Fort Worth Magazine - November 2026 by fwtx

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Dream Home MEDITERRANEAN ON THE PRAIRIE

Tour the Home in Aledo River

Oct. 31–Nov. 15

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FEATURES NOVEMBER 2026 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 11

118

Love Thy Neighbor. Bring a Hammer.

Rising land costs resulted in Trinity Habitat for Humanity going into the residential development business to fulfill its mission of providing a hand-up. By John Henry

38 Texas Red

If there ever were a meal that could grow a rugged mustache and throw a mean left hook, it’d be Texas Red. Gritty and damn dependable, with a serious kick in its boots, nobody does chili quite like Texas. Beans? Them are fighting words. By Shilo Urban

46 ‘Fort Worth Magazine’ Dream Home

Welcome to the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home in Aledo River, where soulless design isn’t welcome. With graceful curves and carefully crafted details, this Mediterranean dwelling takes its earthy cues from the rural landscape around it. Come on in. By Brian Kendall

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

DEPARTMENTS NOVEMBER 2026 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 11

THE FORT 14 City Dweller

A historic reconciliation: Texas A&M-Fort Worth nabs the Vandergriff Award.

18 Calendar

There’s more to do in November than gain weight. Mark these things to do on Outlook.

20 Fort Worthian

TCU Spirit Director Esther Pae.

22 Music

The festival marking Cowtown’s place in the birthplace of Western Swing returns.

24 Literature

To put it most eloquently, where the hell is the recognition for Cowtown’s many great poets?

28 Film

This year’s Lone Star Film Festival comes at an opportune time for the city’s swelling cinema crescendo.

22 34

32 State Lines Cuero: pop. 8,264.

34 Cowhand Culture

Speaking of the Lone Star Film Festival, it’s hosting the world premiere of a Jimmy Stewart biopic. We know a guy who once shot the bull with Mr. Smith.

36 The Reverie

Could you pass a Fort Worth Citizenship Test? Here’s a practice test.

CHOWTOWN

135 Dining

Once a shoddy inn, Arlington’s Caravan Court Hotel has been reborn with an upscale restaurant and heaping helpings of Arlington’s past.

ETC. 125 Charity Guide 144 Snaps 147 Give Back 152 Close

32 4

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67 Dream Home Vendors Special Advertising Section

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Small Potatoes

owner/publisher hal a. brown president mike waldum

n this line of work, few things are as rewarding, relieving, and satisfying as going to press with an issue of the magazine. It’s a proud and triumphant feeling, one made all the more rewarding by the thoughtful, talented, and hardworking people I have the privilege of working alongside — people truly dedicated to putting out the best magazine possible. While it’s difficult work — full of late nights, bouts of writer’s block, and an existential crisis or two — I’m well aware that I’m incredibly fortunate that I get to experience it every month. Any time our magazine does a Dream Home (which you can read all about beginning on page 46), the achievement of putting together 60 pages of editorial suddenly feels like small potatoes. I get, what one might call, put in my place. While I remain mindful of mankind’s extraordinary accomplishments and the effort that no doubt went into these successes — the building of the great pyramids and landing on the moon being two that immediately come to mind — I am always in absolute awe of the work so many talented professionals execute when building a Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home. And, again, getting the opportunity to witness these professionals work their magic means I live a very charmed life. From the builder who directs the ship to those who lay the foundation, those who erect the frame, those who complete the cabinetry, the flooring, and the windows, and the interior designer who executes the finishing touches, their achievements are no less than spectacular. I genuinely hope our readers will take the time to join us for our 2026 Dream Home Tour in Aledo River, where they’ll get to experience the fruits of these talented professionals’ labor firsthand. And if this isn’t enough to entice you, a portion of the proceeds from tickets sales benefit local charity a Wish with Wings, an extraordinary nonprofit that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical diagnoses. That said, you will no doubt come away in awe of the home’s incredible craftsmanship — especially if you’re in the business of small potatoes and still racing to meet deadline. We look forward to seeing you out there.

Brian Kendall

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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EDITORIAL executive editor brian kendall fort worth inc. editor john henry associate editor kenzie johnson contributing writers shannon houchin, malcolm mayhew, michael h. price, shilo urban copy editor sharon casseday ART creative director craig sylva senior art director spray gleaves contributing ad designer jonathon won contributing photographers asia eidson, olaf growald, thanin viriyaki

ON THE COVER: Located 25 minutes west of Fort Worth, the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home will be open for touring beginning Oct. 31 and lasting through Nov. 15.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit 2026dreamhomealedoriver.com

NEXT MONTH

Best New Restaurants Small-Town Scandals The Trinity

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.

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©2026 Panther City Media Group, LP. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. 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 11, November 2026. Basic Subscription price: $29.95 per year. Single copy price: $4.99

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Where the city looks as good as it reads

A HOMECOMING OF SORTS

FWTX.com/sports/telesi-uhatafe-rugby-usa-womens-eagles

Rugby player Telesi Uhatafe — born and raised in Euless — returned to the area near her old stomping grounds on Saturday, Oct. 17, when the lady U.S. National Team Women’s Eagles faced off with Italy in the WXV Global Series. The match was held at Mansfield and was the first of three consecutive weekends of international competition for the Eagles. The international tournament featured the top 12 national teams in the world. We chatted with Uhatafe ahead of the match, recalling how she had to sneak off in the middle of the night to play rugby before becoming a member of the national team. PROTECTING THE PARKS

FWTX.com/news/fort-worth-open-space-parks-conservancy

In case you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard with your own two ears, Fort Worth has finally received a Michelin star. Please extend your most heartfelt congratulations to Goldee’s Bar-B-Q, the popular ’cue joint that nabbed the coveted star. Also worth noting: No Dallas restaurants received new stars this year. Just saying. FWTX.com/eat-drink/fort-worth-michelin-stargoldees-bar-b-q

Comin’ Up: Parade of Lights — quite literally Cowtown’s holiday runway — returns to downtown Nov. 22. The festival is considered the largest illuminated holiday parade in Texas and serves as Fort Worth’s official rollout for the Christmas season — meaning we’ll certainly be among the crowd to capture the pageantry in all its joyous glory. Follow our Instagram @FWTXmag.

HOSTING AN EVENT? Whether you’re putting on a concert, comedy show, or pop-up market, if it’s a public affair, publishing your event on FWTX.com is a great way to get the word out and draw a crowd. And it’s dang easy to do. Visit FWTX.com/events to submit your event.

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On Oct. 14, Mayor Mattie Parker announced an initiative to preserve Fort Worth’s parks and open spaces, aiming to ensure that protecting the city’s natural landscape can keep pace with paving it. And as John Henry wittily points out in his digital article on the matter, as Fort Worth continues to grow like a weed, it’s important to still have spaces for even the weeds. A LOOK AT “VELVET RODEO”

FWTX.com/culture/miranda-lambert-velvet-rodeo-fort-worth

The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame plans to unveil “Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo” on Nov. 7. The exhibition will be displayed in the brand-new Icons Gallery of the museum, a fitting home for the one-of-a-kind wardrobe Lambert wore during her Las Vegas residency. This digital piece delves into what all the exhibit entails — and why you should make the trip to see it. EARNING THE STRIPES OF A TEXAN

FWTX.com/culture/first-time-at-the-state-fair-of-texas

Our associate editor, Kenzie Johnson, was rather ashamed to admit she had never attended the State Fair of Texas. From the perspective of her former Tennessean eyes, the State Fair of Texas serves as a beacon of pride and is the ultimate Texan primer. And after attending the fair — and overcoming a mild disturbance of Big Tex and picky eater allegations — Kenzie reported back on what she did to become a bona fide Texan.

Recognized Among the Best. It’s been an incredible year for our team, filled with meaningful milestones, memorable transactions, and the opportunity to serve clients we’re truly grateful for. Every success has been built on trust, strong relationships, and a commitment to showing up with expertise and care. We’re proud of what this year has brought, thankful for everyone who has been part of it, and excited for what’s ahead.

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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.

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Don’t get wrapped up in a DWI. Drive sober this holiday season. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not worth the risk. A DWI could cost you up to $17,000. DriveAwareNTx.org 12

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FORT WORTHIAN

Esther Pae, a native of Racine, Wisconsin, came to Fort Worth to go to TCU where she performed as one of the TCU Showgirls. Today, she’s back at TCU as the school’s spirit director.

WHAT WE’RE WRITING ABOUT THIS MONTH:

On Page 14 Texas A&M-Fort Worth receives the Vandergriff Award. On Page 18 Things to do in November. On Page 22 The festival marking the birthplace of Western Swing returns. On Page 24 Where art thou, Fort Worth poet laureates. On Page 28 The “Jimmy” world premiere is here this month. On Page 32 A tour of Cuero. On Page 34 One newsman revisits days with James — err, Jimmy — Stewart. On Page 36 The Fort Worth Citizenship Test.

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

THE FORT

by John Henry

CITY DWELLER

Gig ’Em, Tom

In 1965, Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff led the push to separate Arlington State from the Texas A&M System. Now, Texas A&M-Fort Worth is receiving an award bearing his name.

t wasn’t all that long ago — six decades, if you’re counting — that then-Mayor Tom Vandergriff led in ushering Texas A&M out of his beloved Arlington, believing the boys down there were neglecting its Johnson Station branch in the middle of DFW. Too much College Station, not enough Arlington was the memo sent to the Ministry of Complaints in Austin. T-sip Gov. John Connally, receptive to Vandergriff’s and Arlington’s howling, proposed Arlington State go to the transfer portal as part of a broader

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restructuring of Texas education. Fort Worth state Sen. Don Kennard’s transfer legislation passed both houses — without opposition from A&M — and, voila, Arlington State went to the UT System. There’s a historical reconciliation for you, however. Almost 60 years later, we’re all speaking Aggie — at least in Fort Worth. Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! Texas A&M-Fort Worth has been named — get this — the Fort Worth Chamber’s 2026 Vandergriff Award

recipient, recognizing its expansion from a law school acquired in 2013 into a downtown campus supporting education, research, workforce development, and industry collaboration. The award, established in 2011 in memory of Vandergriff — whose political career carried him from Arlington to the halls of Congress in Washington, and, finally, to Tarrant County judge — honors individuals or organizations whose contributions positively affect Tarrant County on a national scale. BNSF Railway presented the award during the Chamber’s State of the County luncheon Oct. 14 at River Ranch Stockyards. “Texas A&M-Fort Worth represents the kind of collaborative investment the Vandergriff Award was created to recognize,” Steve Montgomery, the Chamber’s president and CEO, said in a statement. Taking some liberties, I can assure you Tom Vandergriff would agree. Time heals all wounds, particularly

when the Texas A&M System makes this kind of commitment to Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor married twice. I’d buy a sawbuck full of shares on my Kalshi app that Ben Affleck and, uh, uh — yes, Jennifer Lopez — give it another try. All hail to dear old Texas A&M Rally around Maroon and White Rough tough! Real stuff! Texas A&M! Bobby Ahdieh, chief operating officer of Texas A&M-Fort Worth and dean of Texas A&M School of Law, accepted the award. The law school was unranked nationally when Texas A&M acquired it in 2013 but is now beating many of its competitors to chig-gar-roo-garrem, chig-gar-roo-gar-rem. (You’ll have to ask an Aggie what that means.) The school now ranks No. 22 and serves more than 2,000 students across its JD and other legal studies programs, according to the announcement. In August, the Texas A&M University System opened the campus’s first building, cutting the ribbon on the $240 million edifice. No fingers went missing in the ceremonial demonstration. The eight-story Law & Education Building houses programs from Texas A&M University and Tarleton State University in law, engineering, business, and health, along with six Texas A&M state agencies. A second building focused on research and industry collaboration is under construction. Regents recently approved plans to proceed with a third building that will include a virtual production studio. Campus plans envision two additional buildings. “Our aspiration is to elevate Fort Worth as a higher education community at the national level,” Ahdieh said. The campus also anchors the emerging Switchyard Innovation District, a public-private initiative connecting higher education with companies and partners to strengthen the talent base, encourage innovation, and support economic growth.

Hero’s Return

Leon Bridges plans to make his second-ever appearance at Dickies Arena in 2027, following the release of his fifth full-length album. by Brian Kendall

s one should expect when Fort Worth’s own Leon Bridges releases a new album — which, in case you didn’t know, he did — the soul/R&B/ not-sure-one-can-box-him-in-a-genreanymore singer-songwriter will hit the road on an international tour and play a much-anticipated gig right here in his hometown. Slated for April 23, 2027, Bridges will perform at Dickies Arena with support from The Womack Sisters and Mari Froes. The concert will serve as the second U.S. date after an April 7 show in Las Vegas — he’ll be doing a stint in South America beforehand with a handful of festival appearances. The upcoming show also marks the second time Bridges will perform Dickies Arena — he previously performed the 14,000-seat arena Nov. 15, 2024, sharing the bill with Charley Crockett. According to the tour announcement, a $1 donation from all headline shows during his tour will go toward The Big Good, a local nonprofit Bridges co-founded with former TCU head football coach Gary Patterson. Though such large-scale performances normally follow an album release, Bridges — a Billboard-topping, Grammy-winning artist who has remained deeply connected to the community in which he grew

up — has made a habit of playing locally for charity and the occasional intimate show with a high price tag. He’ll routinely take the stage at The Big Night, a charity event that benefits The Big Good, and he’s also performed a couple of small shows at the Bowie House, including a Sept. 13 date when he played songs from his new album, Happiness Anytime. The album, Bridges’ fifth full-length effort, was officially released Sept. 25 and includes the songs “Light the Way” and “Talk It Over,” both of which he performed during a medley on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The album is Bridges’ fifth to enter the Billboard Hot 100 during its first week of release. The upcoming shows will include a live vinyl DJ, horn section, and three backing vocalists — an homage to “the communal spirit of classic Jamaican dance hall culture.” We’ve said it countless times, and we’ll say it again: Bridges has come a long way since washing dishes at Del Frisco’s Grille and busking on Magnolia Avenue. And considering his consistent output, iconic status, and local philanthropic efforts, we’d argue Mr. Bridges is the greatest Fort Worth musician since Van Cliburn — which is some damn good company.

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

THE FORT

CITY DWELLER

Around Cowtown in 8 Seconds

by Kenzie Johnson

Two Cool Cats

Meet Barani and Malu, Fort Worth Zoo’s firsttime Sumatran tiger cubs.

he Fort Worth Zoo, though boasting an extensive menagerie of mammals, amphibians, birds, and reptiles, has been without perhaps one of the most crucial predators to any thriving ecosystem — that being the tiger. A tiger — which, we argue, should logistically hold the title as king of the jungle opposed to the lion — was last seen prowling the grounds in 2020 before a long multiyear habitat renovation. While adult tigers eventually returned, a long gaping hole remained in the Zoo’s nursery — now fortunately filled by the birth of two Sumatran cubs. And in a manner befitting of the glorious creatures, the cubs arrive as not only the first tigers to be born at the Zoo in nearly two decades — having last been graced with the presence of cubs in 2008 with a small litter of Malayan tiger subspecies — but are also the Zoo’s first Sumatran tiger births.

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The twin sisters, named Barani and Malu, were born July 1 to mother Ndari and father Rakan. Sumatran tigers, which are exclusively native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, are critically endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are less than 650 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. Their decreasing population is due to habitat loss and deforestation — a cause the Fort Worth Zoo is actively combatting through their own respective breeding efforts. “It’s always exciting to welcome new babies and watch them grow here at the zoo,” says Ramona Bass, chair of the Fort Worth Zoo. “But we’re hopeful that these cubs will inspire a new generation to learn about and care for their wild counterparts and the future of this critically endangered species.” The sisters are unsurprisingly spitting images of each other — please, we beg, do not ask us which is which — but, according to their caretakers, have drastically different personalities. Direct reflections of their Indonesian-inspired names, Barani — which means brave — is described as a “spitfire” and very lively while Malu is considerably more laid-back, bearing a name meaning “shy or reserved.” They weighed approximately 3 to 4 pounds at birth, according to the Zoo, and measured about 10 to 12 inches long. The cubs are the first to be born in the new Predators of Asia & Africa tiger habitat, which opened in 2023. Following the renovations, Predators of Asia & Africa is now double the size of the previous tiger habitat and has better allowed for the Zoo’s lofty conservation efforts — notably in partnership with several other North American zoos through a Sumatran tiger breeding program.

A smattering of things you might’ve missed

1. Leapfrogging Ahead: According to the U.S. News & World Report’s latest “College & University Rankings and List,” TCU came in at No. 90 among national universities, seven spots higher than the school position last year. The Horned Frogs also placed No. 48 in the “Top Private Colleges” ranking. 2. Taking Center Stage: Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Nicholas Dragga will assume the role of the Texas Ballet Theater’s new executive director. Dragga previously served as executive director for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. In other words, he’s quite the catch. 3. One Helluva Birthday Present: On the day Opal Lee turned 100 years young, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” also cleared the way for the National Juneteenth Museum. The museum begins official construction in 2027 — but first, they had to swing a wrecking ball into the nowrazed Southside Community Center. (Opal did not operate the bulldozer, but in the movie … .) 4. Howdy There, Walt: Disney, the world’s most famous animation studio, will be on display at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History from Nov. 14 to Feb. 14, 2027. The exhibit, “Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference,” will display all sorts of photographs and videos — among other interactive pieces — from the Walt Disney Archives. 5. Cutting Checks: Jun Crown Properties, operating under Kent & Co. Property, has received the green light to purchase downtown’s Gordon Swift building, Gas Company building, former Water customer parking lot, and former Council parking lot. The four pieces of real estate have a combined price tag of $4.3 million. 6. Fort Worth Drivers, Take Heed: Attention all tailgaters, leadfooters, and lane cutters: Two Tarrant County filmmakers created a feature film on their personal, harrowing experience of running a driving school in North Texas. The film, titled “Shift Happens,” was selected to debut at New York’s Urbanworld Film Festival — and you might unknowingly be the subject matter. 7. Booting Up: As a wearable homage to her mother’s ongoing cancer fight, Fort Worth native and owner of CHAZLYN Boots Chaz Pilarcik has launched the “Step With Her” collection. The limited-edition lineup includes two pairs of boots, a silk scarf, and a leather card holder, mirroring the bold personality of the brand’s biggest influence. 8. A Rather Temperamental Exhibit: Fifty years after the invention of punk, Fort Works Art is proudly displaying the works of rock photographer Kate Simon. Quite literally called “Anger Is An Energy,” the exhibit follows no one rule — besides showing up angsty.

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CALENDAR

November 3-8

‘Jersey Boys’ A classic rags-to-riches tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, “Jersey Boys” will doo-wop sway and pump-pump triple pump onto the Bass Hall stage, marking the Broadway production’s third Cowtown appearance. Bass Performance Hall basshall.com

7-15

‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

4-13

7-8

Japanese Fall Festival The annual Japanese Fall Festival brings forth taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, Japanese music, crafts, and food vendors — making for the perfect opportunity to spend some time in Fort Worth’s ravishing, 7.5-acre Japanese Garden. Fort Worth Botanic Garden fortworthjapanesesociety.org

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Shakey Graves: Tulips 6th Anniversary

16-Dec. 12

Lone Star Film Festival Now in its 20th trip around the sun, the Lone Star Film Festival showcases the oodles of local, national, and international film talent. This year, a biopic on Jimmy Stewart, aptly titled “Jimmy,” will make its world premiere to kick off the festival. Various locations across the Cultural District lonestarfilmfestival.com

Only recently has the Disney-based musical “Frozen” been relinquished into the hands of regional theater productions. And one can safely assume this debut trip to Casa Mañana will have tickets magically flying off the shelves. Casa Mañana Theatre casamanana.org

NCHA Futurity and World Finals

12-15

Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival Cowtown is, indeed, the birthplace of Western swing — the city that launched the career of the great Bob Wills. Featuring a reincarnation of Wills’ famous band, the Texas Playboys, along with a horde of similar acts, this three-day event will no doubt have you swingin’. Will Rogers Auditorium birthplaceofwesternswing.com

Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen “Yellowstone” star and musician Ryan Bingham — who is just about as close to a Fort Worthian as one can get without actually living in Fort Worth — will bring his Americana tunes to Billy Bob’s as the grand finale of his “Still Gettin’ Away With It Tour.” Billy Bob’s Texas billybobstexas.com

Some of the globe’s best horsemen in the sport of cutting will flock this way for the prestigious futurity and World Finals, situated atop four-legged athletes guaranteed to be worth more than all of our lives combined. Will Rogers Memorial Center nchacutting.com

Nov. 22

One-man-band folk outfit Shakey Graves helps the Near Southside music venue, Tulips, celebrate the six-year milestone. Earlier this year, the Austin-based singersongwriter released his fifth full-length album, Fondness, Etc. Tulips tulipsftw.com

7-28

‘Home for the Holidays’ Something of a benchmark for when you need to have a dent in most of your holiday shopping, the Fort Worth Symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” officially commences the long-awaited holiday season with a set of Christmas carols. Bass Performance Hall fwsymphony.org

Parade of Lights

Very seldom is bumper-to-bumper traffic in downtown Fort Worth something to celebrate — but the Parade of Lights, the city’s massive holiday gathering featuring more than 100 flamboyant floats, is one of the few exceptions. Downtown Fort Worth fortworthparadeoflights.org

photos provided by Lone Star Film Festival // Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing // NCHA // GM Financial Parade of Lights

THE FORT

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

THE FORT FORT WORTHIAN

Esther Pae Spirit Director, TCU

By Brian Kendall Photo by Asia Eidson

NOVE M B E R 2026 | F W T X .COM

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1. 2016 Mural. 2. As assistant coach of the 2023 Showgirls. 3. During ESPN College Gameday in 2025. 4. The 2018 Showgirls. 5. The Showgirls coaches in 2022, when I was an assistant coach. 6. The 2023 Showgirls in front of Frog Fountain. 7. My family from Racine, Wisconsin.

t’s not a proverb — at least I don’t think — but Esther Pae is living proof that some winding roads come full circle (copyright pending, y’all). Dancing since she was 7, Pae would become a member of the Showgirls dance team at TCU, where she initially studied biology — pre-med, mind you — before performing a whiplash-inducing left turn to becoming a finance major. Post-graduation, she’d embark on a career in the land of assets and liabilities, leaving Cowtown and clocking time with the likes of Goldman Sachs before making yet another sharp left when she elected to transition to a role in human resources. She’d then make her way back to Fort Worth after accepting a job at private equity firm TPG. Soon after an opportunity to return to TCU as a part-time assistant coach for the Showgirls would present itself. Four years later, Pae makes her final left turn when she becomes the TCU spirit director in November 2025. And this one is a proverb, or at least mathematically accurate: three lefts do make a right. While this journey through career changes, city changes, and parttime spirit gigs might sound hectic, according to Pae, it was all rather serendipitous and prepared her for the job she had long dreamed of landing. “What I think has been really cool is every step of my journey has prepared me for the next step in ways that I would have never expected,” Pae says before launching into all the ways in which her left turns checked boxes for her current position. “So, there’s managing our budget, which my time in finance helped with. And then there’s fundraising, which my private wealth management background helped with. And then there’s working with student athletes and working through different issues, where my time in human resources has helped. And then there’s the safety aspect and keeping everyone healthy, which is where my bio background has come in handy.” Clearly, being spirit director is far more than encouraging school spirit and wearing purple no less than six

days a week — though the job of keeping the energy level high in a stadium is no walk in the park. In her role, Pae oversees four different teams: the Horned Frogs’ cheerleading squads, Showgirls dance team, Rangers, and our beloved SuperFrog (the TCU mascot for the uninitiated) — essentially running a small athletic department within TCU Athletics. And while it’s an all-consuming job, it’s a job Pae dreamed of having since her sophomore year while dancing with the Showgirls at TCU. Though a native of Racine, Wisconsin, once college-bound, Pae had her sights set on coming to Texas. While there are plenty of reasons to move to Texas, including the economy, warmer climate, excellent food, or even its cowboy culture, Pae’s reasons were a little more elevated. “I just really wanted to explore my faith a little bit more,” Pae says, adding that she had a desire to live in the nation’s Bible Belt. “And when I toured all the typical Texas schools, I just fell in love with TCU — the people, the community, the place. I fell in love with the Showgirls.” After receiving a Provost’s Scholarship, Pae would attend TCU and earn a spot on the Showgirls dance team. By her sophomore year, she says, she started to see the position of spirit director as a future ambition. She began asking questions and volunteering to help with everything from music selection to auditions. By her senior year, when she’d serve as captain of the Showgirls, she had identified it as her dream job. Today, with her dream job secured, Pae considers her greatest responsibility to be the development of student-athletes who embody the university’s values of community, excellence, and integrity. “I really care about developing the student-athlete to be successful post-college,” she says. “I love seeing their progress — not only from a dance perspective, but in how they’re growing into the amazing woment they are.”

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

THE FORT MUSIC

by Michael H. Price and Brian Kendall Photo by Darrah Hubbard

In the Swing It’s been almost 100 years since Bob Wills and Milton Brown co-founded the Light Crust Doughboys, giving way to Fort Worth’s role as epicenter of Western swing. The annual celebration of this moment comes to Cowtown this month. *Portions of this article originally appeared in the November, 2024, issue Fort Worth Magazine

he barrier between country music and jazz is as slender and nervous as the topmost string of a guitar. Give that string a pluck and watch it vibrate, and the blur will yield a vivid demonstration of how insubstantial the barrier is. Such a blurring during 1929-1930 in Fort Worth produced the distinctive music known as Western swing. The fiddle-based ruckus created new roles for the guitar — proved a direct ancestor of the 1970s’ fusion-jazz phenomenon — and established a unique instance in which the merchandising

NOVE M B E R 2026 | F W T X .COM

term “progressive country” could truthfully apply. Fusion? Yes: Some folks call it corn-fusion. A near-century after that initial stirring from Fort Worth trailblazers Milton Brown (the “Father of Western Swing”) and Bob Wills (the “King of Western Swing”), their hometown has formally embraced its contribution to the roots-music wellspring: The festival known as Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing has become an international attraction. This year’s fest, which graces Fort Worth Nov. 12-15, will split its time between three venues. Opening at its traditional home of National Hall in Lake Worth on Thursday night, festivities will move to the Stockyards (shuttle provided) for a Friday morning of Mule Alley Street Music before a twohour show from George and His New Heartaches at Second Rodeo Brewing. Things return to National Hall that night for an impressive stretch of acts that include Grace Partridge and her Stardust Cowboys, John England’s Western Swingers, and Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. Saturday’s National Hall slate includes the annual CBWS Awards Presentation followed by Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys (under the direction of Jason Roberts, naturally) and Billy Mata and Texas Tradition. Kristyn Harris will kick off Sunday’s final shows, all unfolding at the Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, before Dave Alexander’s 65-piece orchestra performs “From the Saddle to Symphony Hall,” a symphonic performance of the music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Practically every element of Western swing arises from some other tradition. Among its generations of loyalists, some refer to this musical gumbo as “hillbilly boogie,” others “cowboy jazz” or “cowbop.” All such terms express the predominant elements of rural white and urban Black musical influences, with an assimilation of rhythms and melodies from Mexico and Europe. Had the early shapers (white rustics, for the most part) been unaware of the African-rooted blues idiom, there could have been no Western swing. Nor could the fusion have occurred without the transcultural mingling that Texas had experienced during the prior century. The countrified experimenters who first made this music had laid a foundation (by instinct, more so than design) upon fiddle breakdowns from their own heritage and upon blues laments and celebrations remembered from childhoods spent in naturally integrated farming settlements. Onto this trunk, Bob Wills and Milton Brown grafted Cajun and Creole strains from Louisiana; polyrhythms from Black and Native American traditions; harmonic and melodic crossovers from Mexican and Middle European traditions; and at length, the make-believe cowboy glamour of Hollywood. Fort Worth, as it turned out, was and remains at the crossroads of these disparate musical influences. Western swing is to Fort Worth as jazz is to New Orleans or blues is to the Mississippi Delta — it is the music of our place. And that deserves a celebration. Cowtown Birthplace of Western Swing Festival Nov. 12-15 birthplaceofwesternswing.com

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T H E F O R T L I T E R AT U R E Red Steagall

This is followed by the final selection from a seven-member committee. Yet only two poets laureate, William D. Barney (1982) and Red Steagall (2006), have hailed from Fort Worth. This total is significantly less than each of our fellow cities with a population over 1 million (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin); less than Port Arthur, which has somehow amassed five; and tied with Waco, Denton, Wichita Falls, and McAllen. Why this apparent slight?

by Shannon Houchin

Century of Poems Fort Worth’s long, rich history with poetry is, well, quite poetic. So, why has Cowtown produced so few Texas Poets Laureate?

n a Saturday morning in August, three poets educate me about a fact I should know, but don’t: Fort Worth has had a poetry society since 1910. In a city then full of cattle, cowboys, railroad workers, and meatpackers, local poets had managed to find one another and create a literary community. Operating through Prohibition and two world wars, the Fort Worth Poetry Society is one of the oldest institutions of its kind and has had a profound impact on the literary circles of Fort Worth. Yet, few are aware of its existence. That’s what these poets keep circling back to, not that the Poetry Society is historic, though it is — it just received

NOVE M B E R 2026 | F W T X .COM

a historic marker from the city — but that it’s relatively invisible. But this well-kept secret isn’t why I wanted to speak with local poets Galen Steele, Denise Salerno, and John Bartell. I had come to the table chasing an answer to something else: For a city this size, this old, and this full of writers, why do Fort Worthians so seldom appear among the Texas Poets Laureate? In 1933, the Texas Legislature created the honor, which has since been awarded to nearly 100 poets. The process begins with public nominations, which the Texas Commission on the Arts narrows to a list of finalists.

insisting against its own reputation that it was cultured, too. In 1910, a group of Fort Worth citizens gathered at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and began to write. Calling themselves the Rhymers and Composers Club, the gathering was initially dedicated to music, with song first, then verse. Gatha Wood Taylor, a church organist, would serve as the organization’s first president — a woman leading a meeting of poets before women even had the right to vote. Twelve years after its establishment — and one year after the founding of the Poetry Society of Texas — the group would formally adopt the name Fort Worth Poetry Society. When the little enclave of poets first emerged in 1910, it wasn’t the only newcomer to Fort Worth. That same year, TCU found a home in Cowtown after its Waco campus caught fire. Samuel Losh, a singer who had come to teach music at the newly transplanted university, then became a founding organizer of the Fort Worth literary group. A Leipzig-trained baritone, he was a fitting founder for a club that began as the Rhymers and Composers. Since its arrival to Fort Worth, TCU has enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the poets of Fort Worth that carries forward today. TCU Press (where I serve as marketing coordinator) publishes an annual poetry and prose

photo by Crystal Wise

Galen Steele, the current president of the Poetry Society, detects defiance in the Fort Worth Poetry Society’s genesis. It started, he says, as a kind of protest — a city

photo courtesy of KB Brookins

journal called descant — yes, lowercase, and now in its 70th year — and numerous poets now call themselves TCU alums, including KB Brookins, one of the most celebrated young poets in the country and a National Endowment for the Arts fellow with a shelf of national awards. But it was those quiet middle years, not the founding ones or more recent ones, when the unassuming Fort Worth Poetry Society did the most unexpected thing in its history — and, true to form, told almost no one. Grace Ross and Mabel Kuykendall, both past presidents of the Poetry Society, published a poetry magazine from 1949 to 1962, called Quicksilver. The magazine, a genteel Fort Worth quarterly edited by two Texas women, printed early poems by the likes of Charles Bukowski, the Los Angeles laureate of barrooms. Happening concurrently at descant, two TCU faculty, Mabel Major and Louise Cowan, along with its editor, Betsy Colquitt, published early work by such literary luminaries as Joyce Carol Oates, William Kittredge, Robert Flynn, and Walt McDonald. But before either magazine hit the scene, Ross and Kuykendall gathered 61 Fort Worth poets into a single anthology in 1949 and gave it a title the whole city would come to recognize, Out Where the West Begins. They didn’t create the phrase, they were quoting a poem by Arthur Chapman: “Out where the handclasp’s a little stronger, / Out where the smile dwells a little longer, / That’s where the West begins.” Within a few years of its publication in 1911, it was one of the most well-known verses in America. Amon Carter of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram claimed it for Fort Worth and in 1923 ran “Where the West Begins” across the top of the newspaper, where it’s remained ever since. Fort Worth’s midcentury literary life was built and sustained in large part by women at a time when the rest of the city’s story was being told almost exclusively by men. The Poetry Society’s own historical marker application

would remember Ross and Kuykendall, decades later, as “a force of nature.” Ask Galen today the Poetry Society’s purpose, and he doesn’t reach for prominence — though the group has the chops for it. “We are not trying to take over the world,” he says. “We’re the wind beneath [a poet’s] wings,” referring to the support they offer to emerging poets. Membership currently runs around two dozen and growing, and their collective is a hodgepodge of people of varying ages, jobs, and poetry experience. Whether one is a virtuoso, wordsmith dabbler, or has written exactly one poem in their life, the Fort Worth Poetry Society has extended a standing invitation to the entire city for 116 years.

What drove Denise Salerno’s desire to get a historical marker for the Fort Worth Poetry Society wasn’t nostalgia, but fear. “I felt that poetry was dying, and the society might not last much longer,” Salerno says. “Nobody had honored the poets who first brought culture into the city. That whole piece of Fort Worth’s history was missing.” After Salerno researched the historical commission application for five years, in February 2026, the city of Fort Worth approved the nearly 5-foot-tall historical marker. The future sign will fittingly appear at the future home of the downtown Fort Worth Library at 512 Fourth St. “My pride is for those who could not stay to tell the story,” Salerno says, referring to the society’s long-deceased poets. Red Steagall, who has spent a career turning the West into verse, shares a similar sentiment from the far end of a long life. “If we don’t record who we are, nobody will know who we were,” he tells me. The record survives because a few people refuse to let it be dropped. And behind all that preservation is a quiet truth: Somewhere in Fort Worth’s century of poems is the truest portrait of the city itself. “It’s poets talking about the place they’re from that give a region its voice,” Red Steagall says.

KB Brookins

While Steagall used to bounce around, living in several places across the country, he kept returning to Fort Worth and finally settled in Cowtown 50 years ago. “It’s the only city I’ve ever been to that has its own soul and its own character,” he says. “It doesn’t care what everybody else is doing.” But ask a poet to describe Fort Worth’s distinct voice, and they’ll say there is no single, definable Fort Worth voice. “We’re still learning who we are,” Galen says of a city that nearly doubled in a generation. “And I think we’re part of the answer. Some months, a dozen poems land on the Society’s table, and a theme surfaces that no one assigned. One month, the room wrote about grief without meaning to. Another month about God and the particular ache wrestling with God. The world isn’t a certain place. Poetry is where that gets worked out.” If the city has a distinct poetic voice, it isn’t a singular one. Embracing all styles and poetic disciplines, Fort Worth is where you’ll find the

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

Tammy Gomez

cowboy poet next to the slam poet who’s beside the sonneteer. And few have done more to amplify one of Cowtown’s most recognizable strains than Red Steagall. For more than 30 years, the Fort Worth poet has hosted the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering in the Stockyards — a weekend of recited poems, music, and Western craft. Almost nobody calls this event, which drew close to 180,000 people in 2025, a poetry meeting. It’s billed as Western heritage, cowboy culture, and tradition. Of course, the poetry community is filled with much more than rhyming verse recited in a drawl, even if it isn’t what the casual observer might imagine. “When people think of Fort Worth,” poet KB Brookins says, “they don’t necessarily think of me.” A graduate of Dunbar High School, Brookins, who uses they/them pronouns, was born and raised in

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southeast Fort Worth. Their Fort Worth is not the cowboy one; it’s Stop Six, Stormie Mondays Cafe on East Berry Street, and a set of train tracks. Brookins’ poetry is about “the intense separation,” they say, “between the Black and the Latinx communities, and the more affluent White parts of Fort Worth.” They call their poetry the lesser explored Fort Worth, written in the language of the kitchen setting. According to Brookins, who now lives in California’s Bay Area after a stint in Austin, their love of poetry began at a young age in the Black church. “[The Black church] is a beacon of art where you are enmeshed in the world of words,” Brookins says. “I had a father who stayed up past midnight writing sermons, a mother at the piano, and I was a child reciting verses from a pew.” Brookins notes this experience isn’t far removed from the spoken-word tradition Fort Worth prizes in its cowboy poets — just in a different style and part of town. And such poetry events regularly take place in Fort Worth’s east side at The Dock Bookshop off Meadowbrook Drive, which keeps its calendar filled with spoken-word nights and slam poetry workshops hosted by poet Michael Guinn. Meanwhile, on the south and west sides of town, Tammy Gomez has spent decades as a Chicana poet, mentoring young writers at a monthly open mic. “It’s me trying to set an example for other writers,” she says. “I want them to dive into their real liberated lives, and I don’t want them to hesitate to start.” This summer, Gomez gathered a circle of Latina poets who took the stage and read poems about motherhood, heritage, violence, and survival.

I assumed the neglect was due to modesty or some Cowtown snub — how else could Fort Worth so consistently get the short end of the stick when the Legislature announces the state’s poet laureate. But KB Brookins suggests it has to do with infrastructure. “There is no MFA program in Fort

Worth,” Brookins says. “People are not moving to Fort Worth to get an MFA or a Ph.D. in creative writing. Austin has the Michener Center. Houston has the University of Houston.” Such programs do something a poetry society, for all its advocacy, cannot: They turn a person who writes into a working writer and give them a reason to stay. Because Texas files its laureates by an honoree’s current address, a TCU alum or someone born and raised in Fort Worth does not necessarily equate to a win for Cowtown unless the poet remains a resident. If the rules were different, Fort Worth could claim three additional poets laureate: TCU grad Carlos Ashley (1949), Fort Worth-raised and TCU alum Jenny Lind Porter (1964), and Fort Worth-born Karla K. Morton. Despite calling Fort Worth home at some point, each chose to leave. But TCU supporting an MFA program is merely one avenue of enticement for poets to remain in the city. Another idea includes Fort Worth taking a page out of San Antonio’s book, which has claimed six poets laureate since 2013 after previously being home to only one. And the timing is not coincidental. The previous year, 2012, San Antonio created its own poet laureate honor. The inaugural appointment went to eventual Texas Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla. And from there, the post became a poet laureate pipeline. Other Texas cities clearly took note: Houston established a similar program in 2013, Dallas in 2022, and Austin in 2024. According to Denise Salerno, the city of Fort Worth under Mayor Mattie Parker had considered such a proposal, but discussions have lapsed. This designation is the type of literary infrastructure Fort Worth has yet to assemble — a visible honor that tells a young writer that Fort Worth takes what they create seriously. And Brookins, having helped build Austin’s poet laureate program through grassroots advocacy and community organizing, is well equipped to help. A hometown poet, holding the door open for the city that made them.

photo by Crystal Wise

T H E F O R T L I T E R AT U R E

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THE FORT FILM

The world premiere of Aaron Burns’ biographical feature “Jimmy” is Nov. 4

by Michael H. Price

Premiere Primer

As the Lone Star Film Festival heads into its 20th edition, Fort Worth has never been more camera-ready.

he 20th Lone Star Film Festival lands Nov. 4 amid a filmmaking boom in Fort Worth. And this combination of a surging motion picture economy and a sustained event seems ideally matched with the original concept of a movie festival for Fort Worth. That founding notion, in essence, involved an exploration of the frontiers of the West (in literally a geographical sense) and the frontiers of imaginative ambition and the creative impetus. The festival takes place Nov. 4-13 as a gathering of filmmakers, enthusiasts, and working talents, with screenings aplenty, symposia, and suchlike opportunities for encounters and discussions. The centerpiece is Nov. 4’s world premiere of producer-turned-director Aaron Burns’

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biographical feature “Jimmy” (as in Stewart) in downtown Fort Worth. Title player KJ Apa, leading lady Kara Killmer, and screenwriter Justin Strawhand are among the cast and crew members expected to attend. “Jimmy,” executive produced by Fort Worth’s own Hien Papaian of the newly established Papaian Studios, draws from the personal reflections, long obscure, of James Stewart and the shaping, or reshaping, of his acting career following his harrowing wartime experiences of the 1940s. Stewart’s saving grace seems to have come through director Frank Capra’s 1946 production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a career-reclaiming assignment that Stewart often cited as such in a long stretch of newspaper interviews that I conducted with him.

(See the accompanying “Cowhand Culture” piece on Page 34). Stewart’s identification with Fort Worth, from working assignments to friendships, makes this burg the ideal place for a premiere — and a world premiere, at that. The premiere of “Jimmy” is docketed for the AMC Palace 9 Theatre, downtown, a key location of film-fest activities since the début of the original Fort Worth Film Festival (pre-Lone Star) in 1998. (Full disclosure, in all immodesty: A collaborative production of mine.) The Lone Star Festival’s anchoring location overall will be the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, with competitions and showcase screenings beginning Nov. 5 and continuing throughout the event. Papaian Studios will also serve as host of the film’s world premiere. According to the studio’s founder, Hien, “‘Jimmy’ is [a film] we’re extremely proud to be a part of. [James Stewart] decided to love when it was easier not to care. Great storytelling matters. The right message matters even more.” Hien established Papaian Studios in search of a vehicle to relate stories of resilience and positive cultural impact. Long involved in casino and restaurant management in California and Houston with her late husband, Haig Papaian, Jr., who passed in 2024, the new-studio chief hails her “complete trust in God” as the force

Lone Star Film Festival What: 92 films showcasing filmmakers from near and far When: Nov. 4-13 Where: Majority of screenings at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

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THE FORT FILM

that led her to Fort Worth during the past year. “The first time I came to Fort Worth was to see this [studio] property … I immediately fell in love the moment I was here,” she says. “Beyond the physical beauty of the place, there was a peace — a calming, deep within my heart, that can only be explained by feeling at home.”

LSFF Film Talks In partnership with Fort Works Art, the “LSFF Film Talks” series will return to the gallery on Montgomery Street for informal conversations exploring the artistry, business dealings, legalities, and landscape of the film industry. Designed to bring together filmmakers, industry representatives, students, and film aficionados, the “Film Talks” sessions will offer insights from working professionals and, no doubt, a wealth of networking opportunities.

According to Hien, the purpose of Papaian Studios is to become a creative campus for those who are passionate about all forms of media, done in excellence. “We want to tell great stories that unite us and remind us to be kind, to believe in each other, and to love better. We exist for purpose and not for profit. It’s idealistic, sure. But we believe with the right hearts, it’s doable.” Papaian Studios is also in the midst of developing a 70-plus-acre

complex with a turnkey film-production enclave and surrounding wildlife refuge. This marks a recurring news item we’ve become accustomed to seeing — Fort Worth’s motion picture industry is growing at an astonishing rate. Since 2015, the Fort Worth Film Commission has helped generate more than $1 billion in economic impact and 50,000 jobs. And municipal tax incentives, rebates, and grants have helped spur developments like SGS Studios, a 450,000-square-foot production campus in AllianceTexas — the largest such facility in the Lone Star State — operated by David Glasser and Taylor Sheridan’s 101 Studios. In May, the Commission received the Emerging Location Award during the Global Production Awards, which took place at the renowned Cannes Film Festival in France. The awards committee says the honor went to a city’s film commission that “demonstrated an increased number of productions, attractive incentives, improved levels of service, growing crew base, infrastructure, as well as a variety of filming locations.” Fort Worth film commissioner Taylor Hardy pointed to Sheridan’s locally produced “Landman” as evidence of the city’s growing stature, saying its success is “solidifying our position as a premier production destination.” Of course (as Hardy would no doubt also note) it’s not just Sheridan making local noise via motion picture. Doing its part to plant the seeds of homegrown talent, Tarrant County College partnered with 101 Studios to launch a film-support certification program that offers fasttrack workforce micro-credentials for such film crew positions as grip and lighting, hair and makeup, and set construction. Over 40 students received their certificates last year as part of the program’s inaugural class. One program alum, Daniel Vasquez, now serves as programs manager with Media for Texas, a nonprofit that builds and supports

the media production infrastructure of Texas. Coming from a background in minor-league baseball — ranging from the San Antonio Missions to assignments in California — Vasquez elected to retire the clay-stained pinstripes to pursue his passion in film and is an early example of the effectiveness of the TCC program. With Media for Texas, he’s enlisted nearly 100 fellow alumni in providing crews for local filming, delivering productions of name-brand international appeal. The importance of developing homegrown talent is underscored by this year’s Lone Star Film Festival lineup. The nine-day fest is set to screen an impressive slate of 95 films — short films, feature-length films, animated films, documentary films, and documentary short-subject films — across every genre in the proverbial canon, with 42 made in Texas. Of course, the future could see a rise in Texas’ share of the festival pie, which ups the need for more hands on deck. Vasquez will remain a busy man. “We need to grow from two to three full [filming] crews to 16 to 20 crews within two years. Carpentry, artistic abilities, electricians — all these fields, and more,” Vasquez says. “It’s not just diplomas; it’s a matter of practical skill sets. The students are hungry, the graduates are hungry, and we must keep these Texans here and working.”

The Gala The Lone Star Film Festival Gala, hailing movie-business luminaries, will take place Nov. 13 at the Bowie House. Past honorees have included Sam Elliott, Billy Bob Thornton, Taylor Sheridan, Ethan Hawke, and Richard Linklater.

NOVE M B E R 2026 | F W T X .COM

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USE CODE: JOYFUL To schedule your free in-home informational visit, please contact us at (817) 745-5045, email gethelp@vnatexas.org or visit vnatexas.org F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

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

The Pharmacy Medical Museum

by Shilo Urban

Cuero, Texas Population: 8,264

ff in the distance, you see a cloud of dust rising into the air, a hazy column heading your way from the rangelands outside of town. You hear it next: the low, chaotic drone of thousands of animals herded forward and trampling the ground, kicking up dirt as they march, unknowingly, toward their meat market demise. Then the smell

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hits you — a pungent barnyard aroma that’s halfway between musky funk and fresh manure. It’s a dry autumn day around the turn of the 20th century in Cuero, a small town on the Guadalupe River about two hours east of San Antonio. You’re standing on Main Street, watching ranchers drive their hordes of

livestock through town to be processed and packed onto railcars. But these aren’t herds of cattle — they’re flocks of turkeys. Cattle herds haven’t stumbled through these parts for decades, even though Cuero began life in 1872 as a waystation on the famous Chisholm Trail. The area was a major gathering ground and feeder trail for herds heading north, and indeed one of the earliest cattle drives to Missouri left from these parts. Taking its name from the Spanish word for leather, Cuero welcomed the railroad in 1873 and was a hotspot for gunfights and clan feuds. The region is still one of the state’s top cattle producers, but Cuero’s most enduring legacy lies with two-footed livestock: the unlikely turkey. With the construction of a turkey-dressing plant on the edge of town in 1908, local farmers began raising free-ranging birds. Every fall, they would drive their enormous flocks — up to 20,000 turkeys — several miles from their rural homesteads into Cuero, channeling them down Main Street to reach the processing plant. The farmers rode no horses and swung no lassos; they simply walked along the flocks’ flanks to keep the wandering birds in line. In an age of limited entertainment options, spectators started showing up every year to witness the pongy poultry procession. In 1912, Cuero’s market-savvy town leaders turned the turkey drive into an official event, complete with a parade of feather-covered floats, carnival games, and visiting dignitaries including Texas governor Oscar Colquitt. The festival

Turkeyfest

grew more elaborate over the years, leaning into an exotic Turkish theme with court pageantry and a Sultan and Sultana (instead of a King and Queen). Alas, American tastes slowly shifted from hardy, rangy turkeys to broad-breasted breeds à la Butterball — and those beefier birds weren’t too keen on walking miles into town. Farmers began transporting the animals to market in trucks, and by the 1970s, the era of the great Texas turkey drives had come to a close. But the Turkeyfest goes on in Cuero every autumn, and these days it’s a turkey street race that brings out the crowd. The quintessential small-town shindig also features a horseshoes tournament, a barbecue cook-off, and a parade down Main Street — a reminder of that magical moment in time when turkeys marched their way through Cuero in the thousands. Downtown Cuero

Peebles Park

George Bishop Park

The Historical DeWitt County Courthouse

Explore Cuero Savor: Dig into interesting eats like pizza empanadas and rib-eye po’boys with birria jus at the EVthing, a recent addition to Cuero that’s making a name for itself with street-style eats and house-smoked barbecue. Hit up the 39-tap wall for self-poured beer, cider, and mead — and be sure to try the small-batch gelato (made in-house, one gallon at a time) in Texas-themed flavors like bourbon butter pecan and armadillo tracks. Fancy things up for dinner at La Bella Tavola, the town’s standout Italian joint in a former filling station with indoor-outdoor dining. Cuero’s newest arrival is SouthBound Grill, a sure bet for breakfast tacos and chilaquiles, and a solid lunch pick is the signature chicken-fried steak at Bahnhof Café. Shop: Duck inside the new Beautifour Boutique on Main Street to browse trendy women’s wear and visit the specialty drink bar, which mixes up artisan lemonades, cold-brew creations, and dirty sodas (with add-ins like coconut cream and raspberry syrup). Nearby is another newcomer, Gathered, selling vintage furniture and décor from multiple vendors. Shop for books, souvenirs, and handicrafts by local artists at the Oliver-Hamilton Mercantile, located in the Chisholm Trail Museum. And don’t leave town without stocking up on nuts at Cuero Pecan House, a family-owned joint with excellent brittles and pralines. Ask for a sample of its delectable orange sugar pecans.

from the Turkeyfest’s heyday. But save time for the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, an award-winning collection of cowboy gear from across North and South America and images by Western photographer Edward S. Curtis. Snooze: Cuero’s standout rental is the historic Proctor-Green House, a landmark Victorian built in 1892 and meticulously refurbished in 2013. Set on an immense grassy lawn with centuries-old live oaks, the three-bedroom home features purple stained-glass windows, six fireplaces, antique furnishings, and an intricately carved wood staircase. You’ll also find a handful of short-term rentals on the Guadalupe River outside of town, plus national chains with pools like the top-ranked Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

How to Get There: Head south from Fort Worth on I-35 toward Austin. Just before you reach Georgetown, exit onto TX-130 S (the loop around Austin). Continue on the loop for 57 miles, then take Exit 470 for US-183 S. Follow US-183 S for another 67 miles until you reach Cuero. The entire trip is 283 miles and will take about five or six hours with stops and traffic.

Enjoy: Take a selfie in front of Cuero’s 1896 DeWitt County Courthouse, a unique asymmetrical edifice constructed with red and white stone. Stroll past the colorful murals in Art Alley, a few blocks to the south, then set your sights on Cuero’s intriguing museums — like the Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas. Renovated in 2023, the 19th-century drugstore has antique counters and cabinets loaded with old-school remedies, from herbal extracts in ancient medicine bottles to snake oils and a leech jar. Climb upstairs to see a replica dentist’s office and doctor’s office from the Victorian era. Cuero Heritage Museum showcases 3,600 vintage citrus juicers along with memorabilia and feathered costumes

F W T X .COM | NOVE M B E R 2026

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

Need copy

by Michael H. Price

‘Call Me Jimmy’ A newspaperman’s 30-year (sporadic) conversation with James, or Jimmy, Stewart.

ames Stewart set the boundaries early on in our introduction to one another in 1959: “Just call me Jimmy,” he said. “Yes, sir, Mr. Stewart!” I answered. “Uh, I mean, Jimmy!” “That’s more like it, now,” he said. I was all of 11 years old and unaccustomed to addressing adults by their given names, much less their nicknames. And James Stewart was ... well, James Stewart. His big picture

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of 1959 was Mervyn LeRoy’s “The FBI Story,” which features Stewart as a seasoned agent reflecting upon his crime-busting and spy-wrangling experiences. I had yet to view the film upon our introduction but had purchased the film’s official comic-book adaptation and studied up on the materials. “Must be a pretty good funny book,“ Stewart said, “if it tells you all that much about the movie. Always liked reading the funny papers, myself, and so now I’m one of ’em, eh? Me an’ ol’ ‘Dick Tracy’...” Stewart was never the sort to talk down to anybody, not even a kid, as I soon learned. He launched into a reminiscent ramble about favorite crime melodramas and said he had patterned his presence in “The FBI Story” after Sam Wood’s groundbreaking “Let ’Em Have It” (1935) — one of the first such films to concentrate upon law enforcement rather than outlawry. “Did you know Dick Tracy was a G-man, himself?” Stewart asked. “Not in his comic-strip stories, now, where he’s a plain-clothes detective, but the first “Dick Tracy” movie, now, back around 1937 — now, that one presented Tracy as an FBI agent. ’Cause, y’see, the studio had wanted to cast Melvin Purvis, the for-real FBI agent who took down John Dillinger. And when that didn’t work out, they just went ahead and made Dick Tracy an FBI man, anyhow, but with a professional actor.” We’d ramble on until movie-premiere priorities prevailed and left matters at that until the next such opportunity, which came about once I had grown into a for-real newspaper job. Reconnecting at every opportunity, I would always greet him as “Mr. Stewart,” and he would counter with, “Just call me Jimmy.” On one such reencounter in 1989, Stewart and I were about to board a limousine at Dallas’ Fairmount Hotel when he had a spontaneous reunion with Henry Mancini. Mancini, the prolific musical-score composer, had worked with Stewart on “The Glenn

Miller Story” (1954) and “Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation” (1962). The fellow Pennsylvanians visited in the Fairmount lobby until our publicity-tour host called a halt and ordered us aboard the vehicle. “Where you off to now, Jimmy?” asked Mancini. “Aw, we’re goin’ to some bookstore in Fort Worth. Publisher’s got me talked into pretendin’ to be a poet,” said Stewart. “Yeah, I heard you readin’ one of your poems on the ‘Johnny Carson Show,’” said Mancini. “Pretty silly stuff, there, Jimmy.” “That’s me, all over,” said Stewart. The book was Jimmy Stewart & His Poems, an unexpectedly wide-selling item. Though primarily an interview for the Star-Telegram, the subsequent drive to Fort Worth left abundant time for Stewart and me to resume the serialized conversation we had started 30 years earlier. A co-worker at the newspaper had asked me to take along a videocassette of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) to obtain an autograph. “Now, this isn’t one of those phoney colorized versions, now, is it?” Stewart asked. “That’s my favorite job of acting, after all...” “No, sir — the original black-andwhite,” I said, handing him a felt-Nib marker. Humming as he sought the correct angle to leave an impression, Stewart gave a suspenseful pause over every letter of his signature. Stewart wrote in the same manner he spoke, with measured deliberation. Upon arrival at the bookstore in Fort Worth, Stewart took a long moment to sign a copy of his book and hand it to me. “That autograph might come in handy in case you’d want to sell the thing, sometime,” he said. Nope. No selling. Any mementos of James Stewart, I’m holding on to. His signed book of poetry and a wealth of fond first-hand impressions, right along with my original printing of that “FBI Story” comic book.

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THE FORT

You Think You’re Fort Worth?

id you know that rodeo is the official state sport of Texas? Football seemed a logical choice to mark on my imaginary Scantron. Yes, rodeo, too, and I agonized over the possibilities of each. We all know what horses, barbed wire, and brisket mean to Texans. This came across my desk last month when the Texas Nationalist Movement sent an email to all its subjects, alerting them of the presumably official Texas Citizenship Test. The Texas Nationalist Movement is the group trying to gin up a referendum for the people to vote on whether they want to leave the U.S. This Texas Citizenship Test, I suspect, is designed to increase TNM’s database of email addresses, which it can use to spread its gospel. You can find it at thetexastest.com. It asks what an independent Texas might ask on a citizenship test. So, this got me thinking about Fort Worth. What would a Fort Worth Citizenship Test look like? Unlike the U.S. citizenship test, which any reasonably alert houseplant should be able to pass, the Texas test has some challenges. We wanted to make sure the Fort Worth test did, too. There are some gimme putts in both. Cheating will not be tolerated.

1. Who founded Fort Worth? A. William Jenkins Worth B. Edward Tarrant C. Ripley Arnold D. Abe Harris

2. According to local legend, what animal was spotted sleeping downtown by some unwelcome Dallas interloper, inspiring a nickname the city still embraces? A. The Lake Worth Monster B. Panther C. Chapparal D. Steer

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3. Which cattle trail helped establish Fort Worth as a major stop for cattle drives? A. The Recalculating Trail B. Santa Fe Trail C. Chisholm Trail D. Goodnight-Loving Trail

4. What independent municipality surrounding the Stockyards did Fort Worth annex in 1923? A. Hog City B. Butcher’s Brook C. Niles City D. Saginaw

5. What was the name of Fort Worth’s notorious red-light district? A. Hell’s Half Acre B. West Seventh Corridor C. City View D. Whiskey Flats

6. Which two golfers began Hall of Fame careers at caddies at Glen Garden Country Club?

B. Amon Carter C. K.M. Van Zandt D. John Peter Smith

10. According to a well-known story, what did Amon Carter carry on business trips to Dallas so he wouldn’t have to spend money in its restaurants? A. A sack lunch B. A Fort Worth restaurant’s unpaid bill C. A fishing rod to catch his own dinner D. A map showing the quickest route back to civilization

11. Amon Carter’s collection of works by which two Western artists formed the foundation of the museum established under his will? A. Rive Macedo and Stephanie Dondoneau B. Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell C. George Catlin and Thomas Hart Benton D. Georgia O’Keeffe and Frederic Remington

12. President John F. Kennedy, who left here alive and well, spent his last night at what downtown Fort Worth hotel?

A. Mark Brooks and Clark Dennis B. Hunter Haas and John Peterson C. Lindy Miller and Phil Schwartz D. Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson

A. The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel B. Hotel Harrold C. Metropolitan Hotel D. Hotel Texas

7. Luke Short got the better of Jim Courtright in a shootout at what famed Fort Worth saloon?

13. Which Fort Worth pianist won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958?

A. White Elephant Saloon B. Niles City Saloon C. Oscar’s Pub D. Woody’s Tavern

8. According to local legend, Fort Worth supporters stole what from Birdville to help sway voters in the 1856 county-seat election? A. A barrel of whiskey intended for Birdville voters B. The county’s ballot boxes C. A wagonload of campaign handbills D. The only resident who could count past 20

9. The man known as the “father of Fort Worth” died while promoting the city in St. Louis. Who was this man?

A. Van Cliburn B. George Gershwin C. John Davis D. Big Mike Richardson

14. What creatures adorn the exterior of Bass Performance Hall? A. Rats twisting in a glue trap B. Longhorns charging C. Angels playing trumpets D. Panthers standing guard

15. What is the name of the renowned Stockyards venue billed as the world’s largest honky-tonk? A. P.R.’s B. Filthy McNasty’s C. Billy Bob’s Texas D. The White Elephant Saloon

A. B.B. Paddock Answer key: 1. C.; 2. D.; 3. C; 4. C.; 5. A.; 6. D.; 7. B.; 8. A.; 9. D.; 10. A.; 11. B.; 12. D.; 13. A.; 14. C.; 15. C.

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

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“We were in Fort Worth before Fort Worth was cool.”

~Elizabeth Brumbaugh

TRUSTED BY FORT WORTH FAMILIES SINCE 1966.

Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design celebrates 60 years of Texas style. When you shop at Brumbaugh’s, you’re dealing with the family behind the name. Larry Brumbaugh opened our doors in 1966, and you can still find him in the store today. We design 95 percent of what you see in our showroom, so you won’t find it everywhere else. When gray and white farmhouse interiors took over, we stayed the course with rich color, handcrafted pieces, and Texas character that lasts. Trends come and go, but a well-made piece and a name you trust don’t. We believe a home should feel collected, not copied. That’s why we bring together Western ranch heritage, Tuscan warmth, and globally sourced statement pieces. Think custom upholstery, hand-knotted rugs, statement lighting, and furnishings built to be passed down. Larry was born and raised in Fort Worth, and our family has grown alongside this city.

Elizabeth, Larry, and Sally Brumbaugh

Many customers who shopped with us years ago now bring their children and grandchildren. We also host annual events that benefit local nonprofits, because we care about the community that built us. Our reach goes beyond furniture. From custom pieces like the Chesterfield sofa at the Drover Hotel to homes across Texas and the country, we take pride in the relationships we’ve built along the way. Elizabeth carries our story forward today, because we believe in being good stewards of the position we’ve earned in this community. Every piece we design carries that commitment to quality. Whether you’re building a ranch, refreshing a family room, or furnishing every room in the house, our design team is ready to help. We’ve been doing it for 60 years, and we’re just getting started.

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X E T AS R E D By Sh ilo Urban

Who knew the addition of beans could amount to sacrilege? Though regional variations exist, Texas has a fondness for chili that borders on religious fervor, and for dang good reason: Around these parts, a bowl of red ain’t merely a dinner.

Art & Design by Lauren Deitzer 38

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Where to Eat Chili Made with in-house ground brisket, the bowl of red at Fred’s Texas Café comes with Fritos and a whole-roasted jalapeno.

Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor in Grapevine was opened by the family of Frank X. Tolbert, co-founder of the Terlingua Chili Cook-Offs, and still uses his recipe.

The Spicy Story of Texas Chili Chili is splattered all across the history of Fort Worth, from the chuck wagons on the Chisholm Trail to the invention of chili powder at Pendery’s. It fuels our football fans and our Frito pies — and there’s nothing like a belly-filling bowl of red when the weather turns cold (finally). Chili is bold and unpretentious, a hardworking meal that stands on its own … a lot like Texans themselves. But first things first: beans or no beans? Just kidding. We all know the answer to that one. “Texas chili is meat and red gravy, that’s it,” says Quincy Wallace, who owns Fred’s Texas Café — and who makes a mean bowl of red. Wallace worked his way up from dishwasher at Fred’s, a Fort Worth institution since 1978. Along the way, he spent many springtimes on West Texas ranches, cooking for cowboys from a chuck wagon. Wallace has been making chili since “always,” he says. “But I wouldn’t really call it a chuck wagon food. I’d call it a Texas food.” Perhaps THE Texas food, although brisket might beg to differ — and come out swinging (a fight we’d definitely like to see). Chili is a true original, drawing on many influences yet remaining distinctly Texan … and its story starts with heat-packed chile peppers.

Frog stew, chili bricks, and a teleporting nun “Chīlli” is the Aztec name for the colorful, spicy peppers that grow wild in Central and South America. Indigenous peoples had long cooked native meats and peppers together, as described by the Spanish friar Bernardino de Sahagún. After a 1529 visit to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, he writes about “muchas maneras de cazuelas” (many types of stews): turkey stew with red chiles, fish stew with yellow chiles, and frog stew with green chiles. Pass the cornbread. Spaniards brought cattle to Mexico that same decade, along with culinary traditions shaped by 800 years of Moorish rule, including meat stews with aromatic spices like cumin. But whoever first married New World peppers with Old World beef to create chile con carne (“chile with beef”), we’ll never know. Some say immigrants from the Canary Islands introduced a spicy beef dish to San Antonio in the 1700s; others credit a teleporting nun who beamed from Spain to Texas to spread the Good News — and the recipe for chili. That sounds accurate. The chili-mists of time begin to lift in the early 1800s when travelers started visiting the frontiers of Texas and north-

Dutch’s dishes out a bold, fanfavorite chili that’s more saucelike and easy eating — perfect on top of burgers and tots.

Butcher shop/deli The Meat Board uses 6666 Ranch beef in its chunky chili, which is served with house-made potato chips.

Rodeo Goat’s thick, smoky brisket chili comes with tortilla chips and a gang of jalapenos.

West Side Café has a classic, straightforward chili that’s a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Order a bowl of red with homemade cornbread for $6 at the White Elephant Saloon — the best deal on this list.

The bison chili at HG Sply Co. is made with Dakota pure pastureraised ground bison and a threebean mix.

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Chili Con Curiosities: Fun Facts About Red

1. Ancho chiles, which are dried red poblano peppers, are the most common peppers used in chili powder. 2. Chili is one of the most common meals made in firehouses across the United States. 3. Per 100 grams, a fresh red chile pepper contains as much vitamin C as a lime, a lemon, and an orange put together. 4. The first recorded chili cook-off took place at the Texas State Fair in 1952 — no beans were allowed. 5. Fritos promoted the original Frito Pie recipe, which debuted in 1962, by stapling the recipe to 1 million bags of Fritos Corn Chips. 6. Birds cannot taste chile peppers and are immune to their heat. 7. Chili powder inventor DeWitt Clinton Pendery arrived in Fort Worth in 1870, stepping off a stagecoach wearing a fancy frock coat and silk top hat. According to family legend, one local cowboy reacted by making fun of him and shooting a hole through his top hat. 8. Sorry, green onion and jalapeño fans, cheddar cheese and white onions are the only toppings found in traditional Texas chili. 9. Old vaudevillian and humorist Will Rogers, an honorary Fort Worthian if there ever was one, famously said he always traveled with a case of Wolf Brand Chili. 10. In the 19th century, chile pepper tonics were something of a cure-all, as doctors would prescribe them for toothaches, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, arthritis, seasickness, sore throat, and delirium.

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ern Mexico. One man wrote that Tejanos in San Antonio cut beef “into a hash with nearly as many peppers as there were pieces of meat.” Another Scottish lady noted a “composition of meat and chili” served at a rodeo that was “very like mud.” Chili in this era often used dried salted beef, an inexpensive, durable meat well suited to the Wild West. Slow simmering transformed the jerky into something delicious, and the peppers provided crucial vitamin C in a landscape with little fresh fruit. For portability, you couldn’t beat a chili brick: salted beef, suet, salt, and dried peppers pounded into a bar and dried in the sun. Just pop it into a pot of boiling water over a campfire and, voilà, dinner.

Cowboys and chili queens Chili bricks helped feed cowboys on the cattle drives, as did dried beef, bacon, salt pork, sourdough biscuits, plenty of “whistle berries” (beans) — and occasionally, fresh beef. The cattle were far too valuable to eat on a regular basis. Whenever fresh beef did appear, it was usually the cheapest, toughest cuts around and frequently from a sick or injured cow. Tasty. But turning the meat into chili made it tender and masked its gamey flavor. So … did the cowboys ever mix that chili with all those beans they were eating? “If you’ve got 30 cowboys and only 10 pounds of meat, well, by God, you need to put some beans in there or only the first four guys through the line are going to eat,” says Wallace. The same holds true for moms, dads, and anyone else trying to stretch their protein and feed a houseful on a budget. “There’s going to be some Texas chili purists that don’t agree with this statement, but beans are OK in chili. They are not OK in Texas red.” While the cowboys rode the Chisholm Trail, the Chili Queens of San Antonio were gaining fame. For years, or even decades, these Mexican and Mexican American women had sold chili in the city’s plazas, hauling it out every night on colorful wagons. Heated on mesquite fires and served with tortillas, it fed laborers and soldiers — and eventually, tourists.

The Chili Queens didn’t invent chili, as is often claimed, but they certainly popularized the centuries-old dish and commercialized what would become known as Texas chili.

Badger fights, goat chili, and live wolves Chili took another leap forward with the introduction of chili powder in Fort Worth, making it much easier to cook. Pendery’s World of Chiles & Spices was selling chili powder called Chiltomaline by 1890, a seasoning blend with ground chiles, cumin, and oregano (you can still buy it today at the store on Eighth Avenue). A few years later, William Gebhardt launched his chili powder, Tampico Dust, at Phoenix Saloon in New Braunfels. The saloon still stands, but alas, no longer has an alligator pond or badger fights. But chili’s popularity truly exploded (what a mess) after the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, where millions of Americans had their first taste of Juicy Fruit gum, Cracker Jack, Pabst Blue Ribbon — and Texas chili. Within the decade, chili parlors were popping up in other states. Fort Worth eateries were no doubt dishing up bowls of red much earlier, although records are spotty. Census data confirms “chili vendors” in the city from 1900. By 1895, the Richelieu Hotel was known for its chili, allegedly made with exotic spices from the Philippines. A “cheap, established barbecue and chili stand now doing good business” was listed for sale in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in 1902; an ad for Union Chili Parlors in 1903 touted “short orders, for ladies and gentlemen.” The city’s notorious White Elephant Saloon was converted to a chili parlor sometime around 1913. Most chili parlors at the time were small, family-run joints with a single room, a counter, and not much else — like Steve’s Chili Parlor, which debuted in 1919. Located in an alley downtown, it was a 12-foot-wide space with no seating. Similar wooden chili shacks proliferated in the Stockyards, stirring up quick meals for meatpackers and animal handlers. After the Great Depression hit in 1929, cheap and filling chili (served with unlimited free crackers) helped feed the hungry

r o t W h C t h r efs o F Spill the Bean s Bee f WHAT IS THE NO. 1 SECRET TO MAKING DELICIOUS TEXAS CHILI?

“Starting with quality meat. I prefer using brisket or chuck … I also like to use dried chiles, rehydrating and blending pasilla and cascabel chiles into a paste rather than relying solely on dried seasoning.”

CHEF SEAN MALEK Emilia’s and The Blue Room

“I’m a pretty strict purist. Meat coarse ground or preferably diced, chilis, cumin, pinch of Mexican oregano, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, and a little tomato. You can vary the types of chiles you use and liquid it’s stewed in — water, broth, or beer, but to me that’s it.”

LOU LAMBERT

“Making the chili flavor deeper. Toast whole dried chiles, build a proper chili paste, sear the beef hard, and give it time.”

GRANT MORGAN 97 West

“Great chiles make great chili, but great beef and great water make it extraordinary.”

TIM LOVE

Lonesome Dove, White Elephant Saloon

“Adding spices in stages. Dried spices need cooking time to bloom and round out; if you rush it, the spices will taste harsh and astringent.”

JUAN RODRIGUEZ Magdalena’s and Flora House

“Great Texas chili is all about the quality of the actual red chili that you use … great quality meat, onions, garlic, spices, and the best red chili powder or dried red chili peppers you can find.”

JON BONNELL

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and Waters Restaurant

“The No. 1 secret is there is more than one secret.”

KATHLEEN TOLBERT RYAN Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Paris Coffee Shop

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14 Reasons Beans Don’t Belong in Chili 1. 1

Have you ever heard of chile con frijoles? Didn’t think so.

2. 2

A steer didn’t give its everything just to share billing with a kidney bean.

3. 3

Beans belong beside brisket, and they know it.

4. 4

Every time you add beans to chili, an armadillo cries.

5. 5

Because Texans have fought over less.

6. 6

A pinto belongs under your saddle, not in your chili.

7. 7

If God wanted beans in chili, he’d have made them cows.

8. 8

Nobody has ever waxed poetic about a “bowl of brown.”

9. 9

Because this is Texas, and we have standards.

10. Northerners put beans in 10 their chili.

11. 11

The International Chili Society defines traditional red chili with no beans.

12. Beans are forbidden at 12

the Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-Off.

13. Just serve them on the 13 side, OK?

14. Because beans alter the 14

taste and the fundamental nature of the dish. As soon as you put beans in chili, it ain’t chili.

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masses. Almost every town in the West had at least one chili parlor. Yet a competitor was gaining ground. Canned chili was first introduced in 1881 by William Tobin, a Texas Ranger who opened a chili canning factory that used goat meat as its main source of protein. Unsurprisingly, it failed. Forty years later, a Corsicana gent named Lyman T. Davis started canning the chili that he’d been selling for years from his wagon. He named it in honor of his pet wolf, Kaiser Bill — and Wolf Brand Chili went on to massive success. Perhaps it was the brand’s brilliant marketing strategy: Drive around Texas in Model T trucks that were shaped and painted like cans of Wolf Brand Chili — and carry live wolves in the back.

The no-beans backlash As chili spilled beyond the borders of Texas, cooks in other states gave it their own spin. They often added fillers like beans, tomatoes, and pasta to make the dish go further, still selling it as “authentic Texas chili.” A backlash brewed, with purists becoming increasingly determined to define and defend what belonged in a bowl of red. Everything came to a head in 1967 when a prominent New York journalist, H. Allen Smith, wrote that making chili without beans was “to flout one of the basic laws of nature.” The Yankee also claimed that “No living man … can put together a pot of chili as ambrosial, as delicately and zestfully flavorful, as the chili I make,” and that other people’s chili was “vile slop that a coyote would turn his back on.” Smith was clearly messing with Texas — and we took up the fight. Frank X. Tolbert, author of the best-selling book A Bowl of Red, fired back in his Dallas Morning News column and organized a competition in a West Texas ghost town: the Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-Off. Texan chili evangelist Homer “Wick” Fowler cooked head-to-head with Smith in a blind-tasting contest. Who would win? Smith or Fowler? New York or Texas? Beans or no beans? The whole shebang ended in a draw, but it became a famous annual event

and helped spread chili cook-off culture across America. Tolbert opened a chili parlor in Dallas (it now survives in Grapevine), and the Yankee who messed with Texas learned his lesson: He moved to Texas that same year and never returned to New York. Terlingua helped enshrine “no beans” as a matter of Texas pride, honor, and even identity. New Yorkers eat sissy soup with beans; Texans eat real chili. All major chili associations and world championships today explicitly ban beans in traditional red chili, and in 1977, “unadulterated Texas chili” became the official state dish. “We make chili off the Terlingua competition rules,” says Wallace: no beans, pasta, rice, or large pieces of vegetables. “I’m a stickler for meat and red gravy.” Many cooks favor beef chuck, but Fred’s Texas Café goes with 100% brisket. They grind it fresh every morning and make chili every day, winter and summer. Wallace’s recipe combines six types of dried chiles (including ancho, chipotle, and cascabel), garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, a bit of corn masa, Shiner Bock, and onion. “I sneak an onion into everything,” says Wallace — but he never adds tomatoes or tomato paste, which is chili sacrilege in his book. Then he reconsiders. “If you can get a tomato in there and I don’t know it’s in there, then it’s OK,” he adds. “If you’re in deer camp and you’ve got a can of Ro-Tel sitting over there, why not throw it in? There’s a lot of stuff that sneaks into chili that you don’t really know it’s there, but it just richens it. It’s not traditional, but it’s OK. Red gravy can have anything in it.” You can try Wallace’s Texas red chili at three Fred’s locations: Camp Bowie Boulevard, Western Center, and Crowley. The Crowley outpost opened earlier this year in a historic 1925 brick building, and its centerpiece (apart from the bar) is Wallace’s actual antique chuck wagon. Texas chili has fed us, comforted us, and fueled Fort Worth for decades. Whether you eat it with cornbread, Fritos, saltines, or tortilla chips — every time you sit down to a hearty bowl of red, you become part of the history of Texas chili.

How to Make Authentic Texas Chili 1

FORT WORTH FIREFIGHTERS CHILI COOK-OFF 2

Dry chile peppers in a blazing stretch of 100-degree summer days. Pulverize the peppers into powder in a tornado.

Tastiest Chili Cook-Offs in Nov. 14, 2026:

Put on your cowboy boots. Chase the rattlesnakes away with your six-shooter.

Tarrant County’s

Local firefighters battle for bragging rights on Main Street while raising money for Fort Worth Firefighters Charities. Entry is free and tasting tickets are sold on-site; the cookoff runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a cash bar.

Feb. 27, 2027: 5

Crank up your fire (mesquite or post oak preferred) and put the pot on top. 7

Grab some Texas beer and simmer the chili for hours with a gritty, faraway stare on your face. AND FOR GOD’S SAKE, DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT ADDING BEANS.

TASTE OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE CHILI COOK-OFF

Cut beef into small chunks with your Bowie knife and add it to a large pot with the chili powder.

October 2027:

RED STEAGALL COWBOY GATHERING 8

Let sit overnight in the fridge for best results. Top with chopped white onions and shredded cheddar cheese, then enjoy your bowl of red on a back porch or a pickup’s tailgate. Bonus points for views of pumpjacks, windmills, and/or barbed wire.

Grapevine’s Peace Plaza on Main Street hosts this festive celebration of Texas Independence Day. Past years have also included a peach cobbler baking contest, games, and historical reenactments.

This party in the Stockyards celebration features cowboy poetry, Western swing dancing, a fiddle competition — and one heck of a chuck wagon cook-off. Contestants compete in four categories (meat, beans, bread, and dessert) and must cook on chuck wagons like it’s 1880, using historical ingredients and open fires.

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Mediterranean on the Prairie

For the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home, coastal France ingratiates itself with the Texas countryside — with a little luxury thrown in for good measure. By Brian Kendall Images by Full Package Media

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ll homes possess a façade, while some homes, in a way, are a façade. They’ll sport clay-tiled roofs, stucco walls, courtyards, terraces, and elaborate porticos to strictly adhere to an architectural style and manufacture a sense that one is elsewhere. Whether they transport you to Tuscany, the English countryside, or the Greek Isles, these meticulously executed imitations of faraway places, while no doubt serving a purpose, don’t always feel at home in their surroundings. While the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home in Aledo River possesses a façade — one inspired by the Mediterranean, in fact — it is anything but a façade. A home we’ve deemed the Mediterranean on the Prairie, this incredible build features a clay-tiled roof and stucco walls yet possesses no identity crisis and has no qualms about its treelined location. “The overall inspiration was taking a Mediterranean French-style plaster and molding it into what I’m calling Texas

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Mediterranean,” says Tyler Brabec of Brabec Custom Homes, builder of the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home. “We mixed it with flares of Italian wood cornice detailing and, obviously, put big giant windows and gave it a modern touch. So, it was really, truly, blending.” In Aledo, this home manages to fit like a glove. While every Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home is a one-of-a-kind affair — with new builds tapping into the latest and greatest in luxury homebuilding and design trends — this year’s edition, the program’s 23rd, is particularly unique. Though they’ve graced some of the area’s most prestigious housing developments and sought-after ZIP codes, few Dream Homes have enjoyed quite the natural setting of this TexasMediterranean-style home, which features an architectural design by Michael Perkins of Elm Residential. In contrast to many of the new-build lots in the western half of the metroplex, the 2026 Dream Home’s 3-acre lot in the Aledo River development is chock-full of mature trees, offering a degree

of privacy and seclusion that might make visitors forget they’re only a short drive from Fort Worth. And conserving this rustic, wooded landscape was paramount to Brabec and his team. “We preserved every single tree that we thought we could preserve on that site,” Brabec says. “We were out there literally pulling strings through the middle of that house to get the symmetry on everything and make sure we weren’t killing any of the beautiful existing trees.” The result is a home that seems to have grown out of the landscape rather than dropped onto it. Of course, outside of some exposed wood beams, there’s nothing particularly rustic about the residence itself. With five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, a four-car garage, an entertainment room with a golf simulator, and a backyard with an infinity pool and a putting green, whoever ends up residing here won’t exactly be roughing it; it has luxury to spare. Adding her own brand of luxury

and bringing elegance and warmth to the home’s old-world architecture is Susan Semmelmann and her team at Semmelmann Interiors. Returning for her fifth consecutive and eighth overall Dream Home, Semmelmann brings 30 years of interior design experience and plenty of creative flair. And, like Brabec, the Semmelmann team didn’t have to look past the lot’s tree line to discover its muse for this year’s project. “As a staple, we love bringing in nature in everything that we do in our design,” Semmelmann says. “With this home being in a rural area, we wanted the interior to complement that.” Of course, to build a Dream Home, it takes a Dream Team putting in a heck of a lot of work. From the pool to the paint, cabinetry, and tile, the Dream Home showcases the talents of a bevy of vendors and subcontractors. This year’s team included 36 of the region’s top professionals (see the full list on Page 63, whose handiwork is on display throughout the home’s 6,600 square feet. In many ways, this Dream Home is

Brabec’s own dream home — a residence he designed not merely to showcase his craftsmanship, but as a place he’d happily call his own. And we suspect you’ll understand why. Have a look.

DREAM HOME TOUR SCHEDULE

Oct. 31 – Nov. 15, 2026 WEEK 1 Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 WEEK 2 Nov. 5 – Nov. 8 WEEK 3 Nov. 12 – Nov. 15

TOUR HOURS: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email: ccrippin@fwtexas.com Phone: 817.560.6111 ext. 153

DETAILS ADDRESS: 1435 Jenkins Road, Aledo STORIES: Single SQUARE FOOTAGE: 6,609 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 6 LOT SIZE: 3 acres LISTING PRICE: $4,995,000 COST PER SQUARE FOOT: $641

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Entry/Sitting Room It’s an adage for a reason: First impressions are everything. And Tyler Brabec of Brabec Custom Homes and the team at Susan Semmelmann Interiors have clearly capitalized on this general truth. As one enters through the arched glass front doors, a vaulted entryway immediately showcases the home’s retreat-style qualities and introduces visitors to its Mediterraneaninspired architecture. One will likely be immediately taken with the view, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling glass doors, of the astonishing backyard — an infinity pool surrounded by greenery to spare. Bringing this picturesque landscape indoors was precisely Semmelmann’s modus operandi. “With this home being in a rural area, we wanted the interior to complement that,” Semmelmann says. “[The whole design] really is kind of embracing the area. We mixed a transitional, earthy, organic vibe without going modern.” A sitting room off to the right is an instant illustration of this design ethos. Here, the Semmelmann team traded the sharp, geometric lines of more contemporary interiors for softer curves that complement the home’s architecture. “We wanted to bring in the curves with the Mediterranean arches,” Semmelmann explains. “You’ll notice all of our curves in our design, and it was very intentional to not have hard lines. We wanted to incorporate a softness that felt true to the home throughout.”

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Study Making one’s way through what feels like a grand hallway on the coast of Spain, a study appears almost immediately to the left. While this handsome workspace feels tucked away, it never feels cut off from the rest of the home — Semmelmann manages to make each room distinct without veering from the home’s general aesthetic. Overhead, a wood coffered ceiling contrasts with the room’s otherwise light surroundings, and a wall of built-in bookshelves, finished in a muted gray, offers ample space for books, keepsakes, family pics, and decorative accents. According to Semmelmann, this muted gray hue is the study’s through line — where each of the room’s individual elements can claim its genesis. “When you look at everything — down to the details of the pillows to the art to even the stone on top of the desk — it has a cohesive coloration to it,” Semmelmann says. Elsewhere, a pair of upholstered chairs

and a hide rug give the space a touch of warmth, while an equestrian sculpture — bringing in that requisite Western element — offers a not-so-subtle nod to the home’s Aledo setting. Wall Finish: Benjamin Moore, 1477 – Deep Creek Satin Finish

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Primary Bedroom/Bath Venetian plaster is the order of the day when one steps inside the resortinspired primary suite. The decorative wall finish gives an earthy, stone-like quality to the surroundings. Pairing the warmth of natural wood with a palette of creams, taupes, and soft grays, the room serves as an ideal retreat from the chaos of kitchens, game rooms, and the occasional houseguest, offering a chance to completely immerse oneself in the Mediterranean aesthetic. “[The primary suite] has a real ‘resort reclusive’ feel to it,” Semmelmann says.

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“What we love about this space is how we were able to integrate the natural woods in the furnishings to give the room its pops.” Across from the upholstered bed, a contemporary fireplace forgoes the stone surround and elects to showcase the rich venetian plaster. Flanking the fireplace is a his-and-hers sitting area that features a pair of swivel chairs and ottomans that, when viewed together, could resemble a heart — at least from this writer’s vantage point. The adjoining primary bathroom — a

make-or-break room for any prospective homebuyer or builder — serves as a perfect marriage of luxury and tranquility. Punctuated by skylights and exposed wood beams, the expansive space includes gray stone floors, natural wood cabinetry with gold fixtures, a freestanding soaking tub, and a stunning walk-through shower — no doubt one of the home’s crowning achievements — that features three (count ’em, three) individual showerheads. Wall Finish: Sherwin Williams, 7631 – City Loft Satin Finish

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Backyard Considering the outdoors serves as the home’s primary design inspo — both in its interior design and architecture — one would certainly expect the backyard space to be a pièce de résistance. And you’ll have no issues finding your way there, as the home includes eight doors that lead residents and guests to the resort-inspired grounds. Undoubtedly a home meant for hosting, the outdoor retreat takes full advantage of the home’s picturesque setting, blending luxurious amenities with the natural beauty of Aledo’s wooded landscape. You’ll swear you’re nowhere near the metroplex. Of course, the main attraction is the sleek, rectangular infinity swimming pool surrounded by an expansive stone terrace, where four cushioned chaise lounges in muted terracotta line one side. Behind the pool rests a small, circular firepit that’s perfectly aligned with the home’s front door and driveway fountain. And to the right, facing away from the house, a putting green serves as an ideal transition to the home’s game room.

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En Suite Bedrooms In classic Semmelmann Interiors fashion, each of the home’s three additional en suite bedrooms, all situated on the same side as the primary suite, offers its own distinctive personality. And though they might not look alike, each manages to combine comfortable accommodations with thoughtfully coordinated furnishings and plenty of natural light. “Everything in these rooms, without fail, is very intentional,” Semmelmann says. “There’s a lot of attention to detail concerning the colorations, and you’ll

notice it in the lamps, the rugs, the art, the tile — every minute detail is carefully thought-out and intentional.” The first suite makes a statement with a rich palette of navy blue and crisp white. Featuring a large arched window with a cinematic view of the outside, the room’s palette combined with its cascade of curves within its design elements gives the room a river-like quality. Abandoning the aquatics, the second bedroom takes a decidedly more botanical approach, incorporating delicate floral bedding,

muted green accents, and a pair of tortoise shell-inspired lamps. Completing the triumvirate of suites, the third embraces an earthier aesthetic. Featuring a neutral, stone-like palette with layered creams, taupe, and soft gray, the hues allow the room’s textures to take center stage. Wall Finish: Sherwin Williams, 7631 – City Loft Satin Finish Benjamin Moore, B475 – Galápagos Green Flat Finish Sherwin Williams, 7044 – Amazing Gray Satin Finish

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Great Room Managing to separate its conversation area, featuring four contemporary swivel chairs, from its entertainment area while remaining conveniently open to the kitchen, dining, and outdoor spaces, the great room is the home’s proverbial Swiss Army knife. It’s a workhorse of a space that will undoubtedly get a lot of use — and for good reason. While utilitarian in its purpose, this didn’t stop the Semmelmann team from gussying things up a tad — all while adhering to their strict objective to bring the outdoors in. The room, offering plenty of space to relax and entertain, features a pair of complementary rugs in decidedly different colors and materials, one paired with an upholstered ottoman and the other a marble-top coffee table, that work in tandem to carve out two distinct areas of the room. Meanwhile, a contemporary chandelier composed of clustered glass spheres provides a striking contrast to the home’s rustic surroundings. The room’s textured fabrics in a neutral palette of creams, whites, and soft green earth tones allow the home’s architectural details to take center stage. Such elements include the double wood beams that stretch across the grand ceiling, and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors ensure that, no matter where one is this home, the Aledo countryside remains the star of the show. Wall Finish: Sherwin Williams, 7631 – City Loft Satin Finish

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Kitchen/Dining The home’s kitchen and dining room, all framed by a grand arch, served as one of the Semmelmann team’s biggest design inspirations, leading to an overall aesthetic that features more soft curves and fewer hard edges. A standout feature, the archway that blends the dining room into the kitchen is a miniature showcase of the home’s greatest design elements: beautifully veined marble, industrial lighting, grand ceilings with rustic wooden beams, large windows providing a glimpse into nature, and a backsplash featuring irregular, mosaic-like tile. In the dining area, the Semmelmann team infused a couple of current trends — and perhaps even getting a little ahead of one. According to Semmelmann team member Madeleine Housewright, “furniture follows fashion. And one of the things we’re seeing in fashion but haven’t yet started seeing in homes is scarves.” Cleverly weaving in this fashion trend, the team tied scarves — featuring a brown paisley design pattern — to the backs of the dining chairs. The second trend the team incorporated is the large china pantry situated next to the dining table. “We’re seeing a lot more of these china pantries,” Housewright says. “Designating a space where you can show off your collection of fine china, antiques, and family heirlooms has made its way back to being a popular design choice.” Wall Finish: Sherwin Williams, 7631 – City Loft Satin Finish

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Guest Suite Rather than calling it a “guest suite,” the Semmelmann team prefers the term “mother-in-law suite.” This distinction suggests a space designed to provide its occupant with a sense of independence. Thus, the room includes your typical bedroom and full bathroom while also featuring a sitting area, kitchenette, and fireplace to boot. And with the space’s defining feature being a vaulted ceiling accented by exposed wooden beams, this clearly ain’t your run-of-the-mill guest room. The room’s soft gray palette combined with creams and natural wood tones gives the space a distinctly Texas coastal aesthetic and, thus, the feel of a literal retreat. “This is us bringing the beach into the home,” Housewright says, “but in a distinctly Texas way.” Of course, the dense wooded area on view from the room’s large arched window rightly brings it all back to Aledo. Never far from the outdoors, the room also features a pair of large glass doors flanking the fireplace. The floor tile in the adjoining bathroom, Housewright notes, includes a miniature scale of a trend toward geometric patterns featuring stars and crosses. “You’re still trendy, but you’re taking a new approach to it,” Housewright says. “The miniature version just levels it up a notch.” Wall Finish: Sherwin Williams, 7631 – City Loft Satin Finish

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Entertainment Room Plaid is the story here. While the rest of the home favors understated elegance that bridges the inside with the outside, the entertainment room leans in on a decidedly different decorative approach. But while the room has its own personality, it doesn’t abandon the home’s overarching design philosophy. Featuring a full-blown golf simulator

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and a brown-leather sectional surrounded by tartan wallpaper and wood paneling, the space feels like a cozy country club in a Mediterranean villa. According to both builder Tyler Brabec and the Semmelmann team, the room serves as a nod to the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. According to Semmelmann, the room — which also features a gray marbletop bar, built-in wood cabinetry and

entertainment center, a second couch in blue suede, and a blue coffered ceiling — is a conversation starter. “This is a bold, powerful room,” Semmelmann says. “It’s one of those rooms that’s captivating and has real meaning. And I believe one of the things we do well in our design process is that we give a home meaning and an experience that’s memorable.”

Development

Aledo River

Tour Sponsors

Autobahn First Financial Bank

Realtor

THE BUILDER Tyler Brabec, Brabec & Co.

THE INTERIOR DESIGNER Susan Semmelmann, Semmelmann Interiors

With a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas and over a decade of hands-on experience in structurally designing and building luxury homes, Tyler brings unparalleled expertise and vision to Brabec Custom Homes. His deep understanding of structural engineering, building science, and architectural excellence ensures that each project surpasses the highest standards. Tyler was a member of the Fort Worth Inc. 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. He enjoys spending his free time outdoors, watching sports, golfing, and relaxing with friends and family.

When it comes to Dream Home projects, this isn’t Susan Semmelmann’s first rodeo. In fact, the 2026 Dream Home marks her eighth Dream Home project with Fort Worth Magazine. Since 2020, Susan has partnered with Fort Worth Magazine on our annual Dream Home tour—a charitable initiative benefiting A Wish with Wings. For Susan, it’s more than design—it’s a mission. Every room is an opportunity to serve, to uplift, and to bring hope through beauty. As the founder of Semmelmann Interiors, a nationally recognized couture design firm, Susan leads with generosity at the core. In just six years, her team has designed over $500 million in luxury homes, donated more than $2M to charitable causes, and supported families in crisis through her namesake nonprofit, The Susan Semmelmann Foundation. With her signature statementmaking aesthetic and a spirit grounded in servanthood, Susan uses design as a way to give back— transforming houses into homes and dreams into reality.

brabeccustomhomes.com

Key Partners Appliances

The Jarrell Co.

Architectural Plans

Elm Residential

Artificial Grass Beams

The main beneficiary of the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home Tour, a Wish with Wings is a Fort Worth-based nonprofit that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical diagnoses. The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 1982 and has granted over 1,900 wishes to North Texas children, including trips to Disney World and Hawaii, Dallas Mavericks meet and greets, Harry Styles concerts, unicorn photos shoots, full-home renovations, and so much more — there isn’t a wish too big. When you purchase tickets for this year’s Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home Tour, a portion of the proceeds benefit this incredible charity.

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The Kitchen Source

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Set in Stone

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KLZ Stone

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Durango Doors

Doors Interior

Henson Lumber

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Vintage Floors + Finishes

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Open Up Garage Doors

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REAL ESTATE WITH YOU IN MIND

Every move is an opportunity for something new. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, I’m here to provide the guidance, local expertise, and personalized strategy you need to make your next move a successful one.

READY TO MAKE YOUR MOVE? Brenda Adams brenda.adams@compass.com 817.845.4266 Residential | Building | Farm & Ranch | Commercial Brenda Adams is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME VENDORS The 2026 Dream Home project relies on the skill and expertise of the area’s best builders, designers, architects, landscapers, and audio technicians. Whether you are looking to update your home or to build a new one, our official Dream Home builders, contractors, and subcontractors featured on the following pages can help you turn your dreams for your home into reality. The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Brabec & Co.

COMPANY FOCUS: Brabec & Co. is a luxury general contractor specializing in architecturally significant, high-performance homes. It builds throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area and travels for select ranch projects. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Best of Fort Worth Homebuilder, 2024–2026 (three consecutive years); Best D Home, 2025 and 2026; Founder Tyler Brabec named to Fort Worth Inc. 40 Under 40. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Greater Fort Worth Builders Association; International Code Council. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Founder

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Tyler Brabec began his career as an engineer before becoming a builder, launching the company after seeing too many beautiful homes constructed poorly. His greatest achievement isn’t a single project — it’s ensuring that the unseen elements of a home, from the foundation and framing to the waterproofing, receive the same meticulous attention as the showcase spaces. Building a team that shares this commitment to craftsmanship has been more challenging, and more meaningful, than building any one house. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The company is owned and operated by

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engineers, and its team is composed entirely of professionals with engineering and construction science backgrounds. Their deep knowledge of structure and building science ensures every home is as well built as it is beautiful. MOTTO: Construction worthy of the Architecture. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Improper planning at the start of a project is the most common mistake. Changes made on paper cost far less than changes made in the field. FREE ADVICE: Slow down in design; speed up in construction. Every decision made early saves time, money, and complications

later. PICTURED: (left to right) Austin Lezak, Max Ruley, Tyler Brabec, Kelsey Brabec, Chase DeWeese, Talon Brandon, Aric Brabec, Hadyn Baker, and Cason Green. Brabec & Co. 6475 Silver Saddle Road Fort Worth 76126 817.374.2037 brabec.co

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Claffey Pools

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PROMOTION FOCUS: Claffey Pools specializes in the design and construction of custom swimming pools, spas, and complete outdoor living spaces. For more than 39 years, the company has served North Texas homeowners with highly customized pool designs, renovations, water features, outdoor kitchens, and backyard spaces. We are focused on being a lifetime partner with our clients for all their needs. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Claffey Pools is ranked the No. 2 Pool Builder in the U.S. by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA). Also, Claffey was named Builder of the Year in 2024 by Pool & Spa News and has earned Top 50 Service recognition, along with multiple PHTA Awards of Excellence for outstanding pool design and construction. For more than a decade, Claffey Pools has consistently been recognized among the Top 50 Pool Builders and Pool Service in the nation, while also earning recognition as one of the best pool companies across multiple Texas markets. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), Texas Pool & Spa Coalition, and Master Pools Guild and United Aqua Group. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: One of Claffey Pools’ greatest achievements is building a familyowned company that has remained dedicated to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service for more than three decades. Being named PHTA Builder of the Year in 2024 was a particularly meaningful recognition because it came from industry peers. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Claffey Pools is 100% vertically integrated, with in-house construction, maintenance, service, remodeling, and warranty teams, allowing us to handle virtually every need for your backyard. We also have a retail store that provides additional support for ongoing pool care for those who opt out of weekly maintenance. MOTTO: “A Passionate Commitment to Excellence.” This motto reflects Claffey Pools’ approach to design, craftsmanship, customer service, and the overall client experience. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: A common mistake is rushing backyard design without proper planning, even though a custom space requires thoughtful, longterm decisions. FREE ADVICE: Think about how you want to live in the space before you begin designing it. Consider how your family will use the pool and backyard—not just today, but years from now. When the design starts with your lifestyle, the result becomes more than a beautiful pool—it becomes an extension of your home and a place where you’ll create memories for years to come. PICTURED: Charlie Claffey, Shelly Claffey, and Brian Claffey.

Claffey Pools 1625 Brumlow Ave. Southlake 76092 817.488.5795 claffeypools.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Daltile FOCUS: Daltile offers tile, natural stone, countertops, and extralarge slabs for residential and commercial spaces. From kitchens and bathrooms to outdoor living areas, our extensive selection brings individual design visions to life. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Founded in Dallas in 1947, parent company Dal-Tile LLC grew to become the largest tile manufacturer in the United States. For over 75 years, the Daltile brand has built a reputation for design, quality, innovation, and service. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Daltile is the industry-leading brand for porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal, and stone tile, as well as mosaics, extra-large slabs, countertops, and exterior tile products. Known for innovative product development and distinguished style, Daltile offers a rich palette of high-quality materials designed to inspire both residential

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and commercial spaces. As a true one-stop shop, Daltile provides an unmatched range of selections, recognizing that every customer expresses personal style differently. The brand’s extensive offering includes all the latest fashion-driven, on-trend products—from porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone to slabs, countertops, and exterior solutions. This breadth and depth allow customers to achieve their design vision regardless of aesthetic, application, or budget. Virtually any design, color, shape, or size can be found within the Daltile lineup, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of Modern American Luxury. Daltile’s design-driven line reflects fashion, interior trends, and décor, offering the industry’s most stylish products. Another defining strength is Daltile’s technical capability to bring any design concept to life. Through proprietary printing

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and texture technologies, Daltile creates tile that authentically replicates wood, stone, marble, metal, concrete, and fabric. These products deliver realistic color, detail, and veining with true-totouch texture—offering the beauty of natural materials with the performance benefits of tile, including durability, cleanability, and waterproof functionality. MISSION: Our guiding focus is to inspire residential and commercial designs through innovative products, distinguished style, and dependable quality and service. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing finishes based on appearance alone can overlook how a space will be used. Consider the application, performance needs, and maintenance expectations alongside the design to select the right surface for your home. FREE ADVICE: Start with your personal style and how you want to

live in your space. Explore samples, use design resources, and seek expert guidance to coordinate surfaces that are both beautiful and practical. PICTURED: Daltile Fort Worth SSC Employees. Daltile - Stone Center 3328 Fossil Creek Blvd. Fort Worth 76137 817.332.4161 daltile.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Durango Doors of DFW

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CONCENTRATION: Durango Doors of DFW specializes in custom decorative iron doors and thin-profile steel windows and doors. The trends of indoor/outdoor living and more contemporary architecture have spurred the use of bigger door panels that function as bi-fold and multi-slide panels that are basically moveable walls. We still sell a significant amount of decorative wroughtiron doors, but our thin-profile millennium steel line is becoming the choice of the market. PHILOSOPHY: We always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations through personalized service, creative design, and service after the sale. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Better Business Bureau and Fort Worth Builders Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Purchasing the old Ajax glass building that will be paid off this year. WHY CHOOSE THEM: We think of ourselves as an architectural products boutique, where customers can get a level of personalized service that is not offered at the big box retailers, lumber yards, or millwork companies. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Quality custom-made products and service after the sale. BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUILDING A HOME: Trying to build it themselves. PICTURED: Scott Pereth, owner; Laura Fernandez; Ray Barnes, service manager.

Durango Doors of DFW 4015 W. Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth 76107 817.732.8181 Fax 817.732.1690 durangodoors.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

The Jarrell Company

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SPECIALTY: We work with both professionals and homeowners to find the perfect appliance, plumbing, lighting and decorative hardware solutions to suit their needs. Whether you are working on a large kitchen remodel, building a custom home, or adding a new bathroom addition, The Jarrell Company wants to be your go-to supplier for everything that makes your home both gorgeous and functional. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Builders Association, Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, National Kitchen and Bath Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Since we opened our doors over 75 years ago, we have seen a wonderful response from the community and incredible growth. We owe it to our dedicated and knowledgeable employees and our passion for everything that makes a house a “home.” PHILOSOPHY: The Jarrell Company is where modern appliances meet classic service. It is our mission to help people find the perfect high-end appliance, plumbing, lighting, and decorative hardware solutions while offering white-glove support and long-term customer care. FREE ADVICE: Talk to an expert first. It will save you time, money and frustration. BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUILDING A HOME: Not planning for the appliances and plumbing properly. It is more complicated than you think.

The Jarrell Company 2651 Fondren Drive Dallas 75206 214.363.7211 1900 S. Main St., Ste.110 Grapevine 76051 817.532.5530 jarrellco.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

KLZ Stone Supply FOCUS: At KLZ Stone, we specialize in natural stone, including granite, quartzite, marble, and travertine, as well as our American Quartz line. Since 2009, we have served fabricators, builders, designers, and architects throughout Texas and surrounding states. We source distinctive materials from across the world, bringing together timeless classics and statement stones. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: We are proud to contribute stone selections to Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home projects and collaborate with the designers and builders who bring them to life. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and National Stone Institute. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building a company that has

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become one of the largest importers of natural stone in Texas while developing lasting relationships throughout the design and building community. We have become a trusted resource for fabricators, designers, and builders who rely on us for distinctive materials, product knowledge, availability, guidance, and support. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We believe stone is more than a surface; it can set the tone for a home. Our extensive selection offers a wide variety of materials, colors, patterns, and finishes, giving professionals and homeowners the opportunity to find a stone that truly fits their vision. We combine that variety with product knowledge and personalized guidance to help our customers navigate their options and find the

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right stone for their project. MOTTO: The destination for all your stone needs, offering a variety that inspires and availability you can count on. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing finishes individually rather than considering how they work together. Stone, cabinetry, flooring, backsplash, paint, and arc 78 hitecture should be considered as part of the overall design. When these elements are coordinated, the finished home feels intentional, cohesive, and timeless. FREE ADVICE: Choose your stone early, and choose what you love. Natural stone is unique; its color, movement, and character can change the feeling of a room and inspire the selections that follow. Let the stone tell the story of the home rather

than treating it as the final decision. PICTURED: (left to right) Ronaldo Garcia, Monica Holden, Lizeth Alvarado, Angelica Alas, Mary Schaffer, Estephany Hernandez, Geramie Parrish, Mercedes Alvarez, Ivan Limon, Benicio Limon, Denise Becerra, and Jared Gonzalez. KLZ Stone Supply 11129 Zodiac Lane, Ste. 300 Dallas 75229 214.243.5132 klzstone.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

The Otium Group 80

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FOCUS: The Otium Group designs and installs the technology that runs a home: audio and video, home automation, lighting control, networking, security, and landscape lighting, all planned together and installed by the company’s own crew. Founder Brian Hugghins started wiring car and home audio at 15 and opened the company in Fort Worth in 2004. Two decades later, the approach hasn’t changed: Bring the technology in at the blueprint stage so it becomes part of the house, not something added to it. MOTTO: Built in, not added on. MISSION: One company, one plan, and one standard for every home: technology designed in from the blueprint, installed by our own people, and supported long after move-in. PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: The Otium Group is a Control4 Pinnacle Dealer and Samsung Platinum Dealer, and Brian is a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Fort Worth Chapter. The company built the entire technology backbone of the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home with Brabec Custom Homes. A Ubiquiti network with 10-gig speed and Wi-Fi 7 reaches every corner. Control4 runs the house, with Triad amplification driving Origin Acoustics speakers through the kitchen, study, primary suite and bath, plus weather-rated speakers on the covered patio. A Samsung Frame TV anchors the great room, with two Samsung Neo QLED screens outside. The golf simulator is fully integrated, and the front door and gate have DoorBird video entry systems. All of it lives in a custom rack in the AV closet, power-protected and battery-backed, with room for the new owners to grow. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The Otium Group has been doing this since 2004. Its own crew does the work, its own service team supports it after move-in, and every product is tested before it is sold. The owner is still on the job, so every client gets the same standard, whatever the size of the project. Their advice to homeowners: Bring your integrator in at the blueprint stage when the best options are still on the table.

The Otium Group 5059 Martin Luther King Jr Freeway Fort Worth 76119 817.300.1518

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Performance Heat and Air

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COMPANY FOCUS: Commercial and residential heating and cooling HVAC needs. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Trane comfort specialist; Trane Soar Award. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: The Good Contractors List. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: We have been a family-owned and operated HVAC company since day one. WHAT SETS THEM APART: At Performance Heat and Air, we care about our customers and their comfort. We strive to have our clients feel the difference after we service their homes. MOTTO: Comfort you can feel. MISSION: At Performance Heat and Air, our mission is to help our customers. We’re dedicated to making sure customers understand how to operate and maintain their HVAC system, providing the best solution for comfort needs as possible. We’re devoted to providing excellent customer service, innovative designs, quality installations, and dedicated service technicians. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Not buying a big enough unit for the home. FREE ADVICE: Please change your filters monthly or every three months. PICTURED: Jody Goldsberry, Brian Blaker, Drew Roden, Kyle Lane, Cookie, Cameron Goldsberry, Marcus Goodman, and Shane Lyon.

Performance Heat and Air 1807 Owen Court, Ste.107 Mansfield 76063 469.557.4455 performanceheatandair.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

Set in Stone Granite and Marble FOCUS: Set in Stone Granite and Marble is a luxury stone fabrication company specializing in high-end residential projects throughout the DFW area. We are known for our exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and ability to execute intricate and highly detailed stonework. We help homeowners bring their visions to life through beautifully crafted stone surfaces, from countertops to custom details and features. Our focus is on combining premium materials with skilled craftsmanship to create spaces that are both functional and timeless. MISSION: With over 30 years of experience, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has always been a top priority. As a family-owned business, we have learned the true

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value of loyalty and dedication. We bring these core principles into every project we undertake and every client relationship we build. Our many years of experience has gained us the reputation of being able to accomplish extraordinary designs without compromising the craftsmanship and quality of the stone. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS: Among our proudest achievements is our ability to build meaningful connections with every client we serve. Whether working directly with homeowners or collaborating with designers and homebuilders, we cultivate strong partnerships that ensure we truly grasp their vision and seamlessly turn their ideas into reality. We are especially proud of the projects that allow us to show our full potential, from those

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complex designs that take time and attention to detail to be fully realized, as well as being able to be a part of creating spaces families will enjoy and gather around for years to come. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What makes Set in Stone unique is the people behind our work. Many of our employees are family, and those who aren’t are treated just the same. We have built a team that takes genuine pride in their work and stands behind every project we complete. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship has remained consistent over the years, because we believe a company is only as strong as the people behind its brand. That shared dedication is reflected in the care we put into every project and every client relationship.

PICTURED: (left to right, sitting) Anthony Hernandez, Salvador Mejia, Marco Mejia, and Angel Mejia; (left to right, standing) Ruby Mejia, Cecilia Mejia, Rogelio Mejia Jr, Joan Mejia, and Rogelio Mejia. Set in Stone Granite and Marble 1715 Rhome St., Ste. A Dallas 75229 214.909.7798 setinstonegm.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Andrew Disney & Fred Disney Westbrook Companies

COMPANY FOCUS: Land strategy, development, project management, and brokerage. From family ranches to ground-up builds, we guide owners from vision to completion. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Honorary Member, Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Urban Land Institute; Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Fred launched his career with a landmark win, closing the largest land transaction in Tarrant County history in 1974. He’s since built a legacy of trust, delivering decades of repeat work for Cook Children’s, Carter BloodCare, Christ Chapel, and Trinity Valley School. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We listen first, then help clients do what they set out to do. MOTTO: Let the land speak to you. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOME BUILDING: Scraping everything flat for a building pad. Use the land; don’t destroy it. FREE ADVICE: Don’t do anything for free. PICTURED: Andrew Disney & Fred Disney.

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Westbrook Companies 1015 Champions Drive, Ste. 1400 Aledo 76008 817.390.0202 westbrook.llc

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Artisan Turf

COMPANY FOCUS: We specialize in premium artificial turf and custom putting greens artfully installed for homes and businesses across the DFW metroplex. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home project partner and St. Jude Dream Home project partner, with 300-plus five-star reviews from homeowners across North Texas. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Better Business Bureau, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and the Synthetic Turf Council. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Artisan Turf grew from a simple side hustle into the thriving company it is today. With a growing roster of high-end clients, homebuilders, and commercial contractors, we’ve become the premier choice for artificial turf installation. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We’re brothers-in-law who do it right and truly care about every project. Blake’s professional golf background sets our putting greens apart, and Spencer’s corporate project-management experience keeps every install on time and on point. MISSION: Treating every yard like our own. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: With new construction, artificial turf should always be the final trade on-site. Homeowners are understandably eager to move in, but once the turf is installed, keeping other trades and construction traffic off it is essential to protecting a flawless finish. FREE ADVICE: Ask to see real completed work and reviews. Turf is an investment — installation and expertise are everything. PICTURED: Spencer Shepherd, Managing Partner; Blake Pugh, Managing Partner.

Artisan Turf 700 Jim Wright Freeway, Unit L-6 Fort Worth 76108 817.953.8866 artisanturf.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Day Lumber Company FOCUS: Day Lumber Company is a full-service lumber and building materials supplier serving custom homebuilders, contractors, and developers across the DFW area. The company offers a broad selection of framing lumber, pressure-treated wood, plywood, specialty hardwood, and engineered wood products, including I-joists, LVL beams, glulam and rim boards. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Day Lumber Company takes pride in building lasting relationships with North Texas builders and contractors through dependable materials, responsive service, and reliable delivery support. Its continued focus on serving the region reflects a commitment to helping customers complete projects of all sizes and complexity. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Day Lumber provides more than lumber—it offers a dependable partnership throughout the building process. With quality materials, engineered wood products, and projectspecific guidance, the company helps builders find the right products. MISSION: Day Lumber’s guiding principle is to provide builders with quality materials, dependable service, and the support needed to keep projects moving. COMMON MISTAKES: A common mistake is failing to plan material selections and deliveries early, leading to delays and added costs. FREE ADVICE: Plan ahead, choose materials carefully, and communicate early with your builder and supplier.

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Day Lumber Company 972.429.3880 daylumberco.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Design Within Reach – Fort Worth COMPANY FOCUS: Authentic modern furniture, lighting, rugs, and accessories, supported by complimentary design services and trade resources. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Featured design partner for the 2026 Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Part of the MillerKnoll collective, serving residential and trade clients. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Bringing Design Within Reach to Fort Worth as a local resource for original design, exceptional craftsmanship, and pieces made to endure for generations. WHAT SETS THEM APART: DWR brings together authentic classics and icons of the future, each with a story worth knowing. Expert guidance, special-order options, swatches, and complimentary design services make modern design personal and approachable. MOTTO: Where modern design’s greatest stories live within yours. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing for the moment without considering comfort, quality, meaning, and how a piece will live with you through life’s chapters. FREE ADVICE: Start with how you want to live. Choose pieces that solve problems, carry meaning, and reveal new qualities worth appreciating over time.

Design Within Reach – Fort Worth The Shops at Clearfork 5001 Ozona Ave., Ste. F200 Fort Worth 76109 817.286.7660 fortworthstore@dwr.com dwr.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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COMPANY FOCUS: Residential Architecture. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Builders Association. WHAT SETS THEM APART: I have intentionally kept a small firm, running projects personally from start to finish. Often, you may have a small team at various skillsets, running different parts of the design or construction documents. Being able to condense that to a single source, the final deliverable is more developed and thoughtfully completed. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Related to my field, with today’s tool, I am shocked by the number of plans that are designed without furniture and only contain 2D graphics. A client should be able to walk their entire home before construction starts. FREE ADVICE: Do not glaze over construction science and exterior materials. The marketplace has evolved more than ever. Few want to dedicate additional budget in this area, but these items are a part of your home the longest. PICTURED: Michael Perkins.

Elm Residential Design 5717 Legacy Drive, Ste. 250 Plano 75024 214.649.9328 elmresidential.com

Elm Residential Design

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Fashion Glass & Mirror COMPANY FOCUS: Custom showers and mirrors. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Fashion Glass & Mirror is proud of its longstanding reputation as a trusted glass partner throughout Texas. With more than 50 years in business, our greatest recognition comes from the lasting relationships we have built with our customers and the continued trust they place in our team. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Business Association, Austin Business Association, San Antonio Business Association, and Houston Business Association. NARI in DFW and Austin. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: One of our greatest achievements is sustaining more than 50 years in business while building lasting customer relationships through trusted products, reliable service, strong communication, and consistent follow-through. WHAT SETS THEM APART: At Fashion Glass & Mirror, we prioritize people, valuing customers and employees, building trust, and forming strong relationships that truly distinguish our company. MISSION: Our guiding principle is valuing employees and customers, building trust and lasting relationships that consistently lead to long-term success. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: One of the biggest mistakes in homebuilding is focusing only on price rather than the overall value of a trade partner. While pricing is important, communication, reliability, quality, and follow-through are equally critical. FREE ADVICE: Never underestimate the value of relationships. Products and prices can change, but the trust you build with people is what creates lasting success.

Fashion Glass & Mirror 585 S. I35 E DeSoto 75115 972.223.8936 fashionglass.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Ferguson Home COMPANY FOCUS: Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen, and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Ferguson Home is where contractors, designers, and homeowners discover inspiring showrooms, an extended online product selection, and expert support, ensuring every home project is a success. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Our state-ofthe-art showrooms feature beautiful displays of innovative products in a welcoming, hands-on environment designed to inspire. A knowledgeable, expert consultant will guide you through the process from start to finish, presenting the latest designs from leading brands, so you can choose the perfect bath, kitchen, and lighting products for your project. Our website offers an unparalleled selection of products complete with design inspiration and a suite of digital tools that are sure to streamline your next project. Our online shop-by-look pages take today’s leading styles and design trends and realize them in carefully curated collections of products, making it easy to bring the look home.

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Ferguson Home 512 E. Dallas Road, Ste. 100 Grapevine 76051 • 817.442.0446 1403 Slocum St., Ste. 100 Dallas 75207 • 214.761.9333 7946 State Hwy. 121 Frisco 75034 • 972.987.8677 3433 W. Seventh St. Fort Worth 76107 • 817.348.8489 fergusonhome.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Green Valley Beam & Truss Co. FOCUS: We are a local specialty woodshop that crafts custom hand-hewn box beams, mantels, shelving, and planking. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Best of Houzz winner, four times, for customer service. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Our greatest professional achievement isn’t a single project or award — it’s the trust we’ve earned from our clients over the years. Many of our projects come through referrals and returning customers, which we consider one of the highest compliments. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We believe exceptional craftsmanship should never feel mass-produced. From the character of the wood to the smallest finishing detail, our work is created with intention. The result is custom woodwork that adds depth and distinction while maintaining a classic quality that can be appreciated for years to come. MISSION: At Green Valley Beam & Truss, our mission is to craft timeless wood products. We are dedicated to creating warm, inviting spaces that elevate the beauty and character of every home. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Incorporating beams into the plans from the beginning allows the architect, builder, and homeowner to account for the necessary placement, dimensions, and installation requirements. FREE ADVICE: Your home reflects you, so create it with pieces you will still love long after the trends have changed. Timeless design is always in style. PICTURED: Peyton Whitlock, Jose Rojas, Justin Whitlock, Maddi Wolf, Paul Whitlock, Jesus Luengas, Tyler Whitlock.

Green Valley Beam & Truss Co. Aubrey 76227 940.215.6599 greenvalleybeams.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Henson Millwork

FOCUS: We are customer focused, with customer service as our No. 1 priority. We also focus on providing quality door units and materials. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Henson Millwork is proud to be part of Henson Lumber, a trusted name in the North Texas building industry since 1972. Our longstanding reputation and relationships within the building community are among our greatest recognitions. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: “I am proud of the fact that I started in the millwork industry in 1983 as a truck driver’s helper and worked my way up the ranks to become the manager in 1993. Since joining Henson Millwork, my team and I have broken numerous sales records, increased production, and reduced lead times.” – Ronnie Hassel, Millwork Division Manager. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Customers choose Henson Millwork for our experience, quality products, knowledgeable team, and dependable service. MISSION: To serve others with excellence and integrity as we help build stronger communities. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Often, an estimate isn’t reviewed line by line, so expectations don’t always match what’s written. FREE ADVICE: Plan every step before you build and calculate all costs upfront. PICTURED: Todd Garner, Marshall Owens, Glenn Wilson, Mike Rainwater, Ronnie Hassel, and Casey Wallace.

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Henson Millwork 11900 CR 917 Cresson 76035 817.396.4321 hensonlumber.com/hensonmillwork

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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John Zimmerman Group

Compass Real Estate Fort Worth

FOCUS: For more than 30 years, John Zimmerman has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results in Fort Worth real estate. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Consistently ranked the No. 1 real estate team in Fort Worth, the John Zimmerman Group combines deep local expertise with a powerful team of experienced professionals, innovative marketing, and Compass’ industry-leading technology. WHAT SETS HIM APART: As the founding agent of Compass Fort Worth, John Zimmerman has helped shape the market while remaining focused on what matters most: creating a seamless experience and achieving the best possible outcome for every client. From premier estates and luxury properties to distinctive homes throughout Fort Worth, his team brings the experience, strategy, and market knowledge to make every move count. PICTURED: John Zimmerman.

Compass Real Estate Fort Worth 817.247.6464 john.zimmerman@compass.com jzfortworth.com

f w t x .com | N OVE M B E R 2026

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

FOCUS: Installation and design of custom rain gutters. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home project partner since 2007. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Better Business Bureau and Fort Worth Business Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Loveless Modern Gutters’ greatest accomplishment is steadily expanding their family-run company while preserving the craftsmanship and values that built it. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Their custom installation expertise and decades of hands-on experience distinguish Loveless Modern Gutters as a trusted leader in their industry. MOTTO: We take the time to do it right. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Not listening to their subcontractor’s advice. FREE ADVICE: Experience is everything in this business. It is earned, not given. Keep this in mind when choosing contractors as it is easier to do it right initially than to rework it.

Loveless Modern Gutters 6816 Harmonson Road N. Richland Hills 76180 817.590.2583 Fax 817.284.4936 lovelessgutter.com

Loveless Modern Gutters

Justin Kaercher, Director of Operations

JUNE 2025 | fwtx.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

The Mattress Factory FOCUS: Founded in 1896 by Harry Keeton, Sr., The Mattress Factory specializes in custom-built mattresses, box springs, odd-sized mattresses, bed frames, comforters, and pillows. With a longstanding tradition of serving customers’ bedding needs, the company combines quality craftsmanship and personalized options with factory-direct pricing. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognized as a top small business in Tarrant County by the Better Business Bureau. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Continuing a family tradition of serving customers’ bedding needs since 1896. The company’s aspiration is for future generations, including the founder’s great-grandchildren and beyond, to carry on the legacy established by Harry Keeton, Sr. WHAT SETS THEM APART: The Mattress Factory stands apart through its quality, construction, and expertise developed over more than a century of serving customers. Its buying power, competitive pricing, custom sizing, no-sales-commission approach, and factory-direct business model eliminate the middleman and maximize savings for customers. From custom-built mattresses to hard-to-find sizes, the company offers personalized bedding solutions backed by generations of experience. MOTTO: “Quality Bedding at Dream Prices. A Texas Original Since 1896.” FREE ADVICE: Don’t assume you must settle for standard mattress sizes or pay premium prices. Choose a mattress that fits your comfort and space, and ask about custom sizing and factory-direct options to get the right fit at the right price. PICTURED: Trey Duncan and Peter Duncan.

The Mattress Factory 900 E. Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth 76104 817.334.0361 themattressfactory.com

f w t x .com | N OVE M B E R 2026

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

MDM Landscapes

FOCUS: MDM Landscapes provides landscape design and installation for luxury residential and custom home projects throughout North Texas. Our services include landscaping, irrigation, drainage, outdoor lighting, hardscape, synthetic turf, putting greens, and outdoor living environments. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Fort Worth Builders Association and CBUSA Trade Partner serving Fort Worth, Dallas, and Waco. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building MDM Landscapes from a small local company founded in 2013 into a leading full-service landscape contractor serving highend residential and custom home projects across North Texas. We’ve grown by earning long-term relationships, delivering quality work, and raising the standard for our clients. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We combine the resources and capabilities of a large contractor with the responsiveness and accountability of a local company. Our clients get an experienced team capable of managing the entire landscape scope from design through installation. MISSION: Create outdoor spaces that complement the architecture, elevate the property, and are built to last. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Treating landscaping as an afterthought instead of incorporating it into the design of the home. FREE ADVICE: Plan your exterior spaces with the same attention to detail as your interior. PICTURED: Jason Lanzara.

MDM Landscapes 12735 FM 4 Godley 76044 817.396.0125 mdmlawncare1@gmail.com mdmlawncare.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

Metro Brick & Stone

Dennis L. Calander, President

FOCUS: Metro Brick & Stone distributes brick, natural stone, and masonry materials for residential and commercial construction. With locations in Dallas, Ennis, and Tolar, the company offers extensive product selections, showroom and stocking yard facilities, stone quarry and fabrication capabilities, and a dedicated delivery fleet. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building Metro Brick & Stone from a young entrepreneur’s opportunity in 1983 into a multigenerational family business with three locations, expanded product offerings, and long-standing relationships with builders, contractors, and homeowners. WHAT SETS THEM APART: With 43 years in business, Metro Brick & Stone blends industry knowledge, quality products, personalized service, and dependable delivery. The company’s commitment to educating customers and helping them make informed decisions distinguishes its service. Whether assisting a first-time homeowner or supporting a commercial contractor, Metro Brick & Stone provides expertise clients can trust. MISSION: The company’s philosophy is simple: treat people fairly, provide quality products, and stand behind its word. Metro Brick & Stone focuses on educating customers, earning trust, and building lasting relationships through honesty, hard work, and dependable service. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing brick or stone based solely on appearance without understanding product characteristics or how materials complement the home’s design. FREE ADVICE: Explore options, ask questions, and work with knowledgeable professionals to ensure the best final result.

Metro Brick & Stone Co. 2184 Joe Field Road Dallas 75229 972.991.4488 metrobrick.com

f w t x .com | N OVE M B E R 2026

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

FOCUS: A family-owned and operated business since 2001, New Leaf Foam Insulation’s focus is to deliver quality work and good customer service. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home 2014. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Builders Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: We believe that one of our greatest achievements is to stay in the market for more than 20 years. WHY CHOOSE THEM: We work honestly, and we like to offer clients quality work and the best materials and products we can find for home energy savings. MISSION STATEMENT: Colossians 3:23-25. BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUILDING A HOME: With great respect, one of the biggest mistakes people make when building a home is believing to know everything about construction and not making sure to hire someone reliable. FREE ADVICE: Having faith and working with honesty and perseverance can take us to places we have not imagined. PICTURED: Hector and Laura Herta.

New Leaf Foam Insulation, LLC 1225 W. College Ave., Ste. 324 Carrollton, 75006 P.O. Box 112814, Carrollton, 75006 214.483.6019 newleafinsulation.com newleaffoaminsulation@gmail.com

New Leaf Foam Insulation, LLC

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

FOCUS: Professional and knowledgeable staff, quality products, and unbeatable customer service. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Over 20 years of being a C.H.I. dealer. We have acquired ELITE award status with our manufacturer, and we are a five-star distributor. MEMBERSHIPS: Accredited BBB member since 2004; International Door Association (IDA) member since 2008; awarded No. 1 garage door company in the nation for customer service in 2015. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Providing a combined 50-plus years of industry knowledge and building a company that reflects our experiences and expertise in what we do. BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY: We live in a business world where it is impossible to make everyone happy at the same time, but we will do our best every day to try. FREE ADVICE: Research all your options of garage doors and garage door operators for your long-term best interest. BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUILDING A HOME: The biggest mistake is homeowners not understanding or realizing the product choices made in regard to safety, maintenance, and the overall aesthetics of the home. PICTURED: (back) Derrick San Miguel, Victoria Henry; (front) Joshua Cross.

Open Up Garage Doors 10500 E. Hurst Blvd. Hurst 76053 817.399.9092 contact@openupgaragedoors.com openupgaragedoors.com

Open Up Garage Doors

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Otium Shades FOCUS: Our focus is simple: to deliver the highest quality products and service while tailoring every solution to the unique needs of our clients. Whether it’s storm-rated Magnatrack outdoor shades, sleek and stylish Rowley shades, or advanced Lutron solutions, we provide versatile options that enhance comfort and control. Each project is designed with precision, using blueprint reviews and on-site laser measurements to ensure a flawless fit. Our team’s dedication to excellence has made us the No. 1 automated shade company for SI Shades in the DFW area since 2022. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: As the trusted partner of Fort Worth Magazine Dream Home builders since 2012, Otium Shades continues to earn a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE THEM: As a division of The Otium Group, Otium Shades combines deep expertise in home automation with a specialized focus on high-end shading systems. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets Otium Shades apart is our holistic approach. We’re not just installers; we’re integration experts. Our shades are designed to be part of a smart, unified system — programmed to respond to time, sunlight, or user preferences. From luxury homes to commercial settings, we go beyond basic installations to create intelligent environments where shading is effortless and intuitive. MOTTO: The Premier Choice for Automated Shading in DFW. PICTURED: Aidee Esquivel, Brian Hugghins, and Samaa Hugghins

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Otium Shades 5059 Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway Fort Worth 76119 817.300.1518

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

Precision Finishes Stucco and Stone Plastering LLC FOCUS: Precision Finishes is a family-owned business specializing in remodeling, EFIS, stucco, and plastering. AFFILIATIONS: Over the years, Precision Finishes has worked alongside respected builders, including Providential Custom Homes, Graham Hart Home Builders, Polaris Custom Homes, George C. Fuller Contracting, and Red Gable Homes. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: One of our greatest accomplishments is seeing Precision Finishes grow from a family business into a trusted company working with respected builders. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets Precision Finishes apart is our communication, experience, attention to detail, and commitment to doing the job right. We take the necessary time to ensure our work meets high standards and that clients and partners can depend on us throughout the building process. MISSION: Quality workmanship, honest service, and lasting relationships form the foundation of our company. Strong relationships are built through trust, communication, reliability, and consistently delivering quality work. BIGGEST MISTAKE IN HOMEBUILDING: A major mistake is overlooking the experience and advice of subcontractors. Their hands-on knowledge helps prevent problems and ensures a project is completed properly and efficiently. FREE ADVICE: Focus on quality rather than choosing the cheapest option. Cutting corners may save money initially but often results in spending more later. PICTURED: Juan Cardenas Hernandez, CEO and Irene Cardenas.

Precision Finishes Stucco and Stone Plastering LLC 200 Cowboys Lane Springtown 76082 469.528.5758 Instagram: precision_finishes

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Premier Custom Floors FOCUS: Every floor is unique. We work with our clients to create a floor personalized to enhance the beauty of their home or place of business. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Fort Worth Magazine 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026 Dream Home vendor; Brightest Floor in North Texas, recognized by D Magazine — Brown Lane Studios. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Besides our extreme passion for the art and industry, our clients’ appreciation and satisfaction will always be our greatest achievement. SERVICES OFFERED: Epoxy/poly coatings, concrete stain, polishing, sealing, moisture mitigation, epoxy mortar, urethane cement, quartz broadcast, metallic marble floor, and much more. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We service all types of customers — residential, commercial, and industrial with interior and exterior floors. We use the highest quality material the industry has to offer. Our pricing is competitive, and our trained professionals are eager to help you understand the coating process and choose the perfect floor for your style and budget. MOTTO: Serving DFW and surrounding areas for all your epoxy needs since 2013. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: The biggest mistake people make when choosing an epoxy floor is believing that “epoxy is epoxy,” and the cheapest option will get the job done. Without high-quality material and proper preparation and installation, the floor will likely not last. PICTURED: Levi Hardcastle, Concrete Pro Supply owner; Paul Giatas, Premier Custom Floors owner; and Drake Bellamy, crew lead.

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Premier Custom Floors 817.914.1431 premiercustomfloors@gmail.com IG: PCFDFW FB: Premier Custom Floors premiercustomfloors.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

COMPANY FOCUS: Premium window and door solutions for production, luxury, and custom homebuilders. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS: RAM President’s Club Recipient (2022-2025). PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, Dallas Builders Association, Greater Houston Builders Association, Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: My greatest professional achievement is launching RAM’s Curated Door Line, which positioned the company to successfully capture productionbuilder business. WHAT SETS HIM APART: Clients choose me because I combine industry expertise with a hands-on approach, delivering responsive service, practical solutions, and measurable results for builders. MISSION: Delivering innovative window and door solutions through trusted partnerships, exceptional products, and reliable service. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: A common mistake in homebuilding is focusing on upfront costs instead of long-term value and performance. FREE ADVICE: Bring your window and door supplier into the planning process early. It saves time, money, and headaches. PICTURED: Jonathan Honchar, Curated Line Manager.

RAM Windows & Doors 5615 W. Fuqua St., BLDG C-101 ∙ Houston 77085 469.520.7866 ramwindows.com

RAM Windows & Doors Jonathan Honchar, Curated Line Manager

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Red Barn Roofing and Construction, Inc. COMPANY FOCUS: Installing several types of high-quality roofs – from composition, metal, TPO, and all types of tile roofs. COMPANY AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Our greatest reward is earning the trust and satisfaction of our clients through the quality of work and service we provide. Proudly recognized as McElroy Metal Partners in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2025. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: GAF Certified for TPO installation. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building our company from the ground up in 2013 and building a business that continues to grow every year. We are incredibly grateful for how far we have come and proud to have grown as a family-owned company. WHAT SETS THEM APART: With over 30 years of industry experience, we provide knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail in every project. MOTTO: “Nothing is impossible; the impossible just takes a little longer.” COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing based on the lowest bid. Quality work is an investment, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. FREE ADVICE: Hire experienced professionals who communicate clearly, keep you informed, and are available to answer any questions or concerns. PICTURED: Manuel Rojo, Rosa Hernandez, Carlos Rojo, Jesus Rojo, David Rojo, Jazmin Rojo, and David Ramos.

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Red Barn Roofing and Construction, Inc. 2221 FM 1187 Crowley 76036 817.447.1761

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

Renova Custom Woodworks FOCUS: Our primary area of expertise is custom cabinetry designed to the individual style of the homeowner and the requirements of their space. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: 2025 Face of Custom Cabinetry, Fort Worth Magazine. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Growing a company from a single person to a place that employs multiple people, encouraging both professional and personal growth. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We stand out by creating a true cabinetry-buying experience. Because cabinetry frames daily life, we learn each customer’s style, personality, and functional needs. We dream with them to design cabinetry that feels confident, personal, and practical — resulting in a space they love using and proudly sharing with friends and family. MISSION: Our company filters everything we do through these values: Do what’s right — no matter the cost. Take pride in your work — it’s a reflection of who you are. Work with the next person in mind — making it easier for the next person prevents mistakes and selfcenteredness. Improve constantly — relentlessly pursue making things better than you found them. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Focusing on cabinetry’s finish at the expense of function is a common mistake. Visual appeal matters, but smart design should also simplify daily use. FREE ADVICE: Always choose soft close. Doors that don’t slam and drawers that close on their own are a priceless convenience. PICTURED: Mark Crowell; Jodi Crowell.

Renova Custom Woodworks 12217 J Rendon Road Burleson 76028 817.707.4993 renovawoodworks.com @renovawoodworks

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Ricks Hardware and Decorative Plumbing FOCUS: We specialize in unique, high-end luxury products, including plumbing fixtures and cabinet and door hardware that transforms the details of a home and brings the perfect “jewelry” to every space. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Being part of the St. Jude project this year was one of the most rewarding experiences for our company. We were honored to contribute to the project, allowing our team to come together and support something truly meaningful. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Dallas Builders Association, Fort Worth Builders, Grapevine Chamber, Luxury Product Group. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: More than 50 years strong, we remain a small business with a big impact — creating meaningful relationships that last for generations. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Our team is with you every step of the way, ensuring no detail is overlooked. MISSION: To build lasting and impactful relationships within our community. Our Core Values remain the same: teamwork, integrity, and customer obsession. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Some common mistakes people make in homebuilding include being underprepared for their budget and not understanding the time it takes to build a beautiful, forever home. You must respect the process, even the highs and lows. FREE ADVICE: Trust your first instinct — don’t let social media overwhelm you with options or leave you stuck in indecision.

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Ricks Hardware and Decorative Plumbing 6040 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 3105 Fort Worth 76116 817.552.4057 rickshardware.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

COMPANY FOCUS: Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in paints, coatings, and color solutions. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: The Sherwin-Williams Trendsight Team includes professionals affiliated with industry organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Developing the Colormix® Trend Forecast, an influential color and design resource that anticipates emerging trends and inspires homeowners and design professionals. The 2027 edition, Rewild, features 48 carefully selected hues designed to work together in a variety of combinations. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Sherwin-Williams combines extensive color expertise, trend forecasting, and a broad selection of hues to help bring design visions to life. The 2027 Rewild collection encourages creativity and personalization through colors inspired by nostalgia, craftsmanship, and expressive design. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Choosing paint colors before considering the home’s lighting, architectural features, finishes, and overall design palette. Evaluating colors in the actual space and alongside other materials can help create a more cohesive result. FREE ADVICE: Experiment with color before committing. Sample paint colors in your space and observe how they change under different lighting conditions. Consider how the colors work with your existing finishes and furnishings, and don’t be afraid to combine unexpected hues to express your personal style.

Sherwin-Williams Find your closest Sherwin-Williams store at sherwin-williams.com/ store-locator Photo courtesy of The Sherwin-Williams Company and used by Fort Worth Magazine with permission.

Sherwin-Williams

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Susan Semmelmann, Founder & CEO Semmelmann Interiors

FOCUS: Couture, full-service luxury interior design, creating deeply personal homes from concept to completion. AWARDS/ RECOGNITIONS: 18 ASID Design Excellence Awards, EOE Philanthropist of the Year, EOE Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Interior Design Firm, Best of Interior Design, and Best Companies to Work For. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: ASID, Founder of the Susan Semmelmann Foundation, and longtime supporter of a Wish with Wings, St. Jude, Cook Children’s, American Heart Association, National Angels, and many other charitable organizations. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Building a business where success gives us a greater capacity to give. In seven years, Semmelmann Interiors has designed more than $500 million in luxury homes while making philanthropy part of the heart of our company. We are now working on our seventh designer show house for charity. WHAT SETS THEM APART: We create the unknown. Our goal is to design a home that could only belong to the people living in it. With a team of more than 25, we bring every detail together with creativity, craftsmanship, intention, and heart. MOTTO: “The Spirit of Living is in the Giving.” This is more than our motto. It is how we live, how we design, and how we serve others. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: Bringing the interior designer into the process too late. The most thoughtful and cohesive homes happen when the designer, builder, and architect collaborate from the very beginning. PICTURED: Susan Semmelmann.

Semmelmann Interiors 817.774.4045 semmelmanninteriors.com

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FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

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Texas Stone Creations FOCUS: Texas Stone Creations, established over 20 years ago in Dallas, has become one of the most reliable stone manufacturers in the U.S. With over 30 colors of natural stone, Texas Stone Creations specializes in interior and exterior architectural designs along with offering finished custom-made product for residential and commercial applications. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Our customer base and our continued commitment to our clients have paved the way for us to directly sell and deliver our production nationwide. WHY CHOOSE THEM: At Texas Stone Creations, our craftsmanship is superior, and we commit to exceptional manufacturing standards, respect time frames, and always provide excellent customer service. Our customer service team will be by your side during the entire process, from the design, fabrication, delivery, and installation. MOTTO: Turning Dreams into Stone. BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE IN HOMEBUILDING: People think that custom is going to be too complicated or expensive. FREE ADVICE: Keep in mind that when buying something, good customer service should be a part of the package. PICTURED: Sergio Ruiz, Alex Cueto, and Luis Perez.

Texas Stone Creations 8939 Directors Row Dallas 75247 214.273.0084 texasstonecreations.com info@texasstonecreations.com

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Vintage Floors + Finishes FOCUS: Vintage Floors + Finishes stands out in the floor-covering industry for its ability to source and specialize in every major product category: solid and prefinished hardwood, tile, marble, carpet, luxury vinyl planks, and custom rugs. The company opened a brand-new showroom in Willow Park, its third location, serving communities throughout Parker County, including the 2026 Dream Home. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Fort Worth Magazine’s Best Of pick for flooring since 2016; National Wood Flooring Association Community Impact Award; Hood County Best Of pick since 2019. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: National Wood Flooring Association, Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, Custom Builders Association, Better Business Bureau, Fort Worth and Parker County chambers of commerce, and Hood County Builders Association. WHAT SETS THEM APART: At Vintage Floors + Finishes, the team combines education with personalized service to help every client make confident decisions and bring their unique vision to life. This commitment has earned them lasting relationships and the most loyal customer base throughout Fort Worth. MOTTO: Quality Products, Trusted Service. FREE ADVICE: Invest in quality flooring and choose a company with skilled, experienced craftsmen to install it. Expert installation is just as important as the products you select, ensuring your floors look beautiful and perform for years to come. PICTURED: Bryan Page, Tom Currin, Nathan Vaughn, Kaylee Berry, and Grant McGregor.

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Vintage Floors + Finishes 119 S. Ranch House Road, Ste. 500 Willow Park 76008 817.237.7871 vintagefloorstx.com

FOCUS FORT WORTH MAGAZINE DREAM HOME

PROMOTION

Waste Advantage TX FOCUS: Commercial Waste Hauling. Family-owned and proudly serving the DFW metroplex area, Waste Advantage TX provides fast, reliable waste hauling and dumpster rental services. From roll-off dumpsters to front load and compactor units, we offer flexible solutions for customers of all sizes. Whether you need short-term or ongoing service, we haul it all — with service you can trust. COMPANY AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: 2025 and 2026 Dream Home Partner. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Providing a local solution for local businesses in commercial waste hauling. WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE THEM: We are local and that allows us to provide hands-on customer service experience that gets lost in the industry. We are small enough to provide a high level of customer service while being large enough to handle any project. MOTTO: Local. Capable. Connected. Our philosophy revolves around building lasting partnerships with our customers. COMMON MISTAKES IN HOMEBUILDING: The biggest mistake people make in homebuilding is going with the biggest name in a trade, which can be just as dangerous as going with the lowest bid.

Waste Advantage TX 780 W. Kennedale Parkway Kennedale 76060 817.710.8078 wasteadvantagetx.com

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

Serving premium roasted nuts, fan-favorite mixes, and gourmet treats from the heart of Fort Worth. Perfect for gifts, events, or everyday snacking. Explore our wide selection of nuts, chocolates, and gift baskets today!

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STATEMENT PIECE

Cowgirl Western Gallery

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

Embrace art as unique as Fort Worth’s heritage with Fort Worth Magazine’s exclusive fine art images. From our pages to your walls, now available for you to own and appreciate. 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.

Count Me In

Safe spaces for kids to learn and grow. Nourishment for families. Connection for older adults who may feel alone. These are just a few ways our community comes together and says, “Count me in.”

Say “Count me in” with a gift to the Y. fine art as unique as fort worth

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YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth | ymcafw.org

Connecting Tarrant County to the Care It Needs Every day, JPS Health Network is here for our community, providing compassionate care, changing lives, and helping people through some of life’s most difficult moments. JPS Foundation steps in as the bridge between community and care, connecting the generosity of our community to the patients, families, team members, and programs across the network.

Build the Bridge With Us

To learn more about JPS Foundation, scan the QR code or visit GivetoJPS.org.

Love Thy Neighbor. Bring a Hammer.

As rising land costs push Trinity Habitat for Humanity into neighborhood development, its mission holds firm: helping families build homes, stability, and hope. by John Henry

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Trinity habitat for humanity, rooted in the two greatest commandments, has been doing holy things in and around fort worth for almost 40 years now. Since its beginnings in 1989 on a Samuels Avenue lot donated by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, Trinity Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of low-income families across Tarrant County buy not only a home, but a foundation on which to build the family unit. Thousands more have helped along the way by coming out to swing a hammer in the old pioneer spirit of barn-raising. When a farm family needed a barn, but erecting its heavy wooden frame required a community’s labor, the community came out to help. It became both a construction method and a social occasion in rural America. One truly can have no better friend than these people, who love their neighbors with all their hearts, all their souls, and with all their minds. “They grabbed the brass ring through their hard work,” says Gage Yager, CEO of Trinity Habitat for Humanity, of the nonprofit’s clients. “We just came by as a partner with this really strong, incredible family. They just needed a break. “We like to say we build strong families and neighborhoods by providing a hand up to home ownership and hope.” It’s a cliché now, this concept of a hand-up not a handout, so like all good writers, I’ll cliché. The Lord provides. So does economics. The days of building a home on an infill lot in an established neighborhood, while not a thing of the past, is now a secondary route for Habitat. Trinity Habitat for Humanity is now in the residential neighborhood development business. Trinity Habitat’s residential developments span Fort Worth, Cleburne, Weatherford, Forest Hill, and Mansfield, with a projected total of 532 homes ranging from senior cottages and townhomes to detached single-family houses. Its neighborhood funding overview identifies almost $90 million in land, development, and construction costs, with anticipated home sales covering $78 million and leaving about an $11.5 million funding gap.

Those financial totals exclude three developments whose funding gaps have already been covered by major donors: Allen Village and Garden Springs in Fort Worth and Sayers Landing in Mansfield. “For forever we paid sort of really cheap $5,000 to $10,000 a lot,” Yager says. “And then, all of a sudden, it was $25,000 and $35,000 and $45,000 a lot very quickly.” Infill lot prices rose 841% from 2018-26, Yager says. “We didn’t have any choice but to shift strategy from buying infill to buying raw land and doing the raw land development. We had no choice.” The shift has required new expertise and a much larger financial commitment. Habitat hired a real estate attorney to oversee land acquisition and development, work Yager describes as a steep learning curve. All of the neighborhoods lose money, Yager says, quantifying the loss at “maybe a $200,000 [on one], and it can be $2 million to $3 million [on another].” Buying a tract alone can cost $500,000 to $2 million, with roughly four years passing before construction begins on the first home. “And so, you might have five, six, seven, eight, $9 million out before you ever started building the first home,” Yager says. Habitat has financed that work with its own cash, avoiding debt that would add to its costs. But finding bigger dollars to finance the increased cost of raw land development and the gaps are a new challenge. Traditional fundraising remains in the form of companies, churches, and individuals sponsoring construction and bringing volunteers. The Neighborhood Building Program has been established to seek donations from foundations and individuals to close those gaps. The Sid Richardson Foundation and Amon G. Carter Foundation, longtime partners of Trinity Habitat for Humanity, have “stepped up significantly in the Neighborhood Builders Program,” Yager says, specifically in the Allen Village and Garden Springs developments. (Panther City Media, the parent to Fort Worth Magazine and Fort Worth Inc. took part in a build earlier this year at Garden Springs in southwest Fort Worth.) Habitat for Humanity is a Christian ministry. Jesus Christ was a carpenter after all. Its roots reach back to Koinonia Farm, an interracial Christian community founded in 1942 near Americus, Georgia.

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There, Clarence Jordan, a theologian, and Millard and Linda Fuller developed “partnership housing,” an approach that brought families in need of decent housing together with volunteers to build affordable homes. Houses were built at no profit, and homeowners’ payments went into a revolving fund to finance more construction. The first partnership house was completed in 1969. In 1973, the Fullers took the model to Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. After three years establishing a housing program there, they returned to the U.S. and founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976, with headquarters in Americus. Construction on the organization’s first house began that year in San Antonio. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president, and his wife, Rosalynn, were for a long time the nonprofit’s most notable advocates and faces, helping bring international attention to the organization. In 1984, they led volunteers in renovating a 19-unit apartment building on New York’s Lower East Side, launching what became the annual Carter Work Project. Pictures and video of the former president pounding nails were seemingly always making the rounds. Over more than 35 years, the couple worked alongside nearly 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate, and repair 4,390 homes. “Sometimes the family who is being helped benefits the most from a sense of self-pride and also a feeling they have accomplished something,” Carter once said. On hand that day in 1989 at the Samuels Avenue lot was Arlen Voldness, who, with his wife, Helen, was one of Fort Worth’s great givers. The Voldnesses risked their life savings to start their dream philanthropic legacy — the Loaves and Fishes, which is today called Community Food Bank. “The Lord said, ‘Feed the hungry!’ He never asked why they’re hungry!” Voldness once said. “They are people just like you and me who just get messed up along the way.” Amen to that. Of the Fort Worth efforts with Habitat, Voldness said: “We can give of ourselves and create a lot of homeowners.” Habitat says that homeownership creates lasting stability, resilience, and financial security for families, with benefits extending into the neighborhood: Children excel in school; parents advance economically; families build

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generational wealth; property values increase; neighborhood safety improves; and communities grow stronger. It also describes homeownership as a source of hope, allowing families to pursue goals and build a legacy for future generations. Research supports several of the benefits Habitat describes. Homeownership is also associated with greater civic involvement, partly because owners tend to stay longer, according to a study published in the Journal of Urban Economics. “And parents are more likely to join a local church once they own a home and more likely to join the school PTA because they’re not going to move,” Yager says. “They’re not chasing rent specials.” Much is still misunderstood about Habitat, starting with how the homes are acquired. Nothing is given away. What Habitat does is indeed a hand-up for the disadvantaged. The process is Empowering People 101, beginning with an online application detailing a family’s size and income. Habitat evaluates applicants on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Those who qualify enter Habitat University, a 20-hour homebuyer education program. Financial coaching and one-on-one counseling can help applicants address credit problems, and those who are turned down receive an explanation of what they need to correct before reapplying. Approved families purchase the homes below market rates with the most favorable financing Habitat can find. They become homeowners with mortgage payments to make. Thousands apply, Yager says, but roughly 30 to 60 families a year ultimately make it through the process to buy and build a home. “Some of the great stories are people who have been rejected once, twice, or even three times, and they listen to us,” Yager says. “They went to Habitat U. They learned financial coaching and had some one-on-one counseling, and they went and paid off, for example, that collection at an apartment complex they owed $1,500.” “It takes a while. They’re not making a ton of money, but they paid it off and they come back, and they reapply. Well, that’s a yay God moment, right?”

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Your gift provides safe housing, early childhood education, financial coaching, and counseling so mothers can rebuild their lives and children can simply be children. Every gift makes a difference. Because every child deserves a safe place to call home.

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Behind every face is a fight. “Goodwill’s been good to me.” Kerry J. Your support turns survival into success.

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K & L Enterprises, Inc

Ben E. Keith Company

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Priscilla Miller

Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services

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John Pathak

Schwarz Hanson Architects

Doug Renfro Mrs. Renfro’s Salsas

Michael Tripp

Nationwide Insurance

Charity Guide Putting together a comprehensive list of every Fort Worth-based charity would be an exercise in futility — there are nearly 7,000 nonprofits in Tarrant County. Not only would this be

a bear to compile, but it would also prove overwhelming for our readers. So, instead, our editors have put together a list of charities that we feel is a good place to start. Eventually, our hope is that locals who get the philanthropic itch might widen their scope of giving, and we guarantee there’s a charity within Greater Fort Worth that aligns with your niche. All of the following charities and foundations are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. With the caveat of this not being comprehensive, we’d love to hear your feedback and include additional charities in our online version. For any suggestions, please email our editor at bkendall@fwtexas.com. f w t x .com | NOVEMBER 2026

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National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame cowboysofcolor.org Panther City Artists panthercityartists.org Performing Arts Fort Worth basshall.com Slaughter Family Arts Awards sfaawards.org Note: Names in Red are Foundations

Spotlight Cast & Crew spotlightcastcrew.org Texas Ballet Theater texasballettheater.org

ANIMAL WELFARE American Paint Horse Foundation apha.com Cowtown Friends of Fort Worth Animal Care and Control cowtownfriends.org Don’t Forget to Feed Me dontforgettofeedme.com Humane Society of North Texas hsnt.org Saving Hope Animal Rescue savinghoperescue.org The Saving Hope Foundation saving-hope.org

ARTS & CULTURE Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org Amon G. Carter Foundation agcf.org Art Bridges Inc. artbridgesfoundation.org Art Tooth arttooth.com Arts Fifth Avenue artsfifthavenue.org Arts Fort Worth artsfortworth.org Ballet Frontier of Texas balletfrontier.org Fort Worth Museum of Science and History fwmuseum.org Fort Worth Opera fwopera.org Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra fwsymphony.org Fort Worth Youth Orchestra fwyo.org Gallery of Dreams galleryofdreams.org Jubilee Theatre jubileetheatre.org Kimbell Art Museum kimbellart.org Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth themodern.org National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame cowgirl.net National Juneteenth Museum nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org

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Texas Center for Arts and Academics artsacademics.org Texas Girls' Choir texasgirlschoir.org The Art Station theartstation.org

CHILDREN & FAMILY A Wish with Wings awww.org ACH Child and Family Services achservices.org Alliance for Children allianceforchildren.org Big Brothers Big Sisters bbbstx.org Boy Scouts of America Longhorn Council longhorncouncil.org Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County bgcgtc.org Camp Fire First Texas campfirefw.org Camp John Marc campjohnmarc.org Child Care Associates childcareassociates.org Children's Charities of Fort Worth childrenscharitiesfw.com Christ's Haven for Children christshaven.org Community Storehouse communitystorehouse.org Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) speakupforachild.org First Tee Fort Worth firstteeftworth.org Gill Children's Services gillchildrens.org Gladney Center for Adoption adoptionsbygladney.com Heroes for Children heroesforchildren.org HOPE Farm hopefarmfw.org Lena Pope lenapope.org Make-A-Wish North Texas wish.org/ntx Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas texasmilkbank.org

NFW Littles Playgroup nfwlittles.org Pure Adventure pureadventure.org Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth rmhfw.org Santa Fe Youth Services yapinc.org/santafeyouthservices Spark Worldwide sparkworldwide.org The Cowtown C.A.L.F. Program cowtownmarathon.com The Homes for Children thehomesforchildren.org The Parenting Center theparentingcenter.org The WARM Place thewarmplace.org Young Life fortworth.younglife.org

COMMUNITY 6 Stones 6stones.org Central Storehouse central-storehouse.org Community Frontline communityfrontline.com Creel Family Philanthropies creelfamilyphilanthropies.com Double Eagle Charities doubleeaglecharities.com Downtown FW Initiatives Inc. dfwi.org Fellowship of Christian Athletes fca.org Fort Worth Chamber Development Foundation fortworthchamber.com/about/chamberdevelopment-foundation Fort Worth Chamber Foundation fortworthchamber.com/about/chamberfoundation Fort Worth Promotion and Development Fund fwpdf.org Hope Prison Ministries hopeprisonministries.org Jane and John Justin Foundation LVTRise lvtrise.org Near Southside Inc. nearsouthsidefw.org North Texas Community Foundation northtexascf.org Sid W. Richardson Foundation sidrichardson.org The Big Good thebiggood.org The Morris Foundation themorrisfoundation-fw.com United Community Centers unitedcommunitycenters.org United Way of Tarrant County unitedwaytarrant.org

KinderFrogs kinderfrogs.tcu.edu

Community Healthcare of Texas CHOT.com

LinkED Link-ed.org

Cook Children's Health Foundation cookchildrens.org

Nicholas & Louella Martin Charitable Fund northtexascf.org

Crohns & Colitis Foundation, North Texas/ Oklahoma Chapter chronscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/ntexas

Paslay Foundation paslayfoundation.com Note: Names in Red are Foundations

Rainwater Charitable Foundation rainwatercharitablefoundation.org Rivertree Academy rivertreeacademy.org Tarrant Literacy Coalition tarrantliteracycoalition.org

UpSpire upspire.org Volunteers of America Texas voatx.org

DISABILITIES Autism Treatment Center atcoftexas.org Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism roundupforautism.org Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas dspnt.org Easterseals easterseals.com Goodwill North Central Texas goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org Guardianship Services, Inc. guardianshipservices.org Helping Restore Ability hratexas.org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Cheryl's Voice cherylsvoice.org One Safe Place onesafeplace.org The Archway thearchwaytx.org The Women's Center of Tarrant County womenscentertc.org

EDUCATION & LITERACY

Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership t3partnership.org Texans Can Academy - Fort Worth texanscan.org The Miles Foundation milesfdn.org The Welman Project thewelmanproject.org

ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION Botanical Research Institute of Texas brit.org Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center naturecenterfriends.org Streams and Valleys, Inc. streamsandvalleys.org Tarrant Coalition for Environmental Awareness dpjc.org/teca

HEALTH & WELLNESS AIDS Outreach Center aoc.org All Saints Health Foundation allsaintsfoundation.bswhealth.com Alzheimer's Association alz.org American Cancer Society acshpfw.ejoinme.org American Diabetes Association diabetes.org

Academy 4 academy4.org

American Heart Association heart.org

Arise Africa artisafrica.org

American Lung Association lung.org

Carroll Education Foundation carrolleducationfoundation.org

Black Dog Charity blackdogcharity.com

Communities in Schools Greater Tarrant County cistarrant.org

Blood Cancer United bloodcancerunited.org

Fort Worth Public Library Foundation fwlibraryfoundation.org Fort Worth Save Our Children Learning Center fwsoc.org Happy Hill Farm happyhillfarm.org Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail chisholmtrail.ja.org Key School and Training Center ksfw.org

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Bras for a Cause brasforthecause.com Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) breakthrought1d.org Cancer Care Services cancercareservices.org Cancer Support Community North Texas cancersupporttexas.org Carter BloodCare carterbloodcare.org

Cuisine for Healing cuisineforhealing.org Cystic Fibrosis Foundation cff.org Fort Worth Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Coalition fwaya.org HSC Foundation unthsc.edu/give Jewel Charity jewelcharity.org John Wayne Cancer Foundation johnwayne.org Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation jordanharrisfoundation.org JPS Foundation jpshealthnet.org/foundation Leukemia Texas leukemiatexas.org LifeGift lifegift.org Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth lighthousefw.org March of Dimes marchofdimes.org Me Squared Cancer Foundation mesquaredcancerfoundation.org Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth mercy-clinic.org MHMR Foundation mhmrtarrant.org Moncrief Cancer Institute moncrief.com Muscular Dystrophy Association mda.org National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) namitarrant.org National Kidney Foundation kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-texas NICU Helping Hands Foundation nicuhelpinghands.org Once Upon a Time Foundation onceuponatime.org Project 4031 project4031.org Recovery Resource Council recoverycouncil.org Rutledge Cancer Foundation rutledgecancerfoundation.org St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (ALSAC) stjude.org Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth komengreaterfortworth.org Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance tcmsalliance.org Texas Health Foundation texashealth.org/en/foundation

Note: Names in Red are Foundations

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth ymcafw.org Wings of Hope wingsofhopeequitherapy.org

HOUSING Fort Worth Housing Solutions fwhs.org Operation Relief Center orctexas.org Partnership Home partnershiphome.org Samaritan House samaritanhouse.org The Development Corporation dctctexas.org Trinity Habitat for Humanity habitat.org

HUMAN TRAFFICKING The Net thenetfw.com

Catholic Charities Fort Worth catholiccharitiesfortworth.org

Moslah Shrine moslahshrine.org

Community Enrichment Center cechope.org

National Cutting Horse Foundation nchafoundation.org

Community Food Bank food-bank.org

National Medal of Honor Museum mohmuseum.org/the-museum

Cornerstone Assistance Network canetwork.org

National Vietnam War Museum nationalvnwrmuseum.org

DRC Solutions drc-solutions.org

Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth recouncilgfw.com

Family Pathfinders of Tarrant County pathfinderstc.org

SCORE fortworth.score.org

Fort Worth HOPE Center fwhope.org

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association tscra.org

Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange gracegrapevine.org MANNA Worldwide mannaworldwide.com Northside Inter-Community Agency, Inc. nicaagency.org Presbyterian Night Shelter journeyhome.org South Central Alliance of Churches alliancesouthcentral.com Tarrant Area Food Bank tafb.org The Fort Worth Foundation thefortworthfoundation.org The Salvation Army of North Texas salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County ugm-tc.org

SENIORS

Texas Angus Association texasangus.com Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame tchof.com The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever tggce.org Transform 1012 transform1012.org

WILDLIFE & ANIMALS Fort Worth Ducks Unlimited fortworthdu.com Fort Worth Zoological Association fortworthzoo.org Fossil Rim Wildlife Center fossilrim.org International Rhino Foundation rhinos.org

WOMEN & GIRLS

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Tarrant County tarrantcountyadrc.org

Center for Transforming Lives transforminglives.org

Gold Tone Senior Citizen Show Choir goldtoneshowchoir.org

Colleyville Woman's Club c-w-c.org

Airpower Foundation airpowerfoundation.org

Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County mealsonwheels.org

Gathering Hope gatheringhope.org

American Warrior Association americanwarriorassociation.org

Serving Our Seniors servingourseniorstexas.org

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains gs-top.org

Unbound North Texas unboundnow.org/ntx

MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDERS

Association of the United States Army (AUSA) ausanorthtexas.org

SPECIAL INTEREST

Girls Inc. of Tarrant County girlsinctarrant.org

Bike the Blue biketheblue.org

Colleyville Garden Club colleyvillegardenclub.org

Junior League of Fort Worth juniorleaguefw.org

Chris Kyle Frog Foundation chriskylefrogfoundation.org

Foodie Philanthropy foodiephilanthropy.org

Ladies’ Auxiliary of Arlington cinderellacharityball.com

Cowtown Warriors cowtownwarriors.com

Fort Worth Classic Guitar Society guitarsociety.org

Mansfield Women's Club mansfieldwomensclub.org

Fort Worth Police Foundation fwpolicefoundation.org

Fort Worth Garden Club fortworthgardenclub.org

National Charity League – Fort Worth nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/fortworth

S.T.E.P.S. With Horses stepswithhorses.org

Fort Worth Report fortworthreport.org

Southlake Women's Club southlakewomensclub.org

The National Leadership Foundation nationalleadershipfoundation.org

Fort Worth Sister Cities International fwsistercities.org

Texas Women’s Foundation txwf.org

Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org

Historic Fort Worth Inc. historicfortworth.org

The Woman's Club of Fort Worth thewomansclubfw.com

Leadership Fort Worth leadershipfortworth.org

Women's Policy Forum womenspolicyforum.org

POVERTY & HUNGER Arlington Life Shelter arlingtonlifeshelter.org

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CHOWTOWN LOCAL EATS AND RESTAURANT NEWS

140 Drinks N’ Such

Nachos piled high with fried chicken tenders, queso and salsa macha are just the beginning at Drinks N’ Such. At the new sports bar near TCU, chef David Hollister is having a little fun with familiar bar food, from PB&J wings to caviar-topped chicken nuggets.

WHAT WE’RE CHEWING OVER THIS MONTH:

On Page 136 An Arlington roadside landmark gets a stylish new lease on life with the rebirth of the Caravan Court Hotel and its swanky restaurant, The Vandy. On Page 138 Fort Worth’s omakase scene goes next level with the arrival of Hiro’s Kitchen in the Near Southside.

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CHOWTOWN DINING

Rebuilt and reborn, Caravan Court Hotel tips its hat to midcentury Americana

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Heather Nicole

Roadside Revival

Once a sketchy roadside motel, Arlington’s Caravan Court has been reborn as a stylish boutique hotel, complete with an ambitious restaurant that takes its cues from the past.

magine having a nice meal — maybe lobster thermidor or steak frites — at the old Landmark Lodge on Camp Bowie West, the hotel and accompanying restaurant that, little by little, continue to fall apart. But imagine someone swooping in and saving them, revamping the cool

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motor court and turning the decrepit, abandoned restaurant building into a snazzy, four-star eatery. That very well could happen. Twenty-four miles to the east, along the same historic highway, in a similar area dominated by used car lots and

pawnshops, it did, in fact, happen. I’m having that nice meal at what the Landmark could, if the right investor came along, very well become: Arlington’s Caravan Court, reborn and revived. Inside the hotel’s restaurant, The Vandy, I’m enjoying a healthy serving of salmon, its skin magnificently crisped, with a dab of yuzu butter, asparagus, and a little herb salad. Just a few years ago, the only reason most people would have come around here would have been to score some drugs. Like the Landmark, and some of the other ungracefully aging midcentury motels that surround it, the Caravan had long ago fallen into disrepair. Over the years, it became a magnet for crime, a particularly troublesome eyesore for a city working to improve the areas surrounding its increasingly busy entertainment district. Originally opened in 1961 as the Caravan Motor Hotel, the property reopened in June following a multimillion-dollar redevelopment that saw the old motel largely demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. Today, it’s a 143-room boutique hotel, complete with a swimming pool, rooftop bar, courtyard, and a restaurant named for one of Arlington’s most influential former mayors. Local businessman Sam Mahrouq initially purchased the motel with considerably less glamorous plans in mind: He wanted the land to expand his nearby car dealership. But the more he learned about the Caravan’s history, the more he began to see possibilities beyond another lot full of cars. He eventually partnered with Houston-based Valencia Hotel Group to give the property an entirely new life. Although little of the original motel remains beyond its iconic neon sign and a few architectural elements, the new hotel’s retro-inspired design draws on the original motel’s midcentury architecture, as well as Arlington’s own history. Everywhere you look, in the restaurant, in the rooms, in a speakeasy-inspired bar adjacent to the hotel lobby, there are

old pictures of old Arlington. “What drew us to Caravan Court was the history right here in the heart of Arlington,” says Mahrouq, owner of Division Hotel Management. “The original property of Caravan Court dates back to 1961, and resurrecting it wasn’t just about opening a hotel. It was about honoring Arlington’s past and creating a true bridge between downtown and the Entertainment District.” That history extends beyond the property itself. Both the Caravan and Fort Worth’s Landmark Lodge sit along the original Bankhead Highway, the transcontinental route established in the 1920s that later became part of U.S. Highway 80. Before Interstate 30, it was a major thoroughfare for travelers making their way across North Texas. Roadside motels once flourished along this route, but many fell into decline after I-30 stole the Bankhead’s traffic. Mahrouq says he saw the Caravan’s rebirth as an opportunity to preserve a piece of that disappearing history. For all the attention paid to the hotel’s origin story and design, its restaurant may be the biggest surprise. The Vandy is an ambitious dining room on a stretch of Division Street where fine dining hasn’t exactly been a priority. Named for Tom Vandergriff, the former Arlington mayor who helped transform the city into a major sports and entertainment destination, The Vandy is led by executive chef Yimara “Yia” Medina, a Puerto Rico native who started her professional life as an elementary school teacher. After trying several other careers, Medina found her calling almost by accident. While working as a restaurant manager, she stepped into the kitchen to fill an unexpected vacancy, despite having no professional cooking experience. By 2007, she was co-owner of Yia’s by Chef Tino, a restaurant whose success led to appearances on Food Network and Cooking Channel programs. Her career took another unexpected turn in 2017 when a devastating

hurricane forced her to leave Puerto Rico. After sending her three children to the United States to continue their schooling, she followed them to Texas, arriving with little more than a backpack. She resumed her culinary career at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas and later became executive chef at Jasper’s Uptown. Medina was drawn to The Vandy in part because of the hotel’s unusual history. “Food for me has to have a story, a narrative,” she says. “And the history of the Caravan, of this area of Arlington, and how it’s all coming back to life, is definitely an interesting story that I wanted to be a part of.” In developing The Vandy’s menu, Medina looked to the property’s past, drawing inspiration from the sort of American fine dining popular during the Caravan’s early years. There are dishes that might have looked right at home in a swanky hotel dining room 60 years ago: lobster thermidor, onion soup gratinée, foie gras torchon, a relish tray, and beef Wellington, the latter available only on weekends. Even the desserts have a nostalgic vibe: warm apple pie, freshly baked cookies, and a grasshopper drink, the latter a creamy cocktail straight out of the 1960s. Medina, of course, brings some of her own background to the table. “I try to always sneak in something from my roots in the Caribbean and my culture, even if it’s just a secret ingredient,” she says, describing them as “little Easter eggs that represent me and my cooking style.” Among the highlights of her menu: a 16-ounce ribeye rubbed with coffee and finished with Garrison Brothers bourbon butter, crispy fried chicken brined with ginger and lemongrass, and Wagyu beef and truffle ravioli with Parmesan fondue and crispy sage. The Vandy is joined by two other drinking/dining destinations: Adjacent to the hotel lobby is a speakeasy-inspired bar bathed in red hues and decorated with posh, comfy furniture; and up the elevator is the rooftop Elora Sky Club, which offers its own menu of

The Vandy’s doubledecker seafood tower The Vandy executive chef Yimara Medina

Mediterranean-inspired eats. Bringing the Caravan back to life required a substantial investment — the project cost about $60 million — and a willingness to gamble on an area that still has plenty of empty storefronts and aging buildings. Twenty-four miles to the east, there’s another aging motor lodge that could use a little of that imagination.

Caravan Court Hotel, 205 North Collins St., caravancourthotel.com

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CHOWTOWN DINING Hiro’s Kitchen offers a variety of small plates or a multi-dish omakase experience

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

A Fresh Catch

The husband-and-wife team behind Hiro’s Kitchen are veterans of the omakase craft and have long hosted popups at neighboring wine bar The Holly.

ort Worth has gotten pretty good at trusting the chef. Over the past couple of years, omakase has gone from something of a rarity here to one of the city’s livelier corners of dining. Nikuya brought it to a downtown hotel rooftop. Katei

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turned it into a high-end, 20-course experience. Yoichi Omakase & Handroll Bar gave the format a more casual spin, while longtime West Side favorite Little Lilly Sushi has been customizing omakase dinners around diners’ budgets and tastes for years.

Now comes Hiro’s Kitchen, a new Japanese restaurant in the Near Southside from husband-wife team Hiroto and Nami Ochiai. The couple’s 1,300-square-foot South Main Village restaurant offers the elaborate omakase experience, but that’s only one way to eat here. Diners can also stop in for a few pieces of sushi, small plates, or sake. “There are many different ways to experience Hiro’s Kitchen — whether that’s enjoying the full omakase, having a few pieces of sushi and small plates, or stopping by to explore sake,” Nami says. “It’s about offering different experiences, rather than how much someone spends.” The couple may already be familiar to some Near Southsiders. Before opening Hiro’s Kitchen, they held pop-up dinners at neighboring wine bar The Holly, along with private dinners and catering after moving to North Texas. “We chose Fort Worth because we really came to love the people and the community here, especially through The Holly and Near Southside,” Nami says. “Through our pop-ups and attending community meetings, we gradually got to know more and more people in Near Southside, and that connection is a big part of why we wanted to open our restaurant here.” They wound up right next door, at 309 W. Daggett Ave. Hiro’s Kitchen centers around a 15-seat, blue-tiled omakase counter, with additional seating along pale yellow and natural-wood walls. Ochiai, a native of Niigata, Japan, honed his skills in Tokyo before moving to New York, where he worked at acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants including Jean-Georges, Shion 69 Leonard, and Sushi Amane, where he met Nami. His cooking at Hiro’s draws from both Japanese and French techniques. “Hiro has built his experience over many years in both Japan and New York, and now we’re just beginning to express that experience in our own way through Hiro’s Kitchen,” Nami

says. “We still feel like we’re only at the beginning.” The multicourse omakase dinners start at $90 and change with the seasons and availability of seafood imported from Japan. Recent dishes have included squid with chorizo sauce, salmon tartare with shio koji salsa verde and edamame puree, striped yellow jack sushi, and coldpoached chicken with mint-sesame vinaigrette. The à la carte menu offers a more casual way into Hiro’s Kitchen, with sushi and small plates for diners who don’t want to commit to the full omakase experience. Sake is another major focus. Hiro and Nami are both certified sake sommeliers, and their selections are meant to pair not only with seafood but with vegetable, meat, and cheese dishes. “We’re very fortunate that so many wonderful sakes are now available in Texas,” Nami says. “We don’t simply want to serve sake; we want people to experience the many different ways it can be enjoyed — through seasonal selections, different temperatures and

glassware, and of course, pairing it with food.” They’ll dig deeper into sake with a new “Meet the Sake Brewery” dinner series. “One thing we really admire about people here in Texas is how genuinely interested they are in learning and experiencing something new,” Nami says. The series kicks off Sept. 30 with Houraisen, with a special food-andsake pairing menu that includes bluefin tuna nigiri chosen to complement the sake. A second dinner, featuring Tatsuriki, follows Oct. 9. The restaurant also plans to continually rotate its sake selection. “We’d love to share more of those fun discoveries and experiences with our guests,” Nami says. Fasicka Hicks, who founded Arlington’s Smoke’N Ash BBQ with her late husband, Patrick, says they felt that impact after the restaurant received a Michelin Recommendation in 2024.

Hiro’s Kitchen, 309 W. Daggett Ave., hiroskitchentx.com

The dishes at Hiro’s Kitchen are elegantly presented

The Chowtown Lowdown Goldees Bar-B-Q recently expanded its hours — good idea, since the Fort Worth ‘cue joint was recently bestowed with a Michelin star. The restaurant is now open on Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — the same hours as its Friday-Sunday schedule. Preordering is a good way to avoid the long line, but you must order at least five pounds of meat, and your order must be placed seven days in advance. 4645 Dick Price Road, goldeesbbq. com Napa Valley winemaker John Caldwell will be the guest of honor at a special wine dinner at Paris 7th on Sunday, Nov. 8. Caldwell will share stories about his unconventional career and the history of his namesake vineyard while guests enjoy a multicourse French-inspired dinner paired with five Caldwell wines. The menu includes smoked white sturgeon with caviar, frog leg tarte, butter-poached lobster medallions and antelope chop, followed by pistachio gelato with a chocolate crepe shell and apricot-fig compote. Wines include Caldwell’s 2024 Chardonnay, 2022 Merlot, and Rocket Science Proprietary Red. The dinner begins at 5 p.m. and costs $324 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 817.846.0391 or email Paris7thRestaurant@gmail.com. Seared Steak + Cocktails is giving its kitchen crew a chance to show off with a new series of limited-time specialty burgers, each created by a different member of the cooking staff. The Seared Chef’s Special Burger Series puts the spotlight on the restaurant’s behind-the-scenes talent, allowing cooks to dream up their own creations. One recent example: a double Wagyu smash burger piled with pepper jack cheese, crispy buttermilk onion strings, and sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce, served with the restaurant’s excellent house-cut truffle fries. Each burger is available for a limited time before another cook takes a turn, giving diners something new to try and the kitchen crew a little well-deserved recognition. 4006 White Settlement Road, searedfwtx.com The restaurant space at Montgomery Plaza that has seen more tenants than some apartment buildings has a new occupant. Ave Modern Mediterranean opened in August, bringing hummus, falafel, kebabs, and other Mediterranean favorites to an address where restaurants have historically struggled to stick around. Maybe Ave will break the streak. This is me being optimistic. The restaurant offers a menu that includes stuffed grape leaves, lamb shank, and a shareable mezze platter with baba ganoush, feta, and tzatziki. 2600 W. Seventh St., Ste. 153, avefortworth.com

Nigiri in various flavors at Hiro’s Kitchen

Longtime West Side fave Tokyo Cafe has a couple of changes worth noting, including a new executive chef and a new happy hour menu. Jose Pino has taken over the kitchen at the popular Japanese restaurant, succeeding Kevin Martinez, who now oversees the kitchen at The Fort Worth Club Athletic Center. Meanwhile, the restaurant has introduced weekday happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m., with $4 draft beers and hot sake, $7 select wines and cocktails, and sushi rolls starting at just $4. Food specials include $5 Tok fries, $3.50 bao buns. and a $6 candied pork belly bowl. 5121 Pershing Ave., tokyocafefw.com Owners Hiroto and Nami Ochiai

Malcolm Mayhew writes about food and culture for Fort Worth Magazine. Contact him at malcolm.mayhew@hotmail.com.

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CHOWTOWN DINING

David Hollister at his new hang, Drinks N’ Such

by Malcolm Mayhew Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

A Taste for Fun

At the newly opened Drinks N’ Such, Fort Worth chef David Hollister serves up inventive bar food, oldschool blue-plate specials, and a reminder that cooking should be fun.

t a time when Michelin stars, James Beard Awards, and other culinary trophies seem top of mind for many Fort Worth chefs, it’s nice to be reminded that cooking doesn’t always have to be such serious business. David Hollister certainly hasn’t for-

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gotten. One of the city’s most talented chefs, Hollister has long managed to sneak a little amusement onto his menus, whether through cleverly named sandwiches, unusual flavor combinations, or whimsical desserts, at restaurants he’s worked in, managed, or owned over the years. Now, he’s brought that sensibility to what may be his most playful project yet: Drinks N’ Such, a sprawling new indoor-outdoor restaurant and sports bar near TCU. “I wanted a place where people could come hang out, have a few drinks, watch a game, and eat some really good food,” Hollister says. “It’s that simple.” Located at 2736 Stanley Ave., Drinks N’ Such combines the familiar hallmarks of a sports bar — multiple TVs, full bars, games, and a spacious courtyard — with a food program that goes well beyond the usual game-day fare. The food comes courtesy of Le Cluck, Hollister’s chicken-focused restaurant operating inside Drinks N’ Such. Here, the Fort Worth native puts his own spin on familiar bar food, including wings offered with a choice of 10 housemade sauces, among them Texas bourbon-pecan barbecue, chipotle burnt honey with Alabama white barbecue sauce, and a PB&J concoction made with Thai peanut sauce and guava-chile de árbol jam. Elsewhere on the menu, Hollister has introduced a $14 chicken nugget topped with brown butter crema and caviar. There’s also a Southern Yardbird plate with buttermilk chicken tenders, Wagyu tallow fries, and a biscuit with whipped molasses butter, chicken-stock cream gravy, and hot honey. Sandwiches include a sriracha-honey fried chicken thigh with crispy leeks and white miso aioli, plus a burger made with Akaushi beef and brown butter-caramelized onions. Other dishes include pickle-brined onion rings, chicken-bacon-ranch croquettes, and tallow-fried oyster mushrooms with basil-serrano ranch.

Dessert brings bourbon whiskey s’mores with a housemade bourbon marshmallow. “I’ve always been fascinated with flavors from different parts of the world,” Hollister says. “And I don’t really have any rules about where those flavors belong.” His goal is to surprise people without making the food intimidating, he says. “I don’t want people to need a culinary dictionary to understand the menu,” he says. “I want them to recognize what they’re ordering, but maybe not recognize everything they’re tasting.” Hollister also has a soft spot for the old Fort Worth cafes and diners where the daily specials were as much a part of the routine as the regulars sitting at the counter. He’s bringing some of that tradition to Drinks N’ Such with rotating blue-plate specials, such as meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, lasagna, and pork chops. “I remember those old neighborhood restaurants where you knew what was cooking depending on what day it was,” he says. “There’s something really cool about that.” Drinks N’ Such is a partnership among Hollister, Clayton Grunewald, Tino DeFranco, Drew Boatman, and Dan Shooks, who also developed the bar program. Its name honors the late Fort Worth hospitality veteran Raymond “Ray” Hernandez, whose habit of inviting friends out for “drinks and such” inspired the concept. Hollister and his partners want Drinks N’ Such to be the kind of neighborhood hangout people return to, whether there’s a game on or not. “I want Drinks N’ Such to be a neighborhood bar first,” he says. “Somewhere people feel comfortable, where nobody takes themselves too seriously. But just because we’re a sports bar doesn’t mean the food has to be an afterthought.”

Drinks N’ Such, 2736 Stanley Ave., instagram.com/drinksnsuch

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Mad Scientist Ball Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

he Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s 2026 Mad Scientist Ball was a night of curiosity, community, and whimsical fun. Chaired by Kit and Will Ulrich, this annual gala brought together museum supporters for an unforgettable evening filled with local eats, sips, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the wonder of science and history. From the playful atmosphere to the incredible guest list, it was a successful night of celebration and support for the Museum.

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Will & Kit Ulrich

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GIVE BACK GREATER FORT WORTH’S CHARITY/SOCIAL EVENTS

Nov. 6

Lights of Love Courtyard - Western Towers Community Healthcare of Texas

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Nov. 12

Project: Role Model Southlake Town Square (TBD) Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Tarrant

Nov. 7

NOVEMBER National Family Literacy Month

Nov. 12

Gladney Adoption Day Gladney Center for Adoption Gladney Center for Adoption

Grit Series 5K Run Fort Worth Stockyards John Wayne Cancer Foundation

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Vision T3 Cullen Yards T3 Partnership

Local Lift TBD United Way of Tarrant County

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IMPACT 2026 Cullen Yards Project 4031

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Arlington Turkey Trot Globe Life Field Miracle League DFW in Arlington

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Kickoff for the 2026 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl is set for December 23rd at 4:30 CT. Active-duty military members and veterans can claim their complimentary tickets by scanning the QR Code now. General tickets go on sale Selection Sunday, December 6th. See y’all at the Bowl For The Brave!

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Together, we’re bringing suicide prevention, resources and hope to communities across North Texas. Thank you to the generous sponsors and supporters of our 13th Annual Bring the Conversation to Light Luncheon.

Your generosity makes this work possible.

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Congratulations to Chef Laura Cottler

from the Bowie House, Auberge Collection for being awarded the People’s Choice Award at the 2026 Signature Chefs Auction benefiting the March of Dimes!

Go to marchofdimes.org to see the full list of participating chefs.

Thank you to Presenting Sponsor The Pruner Family, Media Sponsor Fort Worth Magazine, and all the participating chefs who helped us raise over $276,000 for the March of Dimes mission.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

For 15 years, Academy 4 has provided a mentor for EVERY 4th grader in the economically disadvantaged schools we serve. Each month our mentors help students feel known, cared for, and loved. They discuss leadership traits and set goals as they build life-changing relationships. The need is growing, and so are we! Academy 4 has a plan to double our reach and impact, serving thousands more students in the years ahead to meet the growing demand from schools across Texas. We can’t do it without volunteers and donors like you! Be part of what’s next and scan the QR code to get involved.

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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). Title of Publication: Fort Worth Magazine Publication No. 1536-8939 Date of filing: 9/29/26. Frequency of Issue (Monthly) Number of issues published annually: 12 Annual subscription price is $21.95. Complete mailing address of Publication: 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116 Complete mailing address of Headquarters of general business office of publisher: Panther City Media Group, LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116.. Names and complete mailing address of Publisher and Editor, Publisher: Hal A. Brown, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116; Editor: Brian Kendall, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116; Owners: Panther City Media Group LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116, Hal A. Brown, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste.130, Fort Worth, Texas 76116. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None Tax status: has not changed during preceding 12 months Publication Title: Fort Worth Magazine Issue date for circulation data below: 8/2026. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months total no. copies printed (Net Press Run) 13,164. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail): Mailed Outside-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1,702. Mailed InCounty Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 5,503. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution outside USPS: 573. Requested Copies by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 7,778. Total Non-requested Distribution: Outside County Copies stated on PS Form 3541: 57. In-County Non-requested Copies included on PS Form 3541: 163. Non-requested Copies Distributed through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0. Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 3,618. Total Non-requested Distribution (Sum of 15d, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 3,838. Total Distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 11,616. Copies not Distributed: 1,548. Total (sum of 15f and g): 13,164. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 67%. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: 2,486. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 10,264. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 14,102. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)(16b divided by 16c x 100): 72.8%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest To Filing Date: printed (Net Press Run) 13,220. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail): Mailed Outside-County Paid/Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 1,771. Mailed In-County Paid/ Requested Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 6,258. Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution outside USPS: 305. Requested Copies by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 8,334. Total Nonrequested Distribution: Outside County Copies stated on PS Form 3541: 5. In-County Nonrequested Copies included on PS Form 3541: 67. Nonrequested Copies Distributed through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0. Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 3,159. Total Nonrequested Distribution (Sum of 15d, (1), (2), (3) and (4): 3,231. Total Distribution (sum of 15c and 15e): 11,565. Copies not Distributed: 1,655. Total (sum of 15f and g): 13,220. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15f times 100): 72%. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies: 3,621. Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/ Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 11,955. Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/ Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a): 15,186. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies)(16b divided by 16c x 100): 78.7%. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the November 2026 issue of this publication. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Hal A. Brown Date: 9/29/26. I certify that all information furnished in this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and Imprisonment and/ or civil sanctions (including civil penalties.).

Captured by Robert Chura on a cool, foggy day at Trinity Park, we had a short-lived office conversation — not remotely contentious enough to call it a debate — regarding which specific variety of tree is pictured in this image. Turns out, Trinity Park is home to quite the range of arboreal species. According to a primordial website operated by biologist and writer Guy Nesom, guynesom.com, “Trinity Park is an excellent place to see and get to know many of the common and beautiful trees of Fort Worth. Huge bur oaks appear at nearly every turn, and even on a short walk, about 10 to 15 of the species are common enough to appear repeatedly.” While we never landed on a consensus, if Mr. Nesom is to be believed, each of our guesses is likely to appear somewhere in this photo. @robertchura PHOTO BY ROBERT CHURA

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