort Worth legend there.”

“It didn’t take long to figure out that the guitar felt a lot better in my hand than the shovel did.”

The Cowboy Taylor Sheridan, writer, director, owner of the Four Sixes Ranch, and creator of “Yellowstone” and other shows you likely enjoy on Paramount+, famously has his actors go through a “Cowboy Camp.” Here, Hollywood city slickers receive a crash course in horseback riding, roping, and the daily rhythms of ranch life. Ryan Bingham, who played the crooning Walker in “Yellowstone,” didn’t have to attend this camp. Which can only mean one thing: He already knew how to cowboy. In fact, it’s kind of what got him the job. Through his agent, Jack Wigham, Bingham would meet Sheridan while the famous showrunner was directing his first movie, “Wind River.” According to Bingham, Sheridan was looking for a couple songs for the film, and though he was unable to pen anything that fit the film, the two remained friends and kept in

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touch. Once “Yellowstone” arrived, Sheridan again reached out looking for some original songs for the show. Through a backand-forth exchange, Sheridan learned that Bingham used to rodeo and even did some ranching. “So, he’s like, ‘Well, f***, we got to get you in here.’” Bingham did have a couple of scenes in “Crazy Heart,” sharing the screen admirably with Jeff Bridges — who happened to be delivering an Oscar-winning performance. But, despite his resume, Sheridan took the approach, “Well, if you’re not good, we’ll just kill your character off in the first season.” Bingham’s character would last till the end. I ask Bingham his thoughts on “Yellowstone” and perhaps being best known for playing Walker, a drifter and ex-convict who happens to be musically inclined. “It’s f****** weird,” he says. “To a lot of people, I’m not even a musician; I’m just an actor that played some music in the show.” “But you are pretty good at acting. You might’ve had me fooled,” I contend. “Well, I appreciate that. That’s very kind of you. I definitely have to be the most hesitant and reluctant actor out there who manages to have a speaking role. But I do really enjoy it. It’s like a whole other form of artistic expression, and I love the storytelling and learning about the characters and how they’ve evolved.” The role of Walker, also, wasn’t too much of a stretch for Bingham. While Bingham isn’t an ex-convict, his vagabond nature and knack for ranching made him an easy fit for the role. Unlike your average starlet — but not unlike your average Texas good ol’ boy, Bingham grew up cowboying. Bingham was born March 31, 1981 in Hobbs, New Mexico, where his family owned a ranch near the Texas/New Mexico border. Though, by the time he was born, they had sold the ranch and, according to Bingham, “everybody went to work in the oil fields — my granddad and my dad and all my uncles.” And when Bingham was 5, his family would move to Bakersfield, California. The family would then bounce between Midland and Odessa for several years. “My dad, I think, was struggling back then,” Bingham says. “He was just having a hard time finding work. [My parents] were really sweet people, beautiful souls. And then they struggled a lot as I got older with addiction stuff and holding jobs. They split up, and it got pretty crazy there for a while. I was out of the house by 16, mostly staying with friends. I found a lot of family and support just within friends that I had.” Despite his nomadic upbringing, Bingham’s reverence for his professional bull-riding uncle ensured he took the rodeo lifestyle with him wherever he went. West Texas is where he began competing in junior rodeo and riding steers. “My uncle was my [rodeo] coach,” Bingham says. “And my family ranched, and my granddad and dad and uncles were all cowboys. So, I grew up idolizing those guys, and that

was all I ever wanted to be. “Then I got to riding bulls, and I started winning.” In fact, he was winning a lot, owing his success at bull riding to being “out of [his] f****** mind.” “You’ve got to be crazy to do this. It’s like driving down the road at 90 miles an hour and throwing the steering wheel out the window crazy.” One particularly relevant victory came when a 12-year-old Bingham competed in a rodeo in Stephenville. In attendance was Tarleton State University rodeo coach Bob Doty, who approached Bingham after the rodeo, already offering the youngster to ride bulls at Tarleton State once out of high school. Doty would remember his promise, and Bingham received a scholarship to join the rodeo team, though he admits to mostly electing to attend because he great-grandmother lived in the area. And though he’d stick to his promise, hanging on in college for at least a couple of years and riding bulls for the Texans, perhaps the most impactful thing that happened in Stephenville is Bingham began playing the guitar with a lot more frequency. The rest is history.

“All of a sudden I’m with T Bone Burnett and these acclaimed musicians — the best musicians in the world. And they’re looking at me asking me what to do. I’m like, ‘F***, I don’t know.’”

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Perhaps one can call it the quiet after the storm, but in Bingham’s case, his experiences — wandering and unconventional — have morphed into qualities that have made him the reflective and grounded person he is today. Bingham’s now in Dallas full time — I’d say we could forgive him — living with his wife, Hassie Harrison, who was recently cast in the new season of “Baywatch.” While the two initially met on the set of “Yellowstone,” their romance didn’t begin until a few years later, when they bumped into one another at a Dallas charity event. He also remains a present father to his three kids, sharing parenting duties with his first wife, Anna Axster. He notes that his relationship with his children and Harrison had a major influence on his latest album — the first he’s released since marrying Harrison. And he’ll be playing these new songs a whole lot this summer as he tours behind They Call Us the Lucky Ones with the Texas Gentlemen. Speaking with Dan Creamer of the Texas Gentlemen, I ask what I thought at the time to be a silly and cringe-worthy question — the kind I’d play over in my head for the next couple hours. Asking about Ryan’s personality, I let slip that I’d never met someone so effortlessly cool and wound up wondering if he felt the same way. In hindsight, it did coax a response that hit the nail on the head. “I totally agree that he’s cool as hell,” Creamer said. “I mean, he’s a great guy to hang out with and he’s just very uncomplicated, and I think he is who he is here, there, and everywhere. It’s a great energy to follow because that’s what we all strive for.”

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

Catalogue Cowgirls Western influencers drive rodeo sellouts, expand industry visibility, and make the West scrollable — but walking in high-heeled boots isn’t easy, and neither is redefining cowboy tradition. By Kenzie Johnson Photos by Olaf Growald

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

f one more spectator shimmies their way up the concrete steps of the Cowtown Coliseum, the enduring concourse might just give out.

The stands are crammed tight, cowboy hats bumping brim to brim. And below, on the dirt, broncs twist in chutes and calves wait, corralled in holding pens. The arena is packed, the beer is flowing, and the atmosphere is electric; it’s just your typical Saturday night rodeo in the Stockyards. My eyes bounce between the toddlers balanced on the shoulders of parents to my left, the beer-handed adults to my right, and the bucking madness unraveling below before landing on the small cluster of impeccably dressed young women near the arena’s edge. And I’m not the sole person to notice. They wear jean jackets adorned with scrappy pieces of leathered fringe, ostrich-leather cowboy boots that reach about knee-high, and turquoise-studded jewelry stacked on nearly every finger and wrist. Their straight smiles are wide beneath brightly colored felt hats, resting atop cascading waves of hair like a crown. They’re part of a growing class of Western influencers, and they’re a big reason my perch in the sold-out stands is something akin to a cramped middle seat on a full economy flight.

Boots on the Ground It’s not that I’ve never been intimidated before. It’s rather that I’ve never been so daunted by an inanimate object that belongs on the bottom of my feet. The boots are displayed on the top shelf of a Western outfitting booth at the Will Rogers Memorial Center for one of its many horse shows, alongside a small shoeshine station, mobile racks of jeans and button-ups, and footwear out the wazoo. The particular pair I’m eyeballing is wedged between a few ankle-length, cowhide boots, and in comparison, eclipses them with its tall shaft and white-leather tooling. They are striking — the kind of footwear that can command a room — though I also wonder how someone could even move in the high-heeled getups. Several months later, while attending an event in the Stockyards, I see a similar pair of boots — but this time, they’re attached to the legs of a blonde-haired and blue-eyed woman. And when she bounds across the room to introduce herself, I notice she moves with a controlled grace that allays my previous concern. These boots were, in fact, made for walking. We spark up a conversation, and I soon ask, “So, you’re something of a Western influencer, right?” She smiles, tucks one of those heeled boots behind the other, and replies, “I sure am.” Her name is Morgan Nicole Richters, and she’s amassed over 127,000 followers on Instagram and 162,000 on TikTok. In other words, Richters has something comparable to the entire city of Waco tuning into anything she wishes to share — which turns out

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

to be an ideal canvas for marketing. She tells me she provides digital assets for Western brands and does spokesperson-type work through social media content, serving as a “walking and talking advertisement.” Her weeks are filled with photo shoots, publicity events, and meetings to properly promote the companies, and most importantly, the industry she represents. And Richters is far from the only Western brand liaison out there these days. The modern cowgirl helping shape how the Western industry is seen and sold can take on many forms — whether she’s swung a leg over a horse or not. And rather than pulling focus from the competitors decked in back numbers and cashing entry fees on the arena floor, these content creators often place them in front of the masses, packaging the lifestyle in a way that reaches even the most nontraditional fans. However unconventional it may seem, there’s no denying the role they’ve played in expanding the Western world’s visibility. For the first time since the ’80s surrounding the “Urban Cowboy” craze, the rodeo world has never been bigger across all avenues of contenders, spectators, and representatives. Though it’s long been a fixture in Fort Worth, folks quickly began testing out the weight of a cowboy hat in their hands everywhere, in part due to the rise of Taylor Sheridan’s universe of Western drama series — “‘The Yellowstone’ effect,” they call it — and in part because of women like Morgan Nicole. Once the fashion industry caught wind of the trend, movie star cowboys found themselves stepping aside to let another group shoulder some of the weight, and recognition, for rodeo ticket sellouts. With cowboy hats and statement belts showing up on Vogue cover models, young women already dressed in denim and turquoise latched onto the rope thrown out by the latest style movement. They soon operated as Western influencers, raking in thousands of followers by sharing their rodeo visits, outfits, and everyday escapades on their social feeds, driving new and curious eyes to the cowboy lifestyle. And with this surge in digital followers comes a greater responsibility. They’re representing a Western sports and lifestyle industry long carried on the backs of grizzled cowboys and promoting it to an audience that doesn’t know a chute gate from a corral fence — and these influencers often aren’t participants in the sport themselves. It’s an incredibly fine line, attending and promoting Western events and brands without placing a pointy-toed boot on the arena floor. Their job is to bridge the gap between followers who play an active part in the cowboy sector and those who do not, and it’s typically best done from the middle ground. It’s early in our short conversation that I ask Morgan Nicole Richters if she’d be interested in participating in a feature we’re doing on Western influencers. She enthusiastically agrees, slips me her number, and we say our goodbyes. I then realize it’s not the boots that command rooms, it’s the girls who wear them with such ease.

The Brand Hand Morgan Nicole Richters, @__morgannicole You can’t see the concrete floors of Morgan Nicole Richters’ home. I know they’re there, but solid ground is buried under leathered magenta and crimson. This is the second time I’m seeing Richters in person, but now I’m meeting her from across nearly 200 pairs of boots spanning the width of her front door to her open-concept kitchen — all for the sake of this photo shoot, by the way. She’s submerged in neatly lined boots spilling over ottomans and her couch when I ask if any of these assets are insured — the gifted boots were pulled from a storage unit and carry quite the estimated value. So far, they’ve trekked across the grounds of grassy musical festivals and sandy arena floors, but Richters’ boots don’t often slip into the weathered stirrups of a saddle.

That’s not to say she hasn’t always been surrounded by Western culture. Raised in the DFW metroplex, she grew up hunting, fishing, and attending the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo — she just didn’t compete in the world for which she now represents. And she doesn’t hide that. “I wear the cowboy hat because it’s as close as I can get,” she says. “I’m very honest about not growing up on horseback and in a cowboy-cowgirl family. People sometimes think it’s crazy that I’m representing all of this, but I take a humble approach to it.” Perhaps that approach has helped the young entrepreneur quietly build a large social following, a Western wedding gown line with Birdie Bridal, a handbag and belt collection with Heritage Brand, and involvement with Bosque Ranch’s marketing team.

But her story didn’t begin there. It started in the Stockyards while she was studying at Texas Christian University when a businessman approached her to do promo work for his pop-up jerky stand. One year later, she reached 100,000 followers on TikTok and, after graduating in 2024, became a full-time brand hand for the Western industry. By 2026, she had five Morgan Nicole collections in the works, including three new Birdie Bridal volumes and more than 30 dresses. “There’s a lot of industry reputation on the line with what we’re doing,” Richters says. “There are people like me who have been near this world but didn’t grow up in it, and there’s also a whole new wave and generation — we need both to keep the Western way alive.”

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

The Wearer of Many Hats Shelby Mayfield, @shelby.mayfield “What are you wearing?” The question, posed by a fellow traveler at LAX, is aimed at Shelby Mayfield, who has three felt hats stacked on the crown of her head. It might sound strange, but she’s accustomed to the query, as most don’t know the risks associated with stowing priceless hats away in luggage, and even less know that answering this question is exactly what Mayfield does for a living. As an influencer who collaborates with many non-Westerncentric brands, like Beyoncé’s whiskey, SirDavis, she routinely introduces a different audience to a lifestyle of which she’s long been a part. Growing up the daughter of Sylvester Mayfield, the first Black cowboy to make the National Finals Rodeo in tie-down roping, and sister to Shad Mayfield, another NFR world champion tie-down roper, Shelby had to tip her hat down low at times to cut her own track in the industry. “It’s less of Shad’s sister or Sylvester’s daughter now,” Shelby says. “I’ve always wanted to be Shelby and find my own lane.” Despite growing up competing in every rodeo event available to her, upon graduating from Texas Tech in 2020, she viewed herself more as a corporate cowgirl than anything else — steering through the post-pandemic job market in the metroplex before discovering the thing she wanted to do all along was already sitting in her closet. “When I came back to Fort Worth, I had changed a lot in a sense that I didn’t care anymore what people think,” she says. “You often want to look a certain way and act a certain way. But now that [the Western industry] has all these new eyes, this is my opportunity to help myself and the industry’s growth by not being what everybody wants me to be.” Shelby’s on the streets of LA while we chat and admits to seeing at least five people wearing cowboy boots in the span of 15 minutes. While it might very well be a trend, Shelby’s in it for the long haul, and her fashion doesn’t change depending on her environment, donning a cowboy hat to fashion week and sporting concho belts when in New York. “I’m also usually one of the only Black women in a lot of these rooms that I walk into,” Shelby says. “But by being myself — wearing my denim and boots — that’s really half the battle, proving that you don’t have to appease people to be a part of it.”

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

The Steel-Toed Successor Kenzie, @theasphaltcowgirl The smell of hot asphalt is unmistakable. Heated petroleum and rock give off a heavy, smoke-like odor that clings to clothing and settles into the lungs. Part of the intensity comes from the sweltering temperature the plant’s machinery operates under, amplified by conveyor belts transporting debris and drum mixers batching up rubble. The other comes from the protective layers Kenzie must wear to keep her skin from burning. At this after-hours plant visit, however, Kenzie is dressed for fashion rather than utility. Her maroon felt cowboy hat rests above her brows, and her blue jeans are stylishly frayed and ripped. “You’re not normally dressed like this at the plant,” I joke, gesturing to the bit of dust that’s now smudged on the bottom of her pant leg. Kenzie, an asphalt quality technician and mix design specialist, shakes her head — this isn’t the typical location for any of her photo shoots. Posting under the handle The Asphalt Cowgirl, Kenzie gained recognition for tall-booted, jean-jacketed outfits worn on weekends and the raw attire of her day job slinging this bitumen mix. “I believe in proving people wrong,” Kenzie says. “The best way to show someone you can do something is through your actions — proving you can do your job, and maybe even do it better.” While she doesn’t resemble the traditional blue-collar employee, the work runs in her blood. Passed down from her father, she was born in steel-toed boots. But she’s a woman, and you don’t often find the likes of her in such a trade. Initially employed at a coffee shop in her home state of Oregon, her dad brought up a job opening at an asphalt plant in Fort Worth, where her parents had recently taken up residence. “Dad, you know I’m a barista, right?” she replied, stunned by the ridiculous proposition. Unfazed, he again pushed her to apply. This time, she agreed. Upon moving to Texas, her closet, now brimming with pieces from the Western brands she’d long admired, stood apart from those of her new coworkers. “I feel like I’ve never just fit into one box,” Kenzie says. “I love that I’m able to express my feminine side at a festival or rodeo and also encourage other women to work in a trade like mine. It’s two very different sides of me, but they’re both me.”

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

The Opportunist Emily Gleason, @the.camo.cowgirl Emily Gleason’s rifle sticks out from the deer stand, aimed at a buck she’s been tracking all season. Solo hunting this November morning, her chilled fingers brush the trigger as she zeros in on the unsuspecting target. She drops the deer in a perfect shot, but a coyote eagerly swoops in on the breakfast that’s just fallen into its lap. Gleason hurriedly re-racks her gun, crams another shell in, and lines up for another shot. Again, she doesn’t miss. Staring at her well-earned harvest, she labels the coyote a gutsy, ruthless opportunist — and admires him for it. After all, the opportunities Gleason’s been given in this industry didn’t come without guts either. As a hunter, she’s been questioned several times whether she has the strength to pull back the crossbow slung across her braided blonde hair and has been

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

ribbed on wearing makeup to the deer stand even more. But she doesn’t mind, considering it’s given her an online platform. Content creation isn’t Gleason’s only job — also working as a social media strategist for a Western boutique — but she treats it like a full-time franchise, posting her love for the outdoors and the Western lifestyle and how its practicalities, such as wearing camo out in the field, transfer over to her fashion sense. While her neutral-colored outfits might vanish in a wooded area, they hardly fade into the backdrop of the Stockyards. “It’s definitely created competition for the hunting apparel industry,” Gleason says. “Hunting brands often have limited stock for what women need, and they had to start creating more variety for camo once mainstream brands started outfitting it. It’s good

pressure.” With her hunting bib fitting a little less baggy these days, she began looking for other corners of the industry where she could make an impact. She found one last year when discussion emerged concerning 3 million acres of nearby public land being sold to private developers. Though Gleason didn’t have a direct line to any senator, she did have a social media following. “I figured why would I not advocate for things like that on my platform?” Gleason says, telling me the bill was successfully squashed. “I’ve been given a voice and a means just for those things.” With Gleason’s camo-heavy getup becoming increasingly rodeo-appropriate, she fully embraces the rise of both lifestyles — perhaps because she once had to fight for her place in them.

The Drifter Jordyn Pradera, @jordyn_a_pradogy Between her wallet and her fuel tank, it’s a tossup which was emptier. Jordyn Pradera didn’t have a plan when she left Wyoming, the only home she’d known for the last 19 years; she only knew she’s heading 1,000 miles eastward and, with $500 on her debit card, leaving her home state behind. Pradera knew she’d miss home — it wasn’t like she was running away. But she always said she’d end up in Texas, and things lined up after the COVID pandemic when she forwent college and took a job at a cutting horse barn in North Texas. “That girl was never scared — just determined,” Pradera says. “I felt like going home would be a failure. Whatever I had to do to get to and keep myself in Texas was what I was doing.” Tenacious in finding where she belonged, she moved through jobs and ZIP codes before landing in Stephenville in social media and marketing. There was also something about her long black hair, Western grunge style, and scrappy edge that resonated with people and translated naturally to social media, giving her a platform to speak about who she is and where she came from — even if it meant stepping away from the hands-on cowboy-

ing nature of her upbringing. Pradera, raised near her grandparents’ ranch operation where every person and horse on the property had a job to do — the grit and grind side of the Western industry — had to adjust to being involved in its glamorous side. And though she loved Western fashion, stepping away from cowboying was a culture shock — but it’s given her a new perspective of what it means to be tough. “I have met so many incredibly strong women that I would absolutely be like, ‘That’s a cowgirl, whether she rides a horse or not.’ I mean, look at me,” Pradera says, pointing to the ink etched across the sleeve of her arm, “Do I look like your typical cowgirl?” I’m unsure how to respond. While Pradera’s baggy outfit looks like it could have been plucked off a city street, the scarf around her neck wouldn’t belong anywhere but on the back of a horse in mountainous Wyoming. Pradera spares me. “Maybe not,” she says, “but she’s got grit, she’s not going to stop, and she’s going to get there. That’s the real essence of the cowgirl — embodying toughness even though we’re in a man’s world. We’re just prettier.”

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

Howdy, World Cup! 58

JUNE 2026 | fwtx.com

With a substantial chunk of soccer’s biggest event set to unfold in Arlington — ahem, not Dallas — we get to know the teams set to take the pitch in Tarrant County so we can make them feel right at home.

BY SHILO URBAN DESIGN BY LAUREN DEITZER

Welcome World Cup Fans with a Big Fort Worth Howdy

World Cup Game Schedule at Dallas (AT&T) STADIUM GROUP STAGE:

June 14 at 3 p.m.

Netherlands vs. Japan

June 17 at 3 p.m.

England vs. Croatia

June 22 at 12 p.m.

Argentina vs. Austria

June 25 at 6 wp.m.

Japan vs. Sweden

June 27 at 9 p.m.

Jordan vs. Argentina

KNOCKOUT ROUNDS – TEAMS TBD:

June 30 at 12 p.m.

First Knockout Round

July 3 at 1 p.m.

First Knockout Round

July 6 at 2 p.m.

Second Knockout Round

SEMIFINAL – TEAMS TBD: When soccer fans from across the globe arrive in Fort Worth this month for the World Cup, they’ll find a city that’s famous for its friendliness — and we’ll have a chance to meet travelers from very different cultures than our own. No one needs to teach Texans how to make people feel welcome, but learning a little bit about their countries and customs can go a long way. Even knowing one word in a fan’s language can make a difference. It’s not about perfect pronunciation; it’s about showing you made an effort — and seeing the smiles on their faces when you say “Hup Holland!” or “Vamos Argentina!” Eight teams will play at “Dallas” Stadium (aka AT&T Stadium) during the Group Stage: Argentina, Austria, Croatia, England, Japan, Jordan, the Netherlands, and Sweden. All their fans will be here in full force. Get ready to roll out the welcome mat and give them a big Fort Worth howdy.

July 14 at 2 p.m.

Semifinal

USA Team Schedule THE AMERICANS ARE IN GROUP D WITH PARAGUAY, AUSTRALIA, AND TURKEY:

June 12 at 8 p.m.

USA vs. Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium

June 19 at 2 p.m.

USA vs. Australia at Seattle Stadium

June 25 at 9 p.m.

USA vs. Turkey at Los Angeles Stadium

How the World Cup Tournament Works GROUP STAGE: 48 teams are divided into 12 groups (Group A-L) with 4 teams each

Top 2 teams in each group + 8 best thirdplace teams advance (32 total)

SECOND KNOCKOUT ROUND: Win or go home (16 teams advance)

Quarterfinals Semifinals (including one in Arlington) Finals

fwtx.com | JUNE 2026

Argentina

Austria

TEAM

A global soccer powerhouse and one of the top-ranked teams, Argentina has won three World Cups — including the most recent, in 2022. The reigning champs are captained by superstar Lionel Messi, widely considered the best soccer player ever. Soccer is the core of Argentina’s national identity, and the fans are among the loudest and most passionate on the planet.

Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Austria is a dark horse in this year’s competition — not a favorite, but with growing momentum and definitely capable of surprising bigger teams.

Nickname

La Albiceleste

Colors

Sky blue and white

Star Players

Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martínez, Julián Álvarez

Chant

Vamos, Vamos Argentina! Olé Olé Olé! (Let’s Go Argentina!)

Soccer Archrival

Brazil

Very loud.

Toast

Salud! Gently tap glasses and look others in the eye.

• Bond over beef, a key element of Argentina’s culture (especially asado, or grilled beef). Take them to your favorite local steakhouse. • But maybe have an afternoon snack … Argentinians usually eat dinner at 9 or 10 p.m. • Don’t rush through dinner or conversations, which are loud and lively. • Argentina has a strong gaucho (cowboy) heritage, and they’ll feel right at home in the Stockyards. Bonus for late-night dancing at Billy Bob’s. • Never make a prediction about game scores or goals; Argentinians tend to be superstitious. • Remember: Argentinians are also Americans (South Americans).

Pro Tips

Handshake at first meeting, then a cheek-tocheek air-kiss upon greetings and goodbyes, regardless of gender, age, or social standing. 30-45 minutes late is expected and considered polite.

Noise Comfort

Österreich! Österreich! (Austria! Austria!)

Soccer Archrival

Germany

Austrians are well-behaved and even a bit formal, prizing punctuality, efficiency, and order. Direct but polite, they value social etiquette such as table manners and regard for personal space.

Warm and expressive, affectionate Argentinians value family time and a vibrant social life — with plenty of late nights, boisterous conversations, and carpe-diem confidence.

Very close, lots of contact.

David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautović

Chant

CULTURE

Physical Proximity

Red and white

Star Players

Lots of lager-drinking and chatting in a fun, friendly crowd. Slightly reserved at first, Austrians warm up quickly with organized chanting and singing (and with the help of those beers).

Argentina’s fans sing nonstop throughout the entire game and create a wild, chaotic atmosphere. They jump in unison, chant, hoist flags, wave scarves, beat drums, climb railings, and revel in intense emotional outbursts. Prepare to be hugged by strangers.

Punctuality

Das Team

Colors

FAN SCENE

Greeting

Nickname

Greeting

Firm handshake with everyone in the group.

Punctuality

Very important; a few minutes late is impolite.

Physical Proximity

Moderate (same as USA).

Noise Comfort

Fairly quiet.

Toast

Prost! Clinking glasses is expected; so is direct eye contact with everyone you toast.

• Skip the over-enthusiastic greeting. A sincere, warm welcome will go over much better. • Set a clear plan and schedule if you’re meeting up, and be sure to arrive on time. • Don’t make idle promises like “let’s do this again sometime” if you don’t mean it; Austrians will take what you say at face value. • Austrians, perhaps more than other nationality, appreciate a little knowledge about their culture and history, which includes Mozart, the Alps, Vienna’s coffeehouses, and the Habsburg Empire. • Most of all, don’t confuse Austrians with Germans. They may speak the German language, but they’re very proud to be Austrian.

Language

Spanish

Language

Austrian German

Hello

Hola.

Hello

Gruss gott

Thank you

Gracias.

Thank you

Danke

Welcome

Bienvenidos a Fort Worth!

Welcome

Willkommen in Fort Worth.

JUNE 2026 | fwtx.com

Croatia

England

TEAM

Croatia finished third at the 2022 World Cup, which they’re rightfully proud of. They’re a serious contender this year — a dangerous knockout team that outperforms expectations. A small nation of just 4 million people, Croatia consistently punches above its weight on the soccer pitch.

A highly ranked team with its eye on the prize, England is a legit contender for a World Cup win — but can they pull it off? The talent-stacked team has elite players, a massive fanbase, and high expectations … yet they haven’t won a championship in decades. Dallas Cowboys fans can relate.

Nickname

Vatreni (The Blazers)

Nickname

The Three Lions

Colors

Red-and-white checkerboard

Colors

Red and white

Star Players

Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Joško Gvardiol

Star Players

Chant

“Hrvatska! Hrvatska!” (Croatia! Croatia!)

Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka

Soccer Archrival

Serbia

Chant

It’s Coming Home!

Soccer Archrival

Germany

FAN SCENE

Croatian fans have a huge presence and love to shoot off the occasional flare or smoke canister — but at “Dallas” Stadium, they’ll probably have to stick to coordinated drumming, singing, clapping, chanting, jumping, and beer showers after a goal.

Expect the Brits to show up in numbers. English fans travel in large groups, and the party starts at the pub long before game time. Watch for St. George’s flags everywhere (including painted on faces) and a loud, boozy crowd. Bonus points for spotting a fan dressed as a knight in shining armor.

CULTURE

Greeting

Firm handshake.

Punctuality

10-15 minutes late is normal.

Physical Proximity

Moderate-close.

Noise Comfort

Loud.

Toast

Živjeli! (ZHEE-vyeh-lee!). Make eye contact and clink your glasses.

• Offer Croatians coffee, an essential if they’re visiting your house. Rakija (fruit brandy) will also be appreciated. • Croatians thrive in high-energy crowds and will happily stretch a meal into a multi-hour social event. • Many Croatian fans love pyrotechnics. If you have a safe place to light fireworks, a trip to the fireworks stand might win you friends for life (stands open June 24). • Avoid lumping in Croatia with Central Europe, the Balkans, or the Mediterranean. While Croatia is a part of these regions, it’s very much its own thing (kind of like Texas). • Don’t mention the Balkan wars of the ’90s. Just don’t.

The English might be reserved, especially compared to their extroverted American cousins, but they are certainly not cold. Ever polite, they appreciate self-deprecation, dry humor, and keeping a stiff upper lip.

Pro Tips

Resilient Croatians have intense pride in their nation, from its folklore and food to its rich artistic history — and especially its hard-forged independence. This confidence comes through in their stylish clothing, straightforward speech, and deep-rooted sense of identity. They love a spectacle and bring the party with them wherever they go.

Greeting

Firm handshake.

Punctuality

On time or slightly early.

Physical Proximity

Larger than arm’s length.

Noise Comfort

Quite loud socially.

Toast

Cheers! with a raised glass. Clinking is casual, and eye contact isn’t required.

• Don’t come in too loud or overly enthusiastic right away. • Offer tea and coffee — they probably won’t ask. • Bond over your dislike of Harry and Megan. • When in doubt, take them to an unpretentious pub for casual conversation and atmosphere. • The English value thriftiness, so don’t flash your money around when tipping or paying for meals. Talking about money and status is a bit tacky to a Brit. • Remember: England is a separate nation and soccer entity. Great Britain is the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales; the United Kingdom (UK) is a sovereign state that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Language

Croatian

Language

English

Hello

Dobar dan

Hello

Thank you

Hvala

Thank you

Cheers, mate

Welcome

Dobrodošli u Fort Worth!

Welcome

Welcome to Fort Worth.

fwtx.com | JUNE 2026

Japan

Jordan

TEAM

Japan is fielding its best team ever at the 2026 World Cup, a fast, technical squad with incredible discipline that’s chasing that breakthrough moment. They might not be favorites, but they are definitely not to be slept on.

This is Jordan’s debut at the World Cup, and they’re on an upward trajectory — beating stronger teams to reach the recent Asian Cup finals (which means they’re one of the two best teams in Asia). Known for high-energy counterattacks, the team’s momentum and underdog mentality make them a serious threat.

Nickname

Samurai Blue

Colors

Deep blue

Star Players

Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo, Ritsu Doan

Chant

Nippon! (Japan!)

Soccer Archrival

South Korea

Nickname

Al-Nashama (The Chivalrous Ones)

Colors

Red, white, black, and green

Star Players

Musa Al-Taamari, Yazan Al-Arab, Ali Olwan

Chant

Yalla Jordan! (Let’s go, Jordan!)

Soccer Archrival

Saudi Arabia

Japanese fans are orderly and respectful — and famous for staying after games to clean up the stadium, whether they win or lose. But underneath the discipline and unity lies a quiet intensity and moments of explosive pride. Watch for fans in cosplay to punctuate the crowd with samurai outfits and Kabuki-inspired looks.

FAN SCENE

CULTURE

Social harmony is essential in this polite, patient, and modest culture that esteems seniority and tradition. Consideration for others is key. Japanese people admire restraint and like doing things properly and beautifully.

Hospitality is huge in Jordan. Guests are honored and warmly welcomed, and relationships come before schedules and productivity. While Jordan is one of the more moderate Muslim countries, the religion still shapes social behavior and daily life.

Greeting

Slight bow or polite nod.

Punctuality

Extreme; exact timing is critical.

Physical Proximity

Larger than USA.

Noise Comfort

Very quiet.

Toast

Kanpai! Wait for the toast before you take a sip. Light clinking is OK, and if you’re toasting with someone senior, hold your glass slightly lower. And never pour your own drink.

• Keep your cool. Showing anger or irritation is a sign of immaturity, poor self- control, and disrespect for the group. • American friendliness can feel overly familiar to the Japanese; quiet and calm will get you farther than loud and energetic. • In Japan, tipping is discouraged, and they are likely to be confused by the U.S. system. Give them a quick, low-key heads up before the moment arrives (but certainly don’t make a big deal of it). • Japanese people may avoid saying “no” directly, so watch for subtle cues and read between the lines. “I’ll consider it” probably means “no.”

Jordan’s supporters don’t just see themselves as fans, but also as representatives of their nation’s honor. You’ll hear call-and-response chants and steady drumming, and see tons of flags, including massive flags stretched over the crowd.

Pro Tips

FAN SCENE

Greeting

Men shake hands, women smile and say “marhaba.” For mixed-sex meetings, follow the Jordanian’s lead.

Punctuality

Flexible, especially socially.

Physical Proximity

Close for members of the same sex.

Noise Comfort

Moderate.

Toast

Sahtein! Many people from this Muslimmajority country don’t drink alcohol, so toasts are often done with tea, coffee, or juice. Clinking glasses and making eye contact aren’t standard.

• Always offer a drink (water, tea, or coffee) right away. • Many Jordanians observe halal diets, so be careful about serving pork. • PDAs may make them uncomfortable, even hugs between married couples. • Bread is sacred to Jordanians, who treat it with respect and never throw it away. Leaving behind half a roll on your bread plate reads poorly. • Never hand something to a Jordanian or accept something with your left hand, which is considered unclean.

• Voice your appreciation of their sportsmanship and respectful, tidy fanbase.

Language

Japanese

Language

Arabic

Hello

Konnichiwa

Hello

Marhaba

Thank you

Arigatō

Thank you

Shukran

Welcome

Fōtowāsu e yōkoso.

Welcome

Ahlan wa sahlan fi Fort Worth!

JUNE 2026 | fwtx.com

The Netherlands

Sweden TEAM Sweden earned its World Cup spot the hard way: failing to qualify in the traditional group stage but winning a second chance in a wild card-style playoff. They finished third in the last World Cup in the U.S. (1994) and are hoping the Americans will bring them luck again.

TEAM Always the bridesmaid, never the bride: the Dutch are historically one of the best teams ever without a World Cup title. A lurking heavyweight, they’re a serious contender, thanks to their efficiency, flexibility, and midfield control.

Blågult (The Blue and Yellow)

Colors

Blue and yellow

Star Players

Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Dejan Kulusevski

Nickname

Oranje

Colors

Orange

Star Players

Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo

Chant

Sverige! Sverige! (Sweden! Sweden!)

Chant

Hup Holland Hup! Go Holland Go!

Soccer Archrival

Germany

Soccer Archrival

Denmark

FAN SCENE

More coordinated than chaotic, Swedish fans punctuate their cool and collected demeanor with loud eruptions of chanting, clapping, and synchronized passion. Expect a welcoming, family-like vibe and the occasional Viking helmet.

The “Orange Army” fills the stands with an ocean of orange, leaning hard into costumes, capes, feather boas, inflatables, and crazy hats to create a carnival-style atmosphere. The playful crowd never stops bouncing — except to sway side-to-side in sync while singing “Naar links! Naar rechts!” (“To the left! To the right!”) at the top of their lungs. When the Dutch score, expect the beer to fly.

CULTURE Moderation and equality are highly valued by the Swedes, who are known for being reserved and respectful — which might seem a bit introverted to gregarious Americans. They possess a unique blend of fierce individualism with a strong cultural emphasis on conformity and social norms.

CULTURE The Dutch are renowned for their egalitarianism, tolerance, and blunt communication style that favors honesty over politeness. Casual and convivial, they love planning ahead.

Greeting

Handshake.

Greeting

Firm, swift handshake.

Punctuality

Extremely punctual; arrive right on time.

Punctuality

Very punctual, arrive on time.

Physical Proximity

A bit larger than Americans.

Physical Proximity

Moderate-larger.

Noise Comfort

Quiet

Noise Comfort

Moderate.

Toast

Proost! Eye contact is non-negotiable, and firm, casual clinking is the norm.

Skål!! Make eye contact, take a sip, then make eye contact again, with light or no clinking.

• Keep things low-fuss — no helicopter hosting. Think: self-serve, relaxed, and always communal. • Wear orange (even a little bit), and you’ll win them over. • The social, outgoing Dutch will enjoy festive group gatherings in beerfriendly spaces: Hello, Stockyards! • The Dutch are BIG on bicycles, so tell them about Fort Worth’s bike rental stations and trails. • Although “Holland” and “the Netherlands” are often used interchangeably, they aren’t the same thing: Holland refers to two of the 12 provinces in the country of the Netherlands.

Language

Dutch (but don’t worry, they all speak English)

Hello

Hallo or Goedendag

Thank you

Dank je

Welcome

Welkom in Fort Worth!

Pro Tips

Nickname

• Swedes are comfortable in silence, so don’t feel like you need to fill every moment with banter. • They also have a profound appreciation for nature; recommend a visit to Trinity Park or the Botanic Garden. • Snus is very popular in Sweden, so bust out that round container in your jeans’ back pocket and offer them a little tobacco. • Fika, a coffee break with sweets and socializing, is integral to Swedish culture and usually happens twice a day. Filtered coffee is their fav. • Swedes are Scandinavian but don’t lump them in with Norwegians or Danes; each is a distinct and proud nation.

Language

Swedish

Hello

Hej

Thank you

Tack

Welcome

Välkomna till Fort Worth.

fwtx.com | JUNE 2026

THE INFORMER by Brian Kendall

Location. Location. Location. How to choose the right neighborhood in Fort Worth when buying a home

recently had an opportunity to move and, largely motivated by economic practicality, was giving it a lot of consideration. The home was cheaper, but it was also newer, bigger, and, dare I say, objectively nicer. On the surface, it would appear I had a talent for ignoring rational decisions if I didn’t immediately pack my belongings, declare it my new domicile, and fork up $10 to change my address on my driver’s license. But the neighborhood, which will remain unnamed, wasn’t quite jiving with me. Though all the homes were nice — I’d be within earshot of a grocery store, Starbucks, and a few restaurants — and the school district was an improvement, the area simply wasn’t aligning with my preferences and personality. So, its drawbacks became more apparent — it would’ve added 20 minutes to my total commute, wasn’t near my normal hangouts, the neighborhood’s aesthetics weren’t my taste, and the school district chatter was a moot point since I don’t have any kids. In the end, the smaller payment and larger space couldn’t outweigh the reality that I’d be sacrificing too much of what I enjoy day to day. The home would no doubt be a little slice of heaven for the right young family. But, for me, it would’ve been a years-long sentence to purgatory. And, with that, I learned a valuable lesson. The following assertion might be cliché, but I hope you’ll humor me despite this. Whether buying, investing, renting, or flipping a home, condo, or piece of property, there are three things that matter most: loca-

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

tion, location, location. While I’m not suggesting one ignore a home’s crumbling foundation, insufficient square footage, or termite infestation, I am proclaiming the most important factor in choosing one’s ideal living space is where it’s situated over its design or condition. Just ask any of the hundreds of Realtors listed on the following pages, and they’ll likely tell you something similar. And one’s optimal location is entirely subjective. While some might see a 100-year-old bungalow in Fairmount in desperate need of a new roof and kitchen remodel as a potential money pit and stress factory, others could see it as a worthwhile project in a vibrant and walkable neighborhood. The area of town in which one chooses to live will shape their daily routine, commute, social life, property value, and even how one feels when pulling into the driveway after a long day. And, since we live in a wellestablished city that happens to be one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Greater Fort Worth has no shortage of neighborhoods to offer new and existing residents. Whether one wants to stake their claim in a historic district, family-oriented suburb, urban redevelopment, or a quieter rural community, Tarrant County offers a wonderful living situation no matter one’s idea of community. The right choice depends on one’s lifestyle, priorities, budget, and long-term goals. Here are a few things to take into consideration when picking one’s ideal neighborhood.

1. Lifestyle Are you an empty nester who regularly hits up Hawks Creek Golf Club and recently took up pickleball? Maybe you have a few small children, some of whom are in school, and you work at Lockheed Martin. Or perhaps you’re young and single and enjoy bar hopping on a Friday night in South Main. These are some of the most important factors to take into consideration when deciding one’s place of residence. Yet, some buyers focus so much on the house itself that they forget they’ll spend years living in an area that doesn’t cater to their lifestyle. Making this a priority upfront helps eliminate areas that don’t align with one’s needs. 2. Commute We’re not at Houston level, but traffic is getting bad, y’all. Gone are the days when one can zip through any meaningful intersection. So, a potential buyer will want to map their most common destinations, including work, schools, grocery stores, gyms, entertainment areas, and the residents of family members. Taking an extra five or 10 minutes traveling to any of the above destinations can add up quickly. Some neighborhoods offer easier access to major highways like I-30, I-35W, Chisholm Trail Parkway, or Loop 820. Others feel more tucked away and residential but require longer drive times. But, again, it’s all about what one prioritizes. 3. School Districts Even if a buyer doesn’t have children, school districts can strongly influence home values and resale demand. Areas served by highly regarded districts such as Carroll ISD, Keller ISD, Aledo ISD, and parts of Northwest ISD maintain strong buyer interest and long-term property appreciation. And while Fort Worth ISD has taken some licks of late and isn’t considered the most desirable district for parents looking at public schools, the district’s Paschal High School, near TCU, is rated above average and has extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Of course, this doesn’t mean

one should only buy in top-ranked districts, but schools are an important factor to research. 4. Future Growth and Development Fort Worth continues expanding rapidly, especially toward the north and west sides of Tarrant County, and such areas may offer opportunities for appreciation. Downside: They also come with construction, traffic increases, and changing community dynamics. Regardless, a neighborhood that feels “far out” today may become highly desirable in five years. And a neighborhood within Loop 820 that’s seen stalled property value might be due for a resurgence with the right developers taking on nearby projects. It wasn’t long ago that Fairmount was far from a hot-ticket neighborhood. 5. Property Taxes and HOA Fees While I’m not complaining, the catch to Texas having no state income tax is significant property taxes. And two homes with similar prices may have very different monthly costs depending on tax rates and HOA fees. Master-planned communities that often include pools, trails, parks, and security also come with substantial HOA dues and stricter rules. A gated community is nice, but it has a cost associated with it. Before buying a home, one should make sure they’re well versed on the property’s tax rates, HOA fees, and MUD/PID taxes. A home’s sticker price can be awfully misleading. 6. Safety A neighborhood’s safety directly affects quality of life, peace of mind, and long-term property value. Beyond crime statistics, one should also evaluate street lighting, traffic patterns, walkability, emergency response access, and how comfortable they feel spending time in the area at different hours of the day — seriously, visit the neighborhood at night before purchasing. I’d also recommend researching local crime data and speaking with residents who can help one make a more informed decision.

6 Tarrant County Neighborhoods 1. Fairmount (Fort Worth) Best for: Young professionals, creatives, and buyers who love historic charm The rundown: Located just south of Magnolia Avenue in the Near Southside district, Fairmount is one of Fort Worth’s most recognizable historic neighborhoods. It features early-1900s homes, tree-lined streets, local coffee shops, a vibrant nightlife, and a strong community feel. People who prioritize walkability, character homes, and local culture tend to love Fairmount, and it’s especially attractive for buyers who prefer unique architecture over cookie-cutter suburban developments. 2. Keller Best for: Families seeking strong schools and suburban convenience The rundown: Keller consistently attracts families looking for highly regarded schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community-oriented atmosphere. It offers a suburban feel without being excessively far from Fort Worth employment centers and includes parks, youth sports, shopping, and newer housing developments. Homes are generally well-maintained, and the community appeals to buyers planning to stay long term. 3. Westover Hills Best for: Luxury buyers seeking privacy and prestige The rundown: Westover Hills is one of the most exclusive communities in Tarrant County. Known for large estates, mature trees, and secluded streets, the homes carry a premium price tag and offer a luxury environment close to central Fort Worth. The neighborhood appeals to executives, established professionals, and buyers who value privacy and architectural distinction.

4. Arlington Heights Best for: Buyers wanting a balance of city access and neighborhood character The rundown: Located near Camp Bowie Boulevard and the Cultural District, Arlington Heights blends convenience with classic Cowtown charm. Residents enjoy quick access to museums, restaurants, downtown Fort Worth, and Trinity Trails while still living in a more residential setting. The area attracts professionals, smaller families, and buyers who want an established neighborhood without moving deep into the suburban sprawl. 5. North Richland Hills Best for: Buyers seeking affordability and central location The rundown: North Richland Hills offers a practical middle ground, providing relatively affordable housing compared to some neighboring suburbs while maintaining strong access to both Fort Worth and Dallas. The city has invested heavily in parks, trails, retail, and redevelopment projects in recent years. Buyers often appreciate the combination of convenience, value, and family-friendly amenities. 6. Southlake Best for: Affluent families prioritizing schools, amenities, and luxury living The rundown: Southlake is one of the most sought-after communities in Tarrant County, known for upscale homes, excellent public schools, and a polished suburban atmosphere. Carroll ISD consistently attracts families focused on academics, athletics, and long-term property value. Southlake is ideal for buyers seeking a highly refined suburban lifestyle and who are comfortable with higher home prices and increased competition in the market.

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

Proven Leadership for a Changing Landscape As the area matures and evolves, success is defined by those who possess both the foresight to see what’s coming and the history to understand where we’ve been. These top producers represent the height of this expertise, providing a level of counsel that is as sophisticated as the listings and clientele they represent. Congratulations and thank you for your unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements this year.

The best of North Texas Real Estate is at ebby.com THINKING OF A MOVE? START WITH THESE OVER-ACHIEVERS:

Amanda Anderson

Susan Daniels

Mary Ann Izzarelli

Alicia Mueller

April Aultman

Parker Fentriss

Leigh Jackson

Carrie Oakley

Keith Ayres

Mitzy Ferguson

Cassandra Jones

Sarah Pierce

Pam Boronski

Jessica Finan

Kathy Lakatta

Chip Reid

Emily Boyd

Becky Garrison

Ginger Leatherwood

Logan Reid

Nina Boyd

Susan Gilchrest

Lisa Lewis

Karen Sefcik

Jennifer Brown

Kam Gill

Jack Mallouf

Jeannie Seth

Tracey Chamberlain

Nancy Givens

Carter Marcontell

Jill Smith

Jan Chavoya

Andrea Gonterman

Kelly Marcontell

Cecily Verloop

Amy Cody

Julie Gray

Renie Masi

Natalie Winchester

Sandy Cotton

Paulette Greene

Susan Mayer

Judi Wright

Michael Cunningham

Shelly Harrison

Cary McCoy

Stacey Zimmerman

Ayres | Ferguson | Smith Cody | Mallouf Group Amy Cody

Keith Ayres

Jill Smith

Jack Mallouf

Mitzy Ferguson

469.583.4246 amycody@ebby.com

214.681.6497 keithayres@ebby.com

214.505.4004 jillsmith@ebby.com

214.334.8140 jack@ebby.com

972.989.8649 mitzyferguson@ebby.com

With over 80 years of combined experience, our team brings a steady, informed approach to every stage of the real estate process. We prioritize clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and integrity, guiding clients through decisions with clarity and confidence. With deep local knowledge and strong industry relationships, we focus on protecting value, minimizing risk, and delivering results through a smooth, well-managed approach.

The Verloop Group Amber Riddle 817.658.5677 amberriddle@ebby.com

Cecily Verloop April Aultman 817.739.1231 cecilyverloop@ebby.com

817.676.3448 april@ebby.com

Cecily Verloop, April Aultman, and Amber Riddle are a driven team who understand that buying or selling a home is deeply personal. We value being part of our clients’ journeys, offering thoughtful, personalized guidance every step of the way. With a proven track record and professionalism, we’re here to help you confidently take your next step.

2026 Top Realtors

Bonnie Billingsley

Jan Chavoya

Cassidy Duwe

Sandra “Sandy” Binner

Jeff Cheney

Lisa Dyer

Billy Bishop

David Chicotsky

Valrie Eberstein

Janice Blackburn

Srinivas Chidurala

Nanette Ecklund-Luker

Taylor Blanchard

Andrea Childress

Rodney Eiland

Shaley Blanks

Jean Christenberry

Jason Ellerbusch

Jeffrey Blasko

Christie Christian

Lisa Ellis

Jamie Bodiford

James Cianelli

Jared English

Julie Bologna

Benjamin “Ben” Clark

Ryan Enos

Jordan Borders

Tim Clark

Keeton Eoff

Mariela Borjon

David Clinton

Danielle Farr

Pamela Boronski

Terre Coble

Laura Fauntleroy

Nina Boyd

Chad Collins

Parker Fentriss

Sarah Boyd

Ryan Collinsworth

Claudia Fernandez

Donna Bradshaw

Rocio Contreras

Jessica Finan

Beth Brake

Brad Cook

Betty Fish

Rachael Brenneman

Jonathan Cook

Susie Fitzgerald

Thomas Brewer

Sandy Cotton

Steve Fortner

Amber Broadway

Matthew Crites

Lori Fowler

Stephen Brooks

Jenevieve Croall

Janet Freeman

Jim Brosche

Chandler Crouch

Christian Fussell

Charles Brown

Desirae Cruz

Gina Galas

Matthew Brown

Sunny Darden

David Garcia

Stephanie Browne

Darin Davis

Helio Garza

Kurt Buehler

Jordan Davis

Beth Gaskill

Kellie Bullinger

Karla Davis

Roslyn Gauntt

Letta Burger

Shirley Davis

Troy George

Maggie Burgess

Mandie Dealey

Reza Ghanbarpour

Breanna Burkett

Christie Deaton

Susan Gilchrest

Victor Burns

Melinda Deckert

Cindy Giles

Suzanne Burt

Hunter Dehn

Kam Gill

Yvonne Callahan

Martha Dever

John Giordano

David DeVries

Robin Glaysher

Dillon Dewald

Gina Godsey

Francine DiBella

Maria Gonzalez

Robie Dodson

McKinley Goodger

Hoang Huy Dong

Sesha Gorantla

Tanika Donnell

Jacque Gordon

Danielle Doty

Nancy Granby

Peggy Douglas

Julie Gray

Sara Drehobl

Shelley Green

Alondra Duran

Paulette Greene

Morris Duree

Erica Guest

Katie Durham

Sarah Gunnip

PLATINUM PRODUCER ($30M+)

INDIVIDUAL PRODUCER ($12M+)

Jeannie Anderson

Art Acosta

Kim Assaad

Juan Manuel Acosta

Michael Avidon

Brenda Adams

Frances Bankester

Jamie Adams

Kim Bedwell

Denton Aguam

Brady Bridges

Bobbie Alexander

Amber Butcher

Amy Allen

Ben Caballero

David Allen

Tiffany Caballero

Katherine Allen

Lane Cooper

Flor Alvarado

Brad Crouch

Amanda Anderson

Sophie Diaz

Autumn Anderson

Ida Duwe-Olsen

Curt Anderson

Denise Johnson

Krissy Andres

Stacey Leslie

Kevin Andrews

Gina Lester

Tim Angel

Chrissy Mallouf

Chalamaine Armstrong

Susan Mathews

Christy Arnold

Susan Mayer

Kristin Arredondo

Matt Milligan

Frankie Arthur

DeeAnn Moore

Jake Ascher

Tommy Pistana

Marsha Ashlock

Angelo Puma

Heather Baker

Dona Robinson

Lucy Bangerter

Rosie Smelcer

Kelsi Bannahan

Chad Smith

Mary Barakat

Roxann Taylor

Felicia Barber

Jerry Tomlin

Derek Barham

Kristin Vivian

Marcy Barkemeyer

Emmanuel Callejas Cordero

Kelsey Whitesell

Ryan Barnes

Carole Campbell

Eric Wilkins

Amin Barrister

Christie Cannon

John Zimmerman

Susanna Bartolomei

Frank Capovilla

Doug Beard

Cason Caraway

Matthew Kyle Beaver

Chad Carlson

Jared Benson

Brian Carr

Joseph Berkes

Marla Carrico

Renuka Bhandari

Dalton Carroll

Nina Bhanot

Jason Cech

Earl Bilbrey

Tracey Chamberlain

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

TO SHARON HODNETT Voted Top REALTOR® Fort Worth Magazine

Excellence like this isn’t given—it’s earned. With over 30 years of experience and ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS® nationwide, Sharon Hodnett delivers unmatched results through powerful global marketing and proven expertise. From staging to worldwide exposure on 300+ platforms, your home is positioned to sell—faster and for more.

Luxury Homes. Exceptional Results. | Team Hodnett Luxury | 2026 Top Realtor 817-994-7152 | teamhodnettluxury.com | teamhodnett.com

C O M M I TM E N T TO E XC E L L E N C E

Congratulations to our Fort Worth Magazine 2026 Top Realtors. (left to right, back row) Lam Tran, Tim Lockhart, Mitchiko Jackson, Aubrey Pearson, Katie Baughman, Carrie Haskins, Chelsie Cox, Katie Miller, Ray Bobo. (second row, right to left to right) Terre Coble, Amanda Ryan, Felecia Clabaugh and Jean Christenberry.

(left to right back row) Brad Masters, Brad Ashford, Grace Risenhoover, Dennis Miller, Becky Davis, Melinda Miller, Cristine Croft (Middle row left to right) Kristin Babek, Judy Porter, (front row left to right) Brandee Kelley, Kari Lindstrom, Dawn Sumrall, Lori Flaherty.

mygonetwork.com/lonestardfw | (817) 795-2500

2026 Top Realtors Nitin Gupta

Karly Johnston

Don Lawyer

Lily Moore

Roxana Perez

Elyse Guthrie

Beth Jones

Robby Lebus

Perry Moore

Billie Peters

Eric Hacker

Cassandra Jones

Cody Lee

Wynne Moore

Curtis Petersen

Andrea Halbach

Dakota Jones

Jonathan Lee

Ashley Mooring

Cindy Petty

Chase Hall

Julieanne Jones

Sonia Leonard

Dina Morales

Megan Phelps

Kristapher Haney

Lee Jones

Cathie Leslie

Laurie Morse

Mark Philpot

Amanda Hardy

Steven Jones

Analia Lewis

Rachel Morton

Ginger Pickett

Daniel Harker

Chad Joyce

Alex Lipari

Ann Motheral

Sarah Pierce

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Harper

Elsa Kackley

Leah Littenberg

Rachel Moussa

Dana Pollard

Marisa Kahley

Adrean Lopez

Karol-Ann Mozjesik

Greg Potts

Stephen “Steve” Kahn

Jonathan Lopez

Gina Mullen

Robert Powley

Starla Karlis

Kay Lopez

Matthew Mullen

John Prell

Alden Karotkin

Jared Lucier

Daniel “Dan” Murphy

Jill Price

Jessica Kearns

Kaki Lybbert

Erin Murphy

Marquist Price

Josiah Keas

Sarah Lyons

Richae Murphy

Jackie Prowse

Brandee Kelley

Kathryn Macdonald

Sherri Murphy

Corrine Quast

Laura Kelly

April Maki

Eric Narosov

Corrine Hyman Quast

James Keoughan

Mike Mannion

Jill Nelson

Chris Quick

Kathy Kiefer

Kelly Marcontell

Kelly Nelson

Morgan Quick

Jeanenne Kienle

Shawna Martinez

William Nelson

Jimmy Rado

Jesse Kim

Maria Mason

Tyler New

Selvaraju Ramaswamy

Deanna King

Theresa Mason

Everette Newland

Kimberly Reding

Heather Kingston

Lori Mayo

Dan Nicoloff

Mary Reeves

Hope Kirkpatrick

Barrett McClendon

Lucy Noonan

Stephen Reich

Krayton Kirkpatrick

Edward McClintick

Cindy O’Gorman

Chip Reid

Amy Klein

Cary McCoy

Carrie Oakley

Denise Reiling

Pam Knieper

Chris McDonald

Holly Oestereich

Devon Reyes

Trish Knight

Kirk McDonald

Erika Oliver

Jeana Reyes

Ginger Knox

Patrick McGrath

Ted Olsen

Kevin Rhodes

Lucy Knox

Melissa McHugh

Carlee Otero

Russell Rhodes

Leslie Knutson

Jack McLemore

Lee Overstreet

Anastasia Riley

Andre Kocher

Leonard McManaman

Debra Ozee

Cami Riley

Ram Konara

Silvia Mendes

Ryan Pafford

Jessie Rittenhouse

Brittney Kosev

Aylin Mendiola

Colin Pair

William “Bill” Roberds

Tyler Kreis

Cassie Messer

Barbara Pantuso

Debbie Roberts

Jake Kronshage

Nancy Messiha

Piper Reese Pardue

Rachel Robertson

Jenny Kwon

Kimberly Meyer

April Parker

Rachel Robertson

Angela LaBounty

Katherine Meyers

Clayton Patterson

Tom Robertson

Kathy Lakatta

Gabriella Miller

Mey-Ling Pauri

Jeff Robillard

Imran Lalani

Landen Miller

Aubrey Pearson

Lana Robinson

Clarke Landry

Robert Miller

Tonya Peek

Whitney Rodriguez

Thomas Langley

Josh Mills

Stevie Pendergrass

Carl Roland

Susan Larrabee

Irene Mochulsky

Tommy Pennington

Jason Roman

Jamie Lasuzzo-Cook

Carley Moore

Adair Percifull

Joseph Romero

Keely L Harris Harris Ashley Hart Jenilee Harwell Sean Hassard Tina Hearne Bonnie Hennum Kevin Henry Michael Hershenberg Amy Herzog Tracy Higgins Mona Hill Teresa Hill Lauren Hillard Ray Sharon Hodnett Adrianne Holland Kristen Holle Dan Holmes Jennifer Holmes Lee Holtzman Carlee Howard Haley Howard Angie Hudson Pam Hudson Kacey Huggins Cassandra Hughes Gavin Hughes Saman Ilangasinghe Mary Ann Izzarelli Darius Jackson Lori Jacobson Aaron Jistel Anyiesa Johnson Jennifer Johnson Shannon Johnson

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

The wow that wins awards.

Congratulations to our agents who have been named Back row:

Derek Barham

Jana Stidman

ReyAnne Moorehead

Middle row:

Eric Hacker

Michelle Stum

Ashley Mooring

Front row:

Jennifer Edwards president of sales, ( FortVice Worth & Southlake offices )

Clarke Landry

Gwen Harper

Adrianne Holland

Expertise. Perspective. Strategy. These are the finest agents in Fort Worth and beyond. For homes, ranches, retreats and more, this is what great looks like.

2026 Top REALTORS® by Fort Worth Magazine! Janice Blackburn Raleigh Green Ryan Perucci

Amanda Falconer

Heather Epley

Megan Green David Chicotsky

Michaela Chicotsky

Heather Carter Sally Watkins Christy Cockrell

2026 Top Realtors Alisha Rosse

Kolby Stewart

Seychelle Van Poole

Sue Wykes

Niche Realty Group

David Russell

Jana Stidman

Angelica Vargas

Zheng Yang

On the Move DFW

Carol Russo

Ethan Stone

Cecily Verloop

Angela Yi

Onyx Realty Group

Amanda Ryan

Carol Stoneham

Erin Verrett

Angie Yocum

Raleigh Green Group

Jollete Ryon

Bre Story

Dina Verteramo

Georgie Zang

Michelle Sanchez

Ruth Story

Randol Vick

Melissa Zerangue

Ramsey + Nix Real Estate Team

Sheri Sanders

Kaci Strawn

Victor Vo

Connie Zhang

John Santasiero

Ryan Studdard

Walker Wagner

Stacey Zimmerman

Stacey Sauer

Elena Sweetser

Mena Wahbaa

Crystal Zschirnt

Tom Schneider

Chaz Swint

Laurie Wall

Kourtney Schniederjan

Ulaiasi Tauaalo

Hannah Wallace

Davis Scott

Hossein Tavakoli

Wes Walser

Stephanie Seay

Angela Taylor

Eric Walsh

Brian Seets

Jayme Taylor

Logan Walter

Leanna Sellars

Jerry Taylor

Melissa Serna

Rosie Smelcer Group SBRE Group Snodgrass Real Estate Group Sonia Leonard Team Swati Realty Team

TEAMS OF TWO ($15M+)

Tara Stark Real Estate Group

Teri Walter

321 Real Estate Group

The Christenberry Group

Kim Taylor

Jen Warn

Bankester Realty Group

Elise Sessions

Travis Taylor

Ginger Weeks

BellaMax RG

The Clayton Team (Robert Clayton & Karen Young)

Swapnil Sharma

Heather Teems

Rick Wegman

Blue Fuse Group

The Coulborn Group

Harrison Sharp

Madhusudhan “Madhu” Thakkalpalli

Julie Wells

Blushwood Realty Group

The Gaskill Group

Lori West

Canafax-Nagy Realty Group

The George & Noonan Real Estate Group

Carol Russo

The Gray Group

Chamberlain Mueller Team - Southlake

The Hahn Team

Nicky Sheets Patty Sheets Joshua Shelton Heather Shimala Clinton Shipley Aaron Shockey William Shuler Maria Sierra Stephanie Simmons Trisha Simms Paul Singh DeWayne Smart Jeff Smith Jeremy Smith Karina Smith Brooks Sommer Cassie Lynn Spears Joshua “Josh” Sprague John Staab Tara Stark Dane Steinhagen Beth Steinke Heather Stevens Tiffani Stevens Brittany Stewart 84

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Surya Thapa Jennifer Tharp Ashton Thiess Sarah Thornton Bradley Tiffan JD Tomlin Eric Torres Hailee Torres Holly Torri Thanh Tran Ginger Trimble Knox Jacque Trulock Aaron Tucker Shauna Tucker Emily Turner Jared Turner Lori Turner Walker Turney Dennis Tuttle Chandrakanta Upadhyaya Lynn Urban Aaron Valencia Rebecca Van Buren Nick Van Der Gaast

Karan Wethington Brian Christopher White Cheri White

The Ashford Bobo Team

Cunningham Group

The Helton Real Estate Group

Devon and Alberto Team

The Hindiliter Group

Jamie Wickliffe

Dewald Lipari Real Estate Group

The Keas Team

Lisa Wiggins

Eller Nolan Group

Tracy Wiley

Fine Point Homes Real Estate Team

Jake White Randy White Prince Whiting IV

Raisa Wilfong Ashley Williams Eddie Williams Martha Williams Greg Willis Ryan Wilson Stephanie Wilson Amber Wimberly Natalie Winchester Kris Wise Aubrey Wright Brandi Wright Judi Wright Tonya Wuertemberger Austin Wyble

Givens Brown Group Hacker Property Group Hart Realty Team Hulkowich Group Kevin Rhodes Group Kim Miller Group Kristen Holle Real Estate Group

The Lori Slocum Team The Mannion Group The Marsha + Candis Team The Melanie Hunt Team The North Texas Team The Perry Group The RG Real Estate Group The Selling Sisters Realty Group The Smith Team The Urban Group

Living in Dallas Texas Team

The Verloop Group

Luxe + Land Realty Grouo

The We Team

Masters Real Estate Group

Travis Taylor Real Estate Group

McCoy & McLean Group Model Realty Group Nail & Key Real Estate Group

The Verrett Team

Tricia Spurrier Group Triple Star Team

CHEERS.

For trusting us to be part of your story. You brought us here. And we thank you. Being named Fort Worth Magazine Top REALTORS® again is an honor. We got here through thoughtful strategy. Elevated marketing. And a belief that every home has a story worth telling. From ranchland to luxury estates, from first homes to legacy properties, we don’t just make transactions. We guide them. Because the right story doesn’t just define a home. It defines its value. And for us, that is what it means to help you live life inspired.

FROM LEFT:

Jennifer Holland Max Klinedinst Amber Sustala

Sustala Group

Global Real Estate Advisors

817-713-0011

sustalagroup@briggsfreeman.com

Tops in Fort Worth — for four good reasons. Deborah Bailey

TOP 50 BY VOLUME, COMPANYWIDE*

Kandy Hale Maberry

TOP 50 BY VOLUME + TOP 25 BY SIDES, COMPANYWIDE* MOST IN-HOUSE REFERRALS* MARTHA MILLER FELLOWSHIP AWARD*

Chevy Goff

TOP 25 BY SIDES, COMPANYWIDE*

Michelle Scarborough

TOP FULL SERVICES PARTNER BY UNITS, SELECT LENDING SERVICES*

#1 TEAM, FORT WORTH OFFICE*

844-443-5688 *2026 brokerage ranking, based on 2025 sales volume

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

When The House You Love No Longer Fits The Life You’re Building Selling one home while buying the next is rarely just a transaction. It’s a transition — and the timing, the strategy, and the right people around you matter more than most homeowners realize until they’re in it. That’s where Betty Joyce comes in. Betty earned her spot as a Top 1% Realtor in DFW the way it should be earned: through thoughtful guidance, strategic pricing, and real advocacy for every client she serves. Whether you have five weeks or five months, she’ll help you understand your options, prepare well, and move forward with clarity. You’re not a transaction to Betty. You’re a person navigating a new chapter — and she would be honored to walk alongside you and help you MAKE A GOOD MOVE. Scan to schedule your Move Strategy Conversation and find out what should happen first.

Betty Joyce Associate Broker | Dewbrew Realty, Inc.

817.412.1829

2026 Top Realtors

TurnerLuxe Group

The David DeVries Team

Vivian Real Estate Group

The Dynamic Group

Wilson x Dudkowski Properties Group

The Home Selling Pro

Worthington Thor Team

The Kirk McDonald Group The Reid Cristy Group The Spann Group

TEAMS OF 3-6 ($25M+) Absolute Realty Group Anderson Conomos Team Ashton Thiess, Kolby Stewart, and Clayton Patterson Group Ayres | Ferguson | Smith | Cody | Mallouf Group Bailey Maberry Group Brand Properties Group

The Stiles Group The Sustala Group The Tomlin Team The Wykes Group Tommy Pennington Realty Group Torri Realty Tosello Team Where The Heart Is Realty Group Wise Advantage Group Wynne Moore Group

Caraway Team Collins Group

Local manners say a Fort Worthian should never gloat, but we reckon there’s only one way to have the city at your fingertips.

Crates + Kelly Group de Vivo Realty Group Dona Robinson Group Geodwell

Bachman Realty Group

Gina Mullen Team

Charlie Brown Group

Ginger & Associates, LLC-A Real Estate Group

Frankie Arthur Team

Jeannie Anderson Group

Housed Real Estate Group

Jlux Homes & Co. Facebook

Instagram

Marcontell + Gilchrest Group - Southlake

Martha Williams Group

Minteer Real Estate Team

Nick Termini Group

Pantuso Properties

Patty Sheets Realty Group

Peak Point Real Estate

Russell Team

Phelps Realty Group, LLC

Sally Watkins Group

Premier Properties Group

Seay Realty Group

R2 Realty LLC

Seth-Garrison-LewisHarrison Group

Reside Real Estate Team

Sunny Darden Group TAG DFW Realty Group

Southern Collective Realty Group

The Aaron Shockey Group

Stephen Reich Group

The Assaad Group

Suzanne Burt and Laura Ladner

The Buehler Group The Chicotsky Group

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

Hershenberg Group

M & M Group

The Brandee Kelley Group

TEAMS OF 7+ ($40M+)

Sophie Tel Diaz Real Estate

SWR Templeton Real Estate Group

The Agency Real Estate Group The Ashton Agency The Berkes Group The Cannon Team The Duwe-Olsen Real Estsate Group The Escalante Realty Group The Gauntt Team The John Zimmerman Group The Kocher Team The Pistana Group The Walsh Wegman Giordano Group Torelli Properties Group Wall Team Realty Associates Zang Adams Real Estate Group

Standing from left to right: Alden Karotkin, Andrea Halbach, Carl Roland, Laura Ladner, Melinda Deckert Seated from left to right: Laura Hamilton-Kelly, Cathie Leslie, Suzanne Burt, Karly Johnston, Kaci Strawn

CONGRATULATIONS TO BURT LADNER REAL ESTATE’S 2025 TOP PRODUCERS And THANK YOU to our amazing clients that continue to trust us at Burt Ladner Real Estate to be their guides and advocates, time and time, again. We are grateful!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTHA DEVER ON BEING NAMED A 2026 TOP REALTOR. Experience. Integrity. Results. Martha Dever is trusted by North Texas buyers and sellers for her market expertise, personalized service, and commitment to delivering exceptional results every step of the way.

MarthaDever.com 817.714.1171 Martha@MarthaDever.com

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

A Family Business Since 1998

The Authority On Real Estate & The Waterfront Experts

817-219-0456 | KnieperTeam.com

Matthew Mullen 682-888-4935 | Gina Mullen 682-888-3217 | Proud to be named a 2026 Top Realtor.

2026 Top Realtors | Fort Worth Magazine We are honored to announce that Matthew Mullen and Gina Mullen have been named 2026 Top Realtors by Fort Worth Magazine and are part of a nationally ranked top 1% real estate team in the nation. Built on integrity, we deliver concierge-level boutique service backed by an elite support team, cutting-edge technology, and advanced AI-driven systems—creating an experience that is truly unmatched in today’s market. As Certified Luxury Specialists with multiple advanced industry designations, we serve a wide range of clients and property types including luxury residential, first-time home buyers, investors, land, farm & ranch, commercial, and new construction. Our team is committed to strategic marketing, expert negotiation, and a seamless, personalized experience, guiding you through every stage of the buying and selling journey—from first consultation to closing and beyond. Our mission: deliver exceptional results while serving our clients and community at the highest level, helping you confidently navigate every step of your real estate journey.

www.GinaMullen.com

CHOWTOWN LOCAL EATS AND RESTAURANT NEWS

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Zumi Modern Sushi

A stylish new sushi restaurant from a veteran hospitality team has arrived in Southlake. With luxe dishes (like this toro uni caviar tartare), a moody dining room, and a chef with Nobu roots, Zumi Modern Sushi taps into North Texas’ growing appetite for omakase and elevated Japanese dining.

WHAT WE’RE CHEWING OVER THIS MONTH:

On page 94 Fort Worth’s breakout Turkish restaurant has traded its tiny food hall stall for a stylish Near Southside space with loungey mid-century vibes, craft cocktails, and much bigger ambitions. On page 98 A barbecue pitmaster who once sold brisket from his driveway is quickly building a following at Cultura BBQ, a tiny East Side smokehouse rooted in the city’s barbecue history.

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

CHOWTOWN DINING

Beren Meze & Grill House owners Erhan Arslan and husband-wife duo Leman and Charlie Unlu

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

A New Turkish Delight

Beren Meze & Grill House, Fort Worth’s buzziest Turkish restaurant, is helping reshape the city’s Mediterranean dining scene.

oungey music softly pulses through the dining room, while a bartender shakes and makes craft cocktails beneath glowing arches lit in olive green. Mid-century chairs in burnt orange surround polished steel tables.

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

For a second there, I forgot where I was: a Turkish restaurant in Fort Worth. Then the bread arrives. Warm, blistered, and fresh from the oven, the lavash at Beren Meze & Grill House

immediately reminds me that beneath the stylish new digs and sleek cocktail bar, this is a restaurant that remains rooted in family recipes and traditional Turkish cooking. One of Fort Worth’s breakout restaurant success stories over the past two years, Beren has officially reopened in a dramatically expanded new home at 1216 Sixth Ave. in the Near Southside, taking over the former Maiden: Fine Plants & Spirits space inside the PS1200 development. The restaurant began as a tiny stall inside nearby Funky Town Food Hall, where husband-wife owners Charlie and Leman Unlu — along with biz partner Erhan Arslan — built a devoted following for scratch-made Turkish dishes, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere in Fort Worth. Earlier this year, the couple closed the food hall location and transformed Beren into a full-scale restaurant with a new name, larger kitchen, expanded menu, and upscale atmosphere, resulting in a one-of-a-kind concept unlike almost anything else in the city. The dining room has been completely reimagined from its Maiden days. Olive-green walls and curved architectural details give the room a cool, modern feel, while mid-century-inspired lighting and furnishings conjure a retro vibe. Behind the bar, glowing alcoves stocked with imported wines and spirits cast a warm light over diners sipping cocktails made with raki, saffron, cardamom, and Turkish tea. “It’s still Turkish at heart,” Charlie says. “But we wanted to create something that felt modern and exciting, too, something new for Fort Worth.” The timing of Beren’s upgrade couldn’t be more perfect. After years in which Mediterranean cuisine in Fort Worth often meant quick-service gyros or generic hummus platters, the city is suddenly experiencing a wave of more focused, regionally driven concepts. Over the past year alone, several Mediterranean restaurants have opened or expanded locally, including The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Olive

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

CHOWTOWN DINING Beren’s beyti kebab, featuring seasoned meat wrapped in a thin flatbread

Grand Aegean, a medley of salmon, shrimp, and veggies cooked in Turkish seasonings

Kebab, Tim Love’s Greek-inspired Meraki, and the recently resurrected Terra Mediterranean. Beren, however, may be the most personal of the bunch. Named after the Unlus’ youngest daughter, the restaurant revolves around recipes prepared by Leman, whose family cooking forms the backbone of the menu. Their older daughter, Ellen, also works at the restaurant, and Charlie often greets and chats with guests, making the restaurant feel less like a polished corporate concept and more like a mom-and-pop. And unlike many Mediterranean restaurants that flatten cuisines from multiple countries into one broad

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

menu, Beren leans specifically Turkish. Meals begin with housemade breads such as lavash and somun, a Turkish hearth bread with a crisp crust and airy center. The meze section includes creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, bright ezme dips, and Beren’s signature pink sultan dip, a whipped yogurt spread layered with herbs and roasted vegetables. The larger kitchen has also allowed the restaurant to broaden its selection of grilled meats and regional specialties. Skewers of lamb, beef, and chicken arrive charred from the grill alongside fragrant rice, grilled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Traditional dishes such as İskender — thinly carved lamb served over bread with tomato sauce and yogurt — sit beside street-food staples like tantuni, a spicy beef wrap from southern Turkey. Drinks arrive with the same sleek presentation as the dining room: jewel-toned cocktails layered with Mediterranean spices, herbs, and floral notes. One drink combines rye whiskey with saffron honey, Turkish black tea, and cardamom; another mixes cucumber, dill oil, and Texas sotol. Even the room itself signals a shift in the family’s ambition. At the old food hall location, diners sat in a plainspoken room surrounded by neighboring vendors. Here, floor-

to-ceiling windows look onto the Near Southside neighborhood, while low lighting and loungey music give the restaurant the energy of a stylish cocktail bar. Outside, there’s an attractive patio. Charlie says the larger space finally allows the restaurant to operate the way he always envisioned. “Before, we were limited by the kitchen and the size,” he says. “Now we can really show people the depth of Turkish cuisine.” Charlie says one of his long-term goals is for Beren to earn recognition from Michelin, whose Texas guide has largely overlooked Fort Worth despite the city’s increasingly ambitious dining scene. It’s a lofty goal. But standing inside Beren on a recent evening, watching cocktails glide across the glowing bar while servers deliver inventive twists on Turkish classics, it no longer sounds impossible. “We are all about the food and service and giving Fort Worth something it doesn’t already have,” Charlie says. “It’s a different kind of experience here. Fort Worth has been so supportive of us. It would be a dream for us to be recognized by Michelin, too.”

Beren Meze & Grill House, 1216 Sixth Ave., berentexas.com

Beren’s housemade kibbe, boiled bulgur croquettes filled with seasoned meat

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F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

CHOWTOWN DINING Husband-wife team Oscar and Marlene Montanez operate Cultura’s BBQ out of a tiny spot on the East Side

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

Smoke Signals

Fort Worth native Oscar Montanez spent years cooking barbecue in his driveway before opening one of the East Side’s most promising new smokehouses.

ong before Cultura’s BBQ opened on Fort Worth’s East Side, Oscar Montanez was smoking briskets in the driveway of his Diamond Hill home, posting handmade signs around the neighborhood and advertising weekend pickups on social media. If people wanted barbecue, they’d show up. “It was a whoever wants it, come get it type of thing,” Montanez says. Those informal backyard pop-ups have since grown into one of the city’s buzziest young barbecue joints, a tiny restaurant with deep Fort Worth barbecue roots and a

J U N E 2026 | F W T X .COM

pitmaster whose path to ownership was anything but straightforward. At 36, Montanez has spent more than half his life working in restaurants. He started at 16, pushing carts at Fiesta before taking a job washing dishes at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop on Race Street, back when the chain had only a handful of locations. “I just wanted another job,” he says. “I had no idea food was going to become my whole life.” He worked his way from dishwasher to prep cook to management, spending roughly a decade inside the Fuzzy’s system while learning the rhythm and pressure of restaurant kitchens. Along the way, he became fascinated with cooks who could command a line during a rush. “There was this young cook named Fabian,” he says. “He was younger than me, but he ran that kitchen like a machine. Watching him made me want to get better.” Still, barbecue remained mostly a side passion — one rooted partly in childhood trips to Mexico. Montanez recalls visiting family in Michoacán as a boy and tagging along with an uncle who ran a butcher shop and sold tacos from his home. “I remember realizing at a young age that food could feed a whole neighborhood,” he says. “That always stayed with me.” Years later, while working overnight security at a distribution warehouse, Montanez began falling down YouTube rabbit holes devoted to Texas barbecue. Aaron Franklin videos led to more videos, then more pitmasters, until barbecue shifted from hobby to obsession to profession. In 2017, he cooked his first brisket for his daughter’s birthday. “I remember being covered in smoke and completely exhausted,” he says. “I thought, ‘I can’t believe this is what I want to do.’ But after that, I just kept chasing the perfect brisket.” Eventually, Montanez began hosting small barbecue pop-ups from home alongside his wife, Marlene. Word spread quickly. He booked weddings, built a following online and saved

money, eventually purchasing a prized 500-gallon offset smoker built by legendary Saginaw pitmaker Dennis Roach of El Cucaracha Smokers. Montanez says he waited nearly two years for the custom pit. “I used to go outside just to look at it,” he says. “I even put cameras around the house because I was scared somebody would steal it.” Cultura’s BBQ now operates out of a modest Stop Six building with a long barbecue history. Longtime Fort Worth ’cue aficionados will remember it as Floyd’s BBQ & Grocery. More recently, it was Brown’s BBQ, then Jube’s Smokehouse, the respected barbecue restaurant operated by pastor and pitmaster Patrick “Jube” Joubert. “I wanted a place that already had barbecue history,” Montanez says. Built in the 1940s as a country store, the restaurant itself is small — barely 1,000 square feet inside, plus a patio — and remains a scrappy operation. Montanez originally launched the business with Marlene, who has since returned to teaching full time. Today, the restaurant is largely run by Montanez and one employee, a former Fuzzy’s manager who now helps run the pits and prep sides. “It’s basically a two-person operation,” Montanez says. “He gets here early, starts the pits, and works on the sides, then I come in and start smoking meats. We’ve both worked in restaurants our whole lives.” The menu puts brisket front and center. You can order it by the plate or pound, chopped or sliced, the latter of which is served moist or lean, your preference. There are pork ribs, too, plus sausage, smoked bologna and salami, and smashburgers. Sides include mac and cheese, cheese grits, potato salad, and cole slaw. For dessert, there’s banana pudding or fresas con crema, a Mexican dessert made with strawberries and cream. Opening the restaurant nearly broke him, he admits. Delays with permits and construction stretched on for months while rent continued piling up. At several points, he considered giving up altogether. “I remember telling my wife, ‘This isn’t working. Maybe I should quit,’” he says. “But she kept telling me, ‘If you give up now, you’re going to regret it.’” The gamble appears to be paying off. Cultura regularly sells out before closing time, going through roughly five briskets a day while steadily building momentum through glowing Google reviews and social media buzz. Montanez says the long nights and early mornings still feel surreal. “My dad spent a lot of money helping me go to HVAC school,” he says, laughing. “But this is what I love. This is what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Cultura’s BBQ, 1900 S. Edgewood Terrace, instagram.com/culturas_barbecue

Smoked meats at Cultura’s BBQ

One of Cultura’s BBQ custom smokers

The Chowtown Lowdown Fort Worth nonprofit Meals with Meaning is offering diners a sneak peek at one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant openings. On June 7, chefs Hao Tran and Luu Lac will host a Meals with Meaning dinner inspired by the flavors and philosophy behind their upcoming restaurant, Duong DeVille, slated to open later this year in west Fort Worth. To be held at Brewed in the Near Southside, the multicourse dinner will center around Bò Bây Món, the classic Vietnamese “Seven Courses of Beef” feast traditionally shared among groups of family and friends. The menu will move through a wide range of dishes, from beef simmered in hot vinegar broth and grilled skewers wrapped in caul fat to beef paté with glass noodles and aromatic beef congee. Several vegetarian interpretations will also be included, alongside mango sticky rice for dessert. Known for pairing acclaimed local chefs with charitable fundraising efforts, Meals with Meaning has quickly become one of Fort Worth’s more heartfelt culinary organizations since launching in 2024. Founded by area chefs, the nonprofit works to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste across North Texas, recently surpassing 45,000 meals served. Tickets for the June 7 dinner are $99 and available at mealswithmeaning.net. As Arlington prepares for its World Cup moment, restaurants near AT&T Stadium — oh, sorry, Dallas Stadium — are gearing up for an international crush of soccer fans. Soy Cowboy, just a block or two from the stadium inside the Loews Arlington Hotel, is going all in, launching expanded lunch service and a special FIFA Patio Menu beginning June 1 and running through July 21. Normally open only for dinner during the week, the stylish pan Asian restaurant will add daytime hours to accommodate the expected surge of visitors. A special FIFA menu will include lobster wontons in teriyaki butter broth, wagyu beef yakitori, and Korean BBQ ribs, according to a release. There will be a special drinks menu, too. soycowboy.com Roy Pope Grocery, the West Side market and cafe that has served generations of Fort Worth residents since 1943, will soon operate under the umbrella of Westland Hospitality, the local restaurant group behind local favorites such as Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina, Margie’s Italian Gardens, and West Side Cafe. According to a release, Westland will partner with Roy Pope’s current ownership while preserving the store’s name and longtime neighborhood identity. Plans call for a refreshed dining experience centered around hospitality and “Southern Americana flavor,” while maintaining the familiar feel that has made the market a gathering place for residents of the Camp Bowie, Westover Hills, and Cultural District areas for more than 80 years. For Westland leadership, the project appears deeply personal. Managing partner Bourke Harvey said he worked at Roy Pope bagging groceries as a teenager, while operating partner Gigi Howell recalled sneaking away from school for the store’s fried chicken. The culinary team behind the new chapter includes Howell, acclaimed Fort Worth chef Juan Rodriguez, and Levi Gardner, executive chef of Margie’s Italian Gardens and the recent winner of Rising Star Chef of the Year at the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. roypopegroceryfw.com

F W T X .COM | J U N E 2026

CHOWTOWN DINING

Zumi Modern Sushi offers an elevated take on raw fish dishes

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

Raw Ambition

Zumi Modern Sushi, a stylish new Southlake restaurant from a veteran hospitality team, taps into North Texas’ growing obsession with omakase and elevated Japanese dining.

few years ago, if you wanted serious omakase in Tarrant County, your options were slim. Now, Japanese dining — especially the ceremonious, chef-driven style of sushi service — is having a moment across North Texas, from Fort Worth to Arlington to the suburbs beyond. One of the most recent arrivals is Zumi Modern Sushi, a sleek new restaurant in Southlake from a hospitality team with deep roots in the North Texas dining scene. Opened in late December in the former CoolGreens space on Southlake Boulevard, Zumi comes from Jackie Kaewlamduan, owner of the Ka Thai restaurant chain and a former partner at longtime Dallas sushi destination Yutaka Sushi Bistro, which closed in 2023 after a 17-year run. She partnered with chef Pae Suphakit, whose resume includes a stint at acclaimed luxury sushi brand Nobu. Though both founders are Thai,

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they have long been connected to Japanese cuisine. Suphakit originally earned a master’s degree in civil engineering before pivoting into the restaurant world, eventually building a career behind sushi counters and high-end kitchens. The restaurant’s name combines “zen” with umi, the Japanese word for “sea,” a fitting description for a concept that aims to merge restraint and elegance with more contemporary flourishes. The menu is intentionally compact, focusing on nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls split between traditional and more elaborate and modern offerings. Familiar staples like spicy tuna, California rolls, and salmon-avocado combos are joined by richer, more theatrical creations. One signature roll, the Toro Special, layers crab and avocado with toro and caviar. Another, the Sake Flame, combines shrimp tempura with avocado and seared salmon.

Elsewhere, seared tuna arrives topped with crispy onions and garlic aioli, while a tuna wasabi roll pairs fresh tuna with cucumber, daikon sprouts, and a punchy wasabi salsa. At the center of the restaurant is a 10-seat L-shaped sushi counter, where omakase-style meals are served, each curated, course by course, by the restaurant’s chefs. Zumi’s experience is less formal than some of the region’s ultra-exclusive omakase spots, making it a great option for diners new to this style of dining, in which meals are made up of dozens of small, seasonal bites chosen by the chefs. “Instead of a set price and set number of dishes, you order one piece at a time,” Suphakit says. “It’s a good way to introduce newcomers to omakase.” Zumi is part of a new wave of Japanese restaurants blanketing the area. Over the past two years, chefled Japanese concepts and omakase counters have rapidly multiplied, signaling a shift in local dining tastes toward more intimate, experience-driven meals. “A lot of diners want something more personal, something curated just for them,” Suphakit says. “That’s why omakase is becoming so popular now. There’s something very exciting about having a meal curated just for you.”

Zumi Modern Sushi, 2211 E. Southlake Blvd., zumimodernsushi.com Zumi chef Pae Suphakit

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DREAM HOME

2026

Andrew and Fred Disney

by Brian Kendall Photo by Thanin Viriyaki

The Disneys Developing Aledo

… not that Disney. The upcoming 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home is taking shape in Aledo River, a tree-filled slice of country paradise developed by the father-son team of Fred and Andrew Disney.

rior to 1998, Bailey Ranch occupied a large swath of Aledo — 900 acres worth. Purchased by Dr. Noel Bailey in the 1950s from Dr. Charles Harris, the namesake of Harris Hospital, the land featured rolling hills, mature trees, natural creek beds, and the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, and rested just south of Interstate 20. As the metroplex had yet to get its grip on the westward Parker County, the area was relatively isolated.

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According to census data, Aledo had a population of 1,169 in 1990 — today, it’s estimated to be over 7,500. The city and surrounding areas were seeing significant growth, and in 1998 the school district, feeling it needed a new high school to accommodate this influx of students, reached out to the Baileys — Noel having died in 1997 — seeking 100 acres of their ranch land for the new school. For assistance, the Baileys would

reach out to Fred Disney, a longtime friend of the family’s who was also a licensed Realtor, developer, and a Fort Worthian. “So, I got involved with it and we said, ‘We’re going to take this opportunity,’” Fred recalls. “It became an opportunity to turn the property — all 900 acres — into something really unique and create a plan to develop around the fact that the high school’s going to be there.” For the last 28 years, it’s been Fred’s charge to represent the Bailey family in selling parcels and helping develop the whole of what once was Bailey Ranch. Today, with “only about 100 acres” remaining, the area includes an impressive mix of residential and commercial developments — though, as Fred points out, the majority is residential. It’s not an overstatement to say the area has had a major impact on the overall identity and trajectory of the town of Aledo. The area’s largest community is the Parks of Aledo. Developed by Jim Harris and Justin Welborn of James R. Harris Partners, the lush neighborhood — which includes multiple trails, a community garden, and over 150 acres of dedicated green spaces — encompasses more than 1,000 houses built throughout its four phases. Adjacent to this massive neighborhood is Aledo River, a oneof-a-kind luxury enclave developed by Fred and his son, Andrew Disney. And on one of Aledo River’s multiacre sites — of which there are only 35 through its two phases — is where the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home will take shape, the publication’s annual showcase residence highlighting the latest in luxury architecture, interior design, and homebuilding innovation. Right off Jenkins Road — which has its fair share of large acreage homesites — the 3-acre lot is only a stone’s throw from the Clear Fork of the Trinity River and includes dense tree coverage, many of which will not be uprooted for the home. This

ain’t your typical suburban, cookie-cutter subdivision. “It’s kind of high country,” Andrew says. “It’s a higher-end neighborhood with more rural kind of lots. You’ve got acreage, you’re on well water; it feels like you’re getting that country dream, but you’re right next to Aledo.” And this is precisely what makes Aledo so appealing; it’s a perfect mix of rural isolation and big-city convenience. And the neighborhood itself seems to embody this blend. “Just hop on I-20, and you’re right in the city,” Fred says. While Fred has been in the industry since acquiring his real estate license in 1971 — never wavering from the industry — Andrew’s journey to becoming a developer wasn’t so linear. Andrew is the third of Fred’s four children and was born and raised in Fort Worth. We’ll note that, though Fred grew up on the west side of Fort Worth, his roots technically trace back to Alabama. Andrew would study film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, after which he made films, including a director’s credit on “Balls Out,” a comedy about flag football that features “Saturday Night Live” cast members Beck Bennett and Kate McKinnon and holds an 80% approval on Rotten Tomatoes — no easy task for a comedy. “So, I did that whole thing,” Andrew says, “lived in LA for five years and kind of had the life of what it is to be a filmmaker.” But in 2019, Andrew moved back to Texas after he and his wife purchased an antique venue in Round Top — the site of the Original Round Top Antiques Fair, a twice-yearly antique Hajj for collectors. “So, [my wife] really ran that,” Andrew says. “And [my dad] brought me into the real estate game, and I realized there’s a big creative component to it. You’re literally shaping land, and I realized it takes a lot of vision. I mean, I think a lot of land development feels like directing an

indie movie. Only, instead of working with a camera department or the gaffers or whatever, I’m working with the construction. It’s bringing a lot of different trades to do a lot of different jobs and trying to make it all work. “I think if you can make a successful movie and sell it, you can kind of do anything.” Though Andrew is now living in North Texas and working in real estate and developing impressive residential neighborhoods, it hasn’t necessarily slowed his pursuits in the world of motion pictures. “I’m still involved,” he says. “Still in the writer’s guild, still getting paid to do that pursuit. But I kind of develop land for dough and develop stories for the show.” Regardless, in the world of residential developments, we’d venture that Aledo River would have an even higher Rotten Tomatoes score than Andrew’s highly-rated feature film. Phase one of Aledo River, which included 20 lots, started in 2022 and quickly sold out. Phase two, which features the Dream Home lot, then began in 2025 and includes 15 homesites. At press, 11 of the multi-acre properties remain on the market and offer custom builds from the likes of Brabec Custom Homes, Hark Homes, Dwell Homes, and High Street Homes. Tyler Brabec of Brabec Custom Homes serves as the builder of the upcoming Dream Home, which features architectural plans from Michael Perkins of Elm Residential and will include interior design from Susan Semmelmann of Susan Semmelmann Interiors. The home, a single story, 6,600-plus square-foot Mediterranean mansion, will open for touring in October. Proceeds from touring benefit a Wish with Wings, a nonprofit that grants wishes to Texas children fighting life-threatening medical conditions.

Visit dream.fwtx.com for more information on the home and its upcoming tour.

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Aledo River Brabec Custom Homes Semmelmann Interiors

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SNAPS

PA R T Y P I C S photos by Hannah Midkiff Photography

Night for Navy

Madi Shoppa Davis, Dorothy McDonald, Emilie Peloubet Watson, Leigh Brown, Kristin McGuire

All Saints’ Episcopal School

O Kelly & Jeff Dillard

Ardon & Iris Moore

Stephen & Pamela Gilchrist

Megan Boschini, Molly Reid, Victor J. Boschini Jr.

Dee Kelly, Dana Kelly, Tad & Patty Bird

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n April 11, All Saints’ Episcopal School celebrated its 75th anniversary with the Night for Navy: Sapphire Celebration at the Omni Hotel. More than 900 attendees gathered to honor a legacy rooted in faith, an enduring spirit, and a shared commitment to shaping lives of purpose, service, and excellence. The event raised over $900,000 in net proceeds directly supporting the school. All Saints’ extends its gratitude to Fort Worth Magazine for being the media sponsor and to the many sponsors, volunteers, and guests who made the evening a meaningful and memorable celebration for the community.

Sara Neville, Marisa Selkirk, Blair Martin, Lauren Matthews, Julie Siratt

SNAPS

PA R T Y P I C S

Puttin’ on the Pink Chair Stacy Butler

Doris Klabzuba Altruism Award presentation: Joey Richards, Laura McWhorter, Jamie Pritchett

photos by Jill Johnson Rachel DeLira

Survivor Model Ragina Ireland

Puttin’ on the Pink Texas Health Wellness for Life

ashion, community, and purpose came together at the 2026 Puttin’ on the Pink Luncheon! The event, in its 33rd year, supports Texas Health Wellness for Life® Mobile Health program, which offers free mammograms and other cancer screenings to those who have barriers to this care.

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SNAPS

PA R T Y P I C S

Wish Kids: Jackson D., Jackson R., Kieleigh G., Judy Youngs, Morgan G., Bella C., Hallie B., Abbey A.

Ty, Lori & Tori Herbert

photos by Rachel DeLira

Clarissa Patino, Mandy Flaming, Judy Youngs, Lesley Irwin, Shelby Weidler

Butterflies & Boots Ball a Wish with Wings

he 2026 Butterflies & Boots Ball celebrated a Wish with Wings’ 2,000th Wish granted, and seven amazing Wish Kids who have overcome many challenges and are each graduating high school. The event was sponsored by Sewell Infiniti of Fort Worth & Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth and held at Simmons Bank Pavilion at Dickies Arena on April 24.

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Judy Youngs, Marc Istook, Brooke Istook, Camille & Hal Brown

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GIVE BACK GREATER FORT WORTH’S CHARITY/SOCIAL EVENTS

June 5

Beat Leukemia Ball Dickies Arena — Simmons Bank Pavilion Leukemia Texas

June 13

Strong Families Gala Lena Pope Lena Pope - Rooted Together

Flamingo_Fort Worth Zoo Animals Gallery

June 24

Veteran /Family Event Will Rogers Coliseum American Paint Horse Foundation

MAKE A STATEMENT Bring the stories of Cowtown into your space. From our pages to your walls, Fort Worth Magazine’s exclusive fine art images are now available for you to own and appreciate.

From well-known personalities to music and Western, you’ll find the perfect piece for your space.

Fine art prints from our award-winning photographers are now available. Get yours today at art.fwtx.com or scan the QR code on your mobile phone.

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fine art as unique as fort worth

There’s a reason the expression is “catching lightning in a bottle.”

Fort Worth Magazine’s marketing manager, Corinn Crippin, was attending Panther Island’s Ubbi Dubbi Festival on April 25 — the final day of the two-day event — when promoters were forced to end the EDM fest early due to severe weather. As a thunderstorm drew closer, Corinn captured this photo of Loud Luxury’s Joe De Pace during the Canadian duo’s sunset performance. Later that evening, two tornados touched down in North Texas, and Fort Worth experienced large, baseball-sized hail. Read more about the festival on page 26 or at the QR code provided..

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@therealcorinncrippin PHOTO BY CORINN CRIPPIN

Pictured: Mike Brown, Platform Director

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