Fort Worth Magazine - October 2025

The City's Magazine

BEST OF 2025

Featuring 338 of Cowtown's best in dining, doing, seeing, and shopping.

Caring for your heart

Find out why more North Texans choose Texas Health for their heart care.

Your heart powers every moment of your life — from chasing big dreams to simply keeping up with your daily routine. That’s why it deserves dedicated care. At Texas Health, we make it easy for you to prioritize your heart health. From comprehensive screenings and diagnostics to advanced treatments and rehabilitation, specialists on the medical staff at a Texas Health hospital develop care plans unique to your needs. We put our hearts into caring for yours, so you can focus on the moments that matter.

Find a specialist or take our heart health assessment at TexasHealth.org/Heart.

Grand Opening

Thursday October 16th, 5-8pm

Diva Diamonds & Jewels

6102 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116 (682) 380‑9344

Santa Fe, NM 78 E San Francisco St | (505) 988‑1561

Also visit us in:

Scottsdale, AZ 7237 E Main St, Suite C | (480) 698‑4304

Call or email to schedule your private consultation: info@divadiamondsjewelry.com

Explore our collection: www.divadiamondsjewelry.com

Follow us: Instagram | Facebook @divadiamondsjewelry

Discover timeless elegance — in-store or online.

Aspen, CO 402 S Galena St | (970) 901‑0929

We invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of Diva Diamonds & Jewels on October 16th. Experience Fort Worth’s newest destination for extraordinary fine jewelry, where craftsmanship, beauty, and timeless design come together. Join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and sparkle • Oct.16, 5-8PM!

We are honored to be recognized as Editor’s Pick in the “Best of” Fine Jewelry a reflection of our dedication to excellence and the trust of our community. Come, check us out to see why. Join us for a weekend of celebration!

RSVP To: Jeff@divadiamondsjewelry.com

Open House: Friday 10/17, Saturday 10/18 & Sunday 10/19

Fancy natural blue diamond, 1-carat cushion cut, GIA certified, surrounded by natural white and pink diamonds

Rolex, GMT master 2 “Pepsi”

106 A Walk in Oakwood Cemetery

John Henry thought he was pretty familiar with this city — until a stroll through a storied resting place in Cowtown stirred a few old souls with plenty left to say.

By John Henry

Best of Fort Worth Meat smokers, folk singers, boot makers, and spirit slingers — the personalities, businesses, and institutions that make this city great sure run the gamut. Let’s spotlight on some of ’em.

By Malcolm Mayhew, John Henry, and Brian Kendall

DEPARTMENTS

THE FORT

16 City Dweller

Movie house relic Ridglea Theater is on the market. Who should buy it? We have an idea.

24 Calendar

The boy who wouldn’t grow up gets pointe shoes, and Clamato makes its case to Cowtown.

26 Fort Worthian

Horned Frogs quarterback and Heisman hopeful Josh Hoover isn’t letting the hype get to him.

30 Government

U.S. Rep. Mark Veasey on political tribalism and the gerrymandering of his Tarrant County district to (gulp) Dallas.

36 State Lines

Turns out the Christmas Capital of Texas is equally charming in the autumn.

42 Cowhand Culture

Boogeyman Vincent Price never shied away from Fort Worth to visit with his third (maybe fourth) cousin.

48 The Reverie Josh Hoover is one hell of a pigskin chucker, but his side hustle is a completely different beast.

Dining

The hot dog might be due for a spike in culinary enthusiasm, and this pop-up serves dogs unlike any you’ve ever tasted is at the cutting edge.

Grace and Victoria

As I’m sure you gathered from the cover, this month we’re celebrating the things, people, and what-have-you’s that made Fort Worth exceptional over the last year. And while I normally reserve this issue’s editor’s letter to praise the city and applaud its incredible businesses, I’m going to take a minor detour. After all, this magazine has over 30 pages of Best of Fort Worth content. If you wish to skip ahead, it starts on page 52.

Instead, I wanted to take this space to acknowledge the recent departure of two co-workers: our director of marketing, Grace Behr, and our director of events and promotion, Victoria Albrecht.

Grace has been with the company for 3 1/2 years. In magazine years, that’s long enough to age a decade — an industry by-product that I’m pleased to say Grace avoided, and I remain far less fortunate. Grace initially came on board with a different last name and performed a different job — I have a vague recollection of her duties, but I also rarely spoke to her at that time, so I’ll move on — and was abruptly catapulted into the chaotic vocation of marketing head at a city magazine. In a job that required exceptional communication and organization skills, and the flexibility and patience to work with a disorderly chap like me, Grace excelled. She brought that perfect balance of kindness and sternness, and I suspect many in the company, this writer included, operated with a keen intent to not let her down.

Concerning the last name change, Grace would marry Gavin Behr a few months after starting her gig at the magazine. And the two had a baby boy, Henry, just a couple months ago. Yeah, the whole family thing looks pretty dang incredible on them.

Victoria, meanwhile, has been with the company for a couple months shy of two years. To translate this for Victoria, that’s after the release of “Midnights” but before the release of “The Tortured Poets Depart-

ment.” As an aside, I don’t judge those who did not understand the previous sentence — I had to Google it, too. You see, since her arrival, Victoria has been our resident Swifty (really big Taylor Swift fan). And thanks to Victoria’s gregarious nature, this has resulted in an unwelcome increase in my T Swift knowledge. But it’s also greatly improved my comedic timing of dry, apathetic responses. Solid trade-off.

All joking aside, Victoria is one of the most genuine and outwardly friendly human beings I’ve ever met. She’s also a wonderful baker, and the folks at American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), her new place of work, are lucky to have her on their team.

Saying goodbye to wonderful colleagues is a natural part of any workplace, as is welcoming new employees who will no doubt be equally wonderful. It’s cyclical, I guess. But the good ones, like Grace and Victoria, always leave their marks.

While I get to write it, the whole office no doubt feels it — we’ll miss you both.

Brian Kendall EXECUTIVE EDITOR

If you could create an original Halloween treat, what would its ingredients be and what would you call it?

Always wanted to try my hand at inverted peanut butter cups — peanut butter on the outside, chocolate on the inside (greatest combo in the history of the culinary arts). In other words, get to the more delicious stuff first. I assume such a treat could be made with cupcake trays, a jar of Skippy, and a couple bars of melted Lindt chocolate. Heck, I might even splurge and snag the type with chiles. For a name, I’ll call them Seesers — kudos if you get it.

My original Halloween treat blends Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and plain M&M’s inside a rich chocolate cake pop, three classics in one bite — aptly named Choc-enstein.

Brain Matter Cheesecake Cups. They would be mini cheesecakes tinted pale pink to resemble flesh, with the inside filled with a chunky raspberry sauce that oozes out like brain fluid when cut open. They would be topped with raspberry frosting piped to mimic brains and a layer of clear gelatin glaze over the top to give it that disturbingly shiny, lifelike finish. Mmmm … brains!

owner/publisher hal a. brown

president mike waldum

EDITORIAL

executive editor brian kendall

contributing editor john henry

digital editor stephen montoya

contributing writers malcolm mayhew, michael h. price, shilo urban copy editor sharon casseday

editorial intern maddy clark

ART

creative director craig sylva senior art director spray gleaves

contributing ad designer jonathon won

ADVERTISING

advertising account supervisors

gina burns-wigginton x150

marion c. knight x135

account executive tammy denapoli x141 territory manager, fort worth inc. rita hale x133

senior production manager michelle mcghee x116

MARKETING

director of digital robby kyser director of marketing grace behr events and promotions director victoria albrecht

operations manager kaitlyn lisenby

CORPORATE

chief financial officer charles newton

founding publisher mark hulme

CONTACT US

main line 817.560.6111

subscriptions 817.766.5550 fwmagsubscriptions@omeda.com

Ghoulish treats at my family’s Halloween parties include a Possessed Pumpkin as the table centerpiece, made from a small pumpkin with spinach artichoke dip coming out of its wide, carved mouth. The dip — made with blended eight ounces of cream cheese, one cup sour cream, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, 10-ounce package frozen spinach, and one packet Knorr dry vegetable soup mix.

Psycho Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

• 7 cups of popcorn only grown on sacred Mayan ground and popped over the heat of an erupting volcano

• 1/3 cup of syrup from the sap of the hanging tree in the “Hunger Games”

• 1/3 cup water from the Great Blue Hole

• 1 teaspoon salt from Romania’s Slănic Prahova salt mines

• 1/2 stick butter made from the milk of a mad cow

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract that was used as a substitute for alcohol during Prohibition

• 1 cup candy corn (just to confuse people)

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.

©2025 Panther City Media Group, LP. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

FortWorthMagazine(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, PO Box 213, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Volume 28, Number 10, October 2025. Basic

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THE FORT

PEOPLE TO KNOW THINGS TO DO PLACES TO GO

QUINN WHO?

Josh Hoover jumped at the chance to come to TCU, and he’s making the most of his opportunity on both the university’s and Fort Worth’s national stage.

WHAT WE’RE WRITING ABOUT THIS MONTH:

On page 16: We’ve got a reel-y big idea for the Ridglea Theater. On page 24: What’s going on in October? On page 30: Democrat U.S. Rep. Mark Veasey of Fort Worth again finds himself in the middle of redistricting warfare. On page 36: We take the train to Grapevine, population 50,928. On page 42: Scary guy Vincent Price and his spookiness were once regulars in Fort Worth. On page 48: Josh Hoover has Milton Daniel’s entrepreneurial zeal.

by Brian Kendall

Ridglea Reel Revival?

Ridglea Theater is for sale. We have an idea.

Following news that came down the pike recently that Camp Bowie’s historic Ridglea Theater was officially on the market, both fearful thoughts of redevelopment and ideas for improvement rushed through this writer’s mind.

While current owners Amy Herrig and Jerry Shults — no doubt saviors of the Ridglea when they purchased the landmark theater in 2010 — say it will likely be a while before a deal is made, I’m already keen on the theater’s future.

A quick Google search allayed concerns of demolition and any subsequent construction of a multistory lululemon store; the Ridglea Theater, which first opened in 1947, received landmark-protection status in 2011. So, we’re at least assured the building and the iconic Ridglea sign will remain. I turned my attention to the theater’s

potential. And for inspiration, I looked no further than a similarly salvaged movie house in Dallas: Texas Theatre.

Like many an old movie house, Ridglea Theater converted to a live music venue in 1997. It’s gone through its share of updates and renovations through the ensuing decades, and, in addition to music, now hosts boxing, comedians, and speakers of many ilks. Improv comedy troupe Four Day Weekend also have a residency in the next door Ridglea Room. But conspicuously missing from the Ridglea’s normal slate of entertainment is the very thing it was built to show: movies.

Ridglea is a solid live music venue in a city whose local music scene is desperate for such spaces. But like Texas Theatre has proved since reopening in 2010, a movie house can do both.

Located in Dallas’ Oak Cliff, Texas

Theatre opened in 1931 and, following its heyday through the golden era of Hollywood, dodged its fair share of potential demolitions after the rise of the multiplex theater. It also didn’t help that the theater is inextricably tied to the Kennedy assassination; Dallas Police arrested Lee Harvey Oswald a little over an hour after the shooting when he snuck into a showing of “War Is Hell.” The city, understandably embarrassed and traumatized by the assassination, was itching to rid its town of any reminders of what had happened. Today, we’ll note, the theater doesn’t shy away from the incident.

Eventually receiving a full reprieve once the nonprofit Oak Cliff Foundation purchased the building in 2001, the Texas Theatre would undergo a series of upgrades, renovations, and a new creative director before reopening in 2010. In 2019, Aviation Cinemas, a team of Dallasites, purchased the theater and immediately began plans for expansion, including the construction of a second theater where the balcony once existed.

A recent perusal of the lineup of happenings at Texas Theatre included a blend of independent film (“Toxic Avenger”), international oddities (“Shin Godzilla”), bizarro productions (“The Mummy Theme Park”), documentaries (“More Than Santa Baby”), and old favorites (“Jaws” and “This Is Spinal Tap”). The theater will also sprinkle in concerts, festivals, director and celebrity Q&A’s, live podcasts, and, sometimes, an amalgamation of events — the monthly “Behind the Screen” includes a movie followed by a concert, you guessed it, behind the screen. Other events showcase hyperlocal artisans.

In a word, it’s cool. There’s nothing like the Texas Theatre in Cowtown, though it has been tried.

In late 2021 and early 2022, the world of great cinema and Cowtown were in alignment. Fort Worth had two — yes, two — off-kilter, singlescreen movie theaters: The Grand Berry in the Foundry District and The

Blazing Trails for 25 Years

817.999.1401

817.360.4522

Downtown Cowtown at The Isis in The Stockyards. The latter being the only other historic, art deco movie house in Fort Worth that has retained some semblance of a theater — the old Bowie Theater doesn’t count because it now sports a Frost Bank sign. Like Ridglea, the Isis had been refurbished and reopened in 2021. Though it would remain open for only two years, the theater hosted multiday events (Lone Star Film Festival), world premieres (“12 Mighty Orphans”), on-going community gatherings (Cowtown Movie Classics), and concerts.

Despite the lofty ambitions of the theater’s owners, Jeffrey Smith and Debbie Garrett-Smith, Downtown Cowtown at The Isis would close in November 2024. Similarly, the Grand Berry Theater, an unabashed spot for arthouse cinephiles, closed in March 2022 after its own two-year run.

So, the rub is whether Fort Worth even desires such a thing. Whether its preference is to become merely a city of workplaces, sleep spaces, and Amazon Prime.

It’s no doubt an exaggeration to place this potential future on the fate of Ridglea Theater. But even if we did, we’re fortunate that current owners wish to remain involved. They are, after all, the ones who saved it from likely demolition.

Yet, the question will still be asked: Is an arthouse movie theater the best way to squeeze money out of a purchase of the property? Absolutely not. A future buyer could very well keep the facade, gut the inside, and turn the theater into a bowling alley — similar to the fate of Lakewood’s old movie house. A conversion to a small cinema house takes one less interested in the bottom line and more interested in building community.

A buyer wouldn’t just be purchasing the theater but the entire commercial property on which it’s attached. While the father-daughter ownership group could sell the theater separately — say, to Aviation Cinemas? — this is highly unlikely. We just hope a screen and projector are part of its near future.

Shovel Ready Westside Village Phase I To Break Ground in 2026

FW Westside RE Investors, LLC, a partnership between The Keystone Group and Larkspur Capital, has announced that construction on Phase I of the highly anticipated Westside Village development will begin in early 2026, with completion slated for 2028.

The 37-acre mixed-use project is located just west of downtown Fort Worth along the West Fork of the Trinity River and is positioned to become one of the city’s most dynamic urban destinations.

The first phase will feature a 100,000-square-foot Class AA office building and a 308-unit luxury residential community. The office tower is designed to provide premier workspace and will include ground floor retail, two restaurant concepts, and a private social club, all tied together with a shared underground parking garage.

“We are excited to break ground on Phase I of Westside Village, introducing a distinctive office environment alongside thoughtfully designed residences that will bring something truly special to Fort Worth,” said Schafer Smartt, vice president of Larkspur Capital, in a statement. “Together, these buildings are designed to be inspiring places to work and live, and to serve as a meaningful part of the larger community.”

HPI has been tapped to lead office leasing for the building at the northeast corner of University Drive and White Settlement Road. The Fort Worth leasing team includes Matt Montague, Jake Neal, and Colt McCoy, and preleasing efforts are already underway.

“Westside Village will offer a rare

combination of prestige and convenience,” said Montague, executive managing director at HPI. “With ground floor retail, restaurants, and a private social club in a walkable, connected environment, this is the most dynamic opportunity in the region.”

Said McCoy, partner at HPI:

“Fort Worth has always had a rich cultural fabric, rooted in tradition. With Westside Village, the developers are creating a place where the city’s history and character meet forward-thinking design and modern amenities. It is setting the stage for Fort Worth’s next chapter of growth.”

The 308-unit residential building rising alongside the office tower will include a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Amenities will feature a resort-style pool deck, private cabanas and grilling stations, multiple resident lounges, coworking areas, and a fitness and wellness center. The property will also connect directly to the Upper West Fork trail system, enhancing neighborhood walkability.

Overall, the $1.7 billion Westside Village master plan will transform 37 acres spanning University Drive, White Settlement Road, Foch Street, and the West Fork of the Trinity River. Anchored by vibrant retail, the project’s full build-out will deliver 880,000 square feet of Class AA office space, 238,000 square feet of retail, a luxury boutique hotel, and 1,785 residential units.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is leading the design of the office building with Corgan serving as architect of record, while Corgan is also serving as full-service architect for the residential building.

by John Henry

On the Safe Side Fort Worth ranks among

the safest big cities in

America.

There is no work fighting crime for the tanks of the National Guard or Sam Spade in Fort Worth, Texas.

Actually, surely there would still be something to do for the cool and tough Spade, best known for his work in San Francisco in The Maltese Falcon.

But, according to SmartAsset, inspired by current events in other American locales, it wouldn’t be much.

SmartAsset’s data showed that Fort Worth, the 11th-largest city in the country, is the third-safest major city in the U.S.

There were, in fact, three Texas cities in the top 10, including Arlington at No. 7 and El Paso at No. 8.

SmartAsset compared data for 50 of the largest U.S. cities by population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), weighing violent and property crime, vehicular fatalities, drug overdose deaths, and excessive drinking. Access to such data, the firm noted, can help Americans better evaluate tradeoffs in lifestyle, opportunity, and security when deciding where to live, work, or retire.

It’s no surprise people are flocking here. Fort Worth’s most recent population estimate was 1,008,106 — just 1,727 fewer than Jacksonville. That’s the equivalent of a few plane loads of arrivals at DFW who never return home. Chances are, we’ve already claimed the spot as the nation’s 10thlargest city.

The results suggest that, for now, Fort Worth has managed its explosive

growth and crime well. Moreover, recent data released by the city showed a 14.3% reduction in overall crime in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same timeframe a year ago. In 2021, FWPD introduced the #FortWorthSafe Initiative, a crime reduction strategy focused on violent crimes.

Fort Worth hired Eddie Garcia as new police chief two weeks ago. He succeeds Neil Noakes.

This topic of safe cities became all the more relevant when the Trump administration recently declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., issuing an Executive Order that brought together the local police force, more than 2,000 National Guard members, and several state governors in a coordinated effort to curb crime. President Trump also put Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on notice that Chicago would be next if crime there is not addressed swiftly. Pritzker and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, both Democrats, have argued that their cities are safer than Trump claims.

Chicago ranked 38th in this analysis. D.C. came in at 40th. New York was No. 25. Spade’s old stomping grounds, San Francisco, ranked 37th.

Dallas, the ninth-largest city at 1.3 million, was 18th, Houston No. 24, and Austin and San Antonio were Nos. 28-29.

San Jose, California, the 12th-largest city, ranked No. 1.

Around Cowtown in 8 Seconds

A smattering of things you might’ve missed

Tempers Flare at City Hall: Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker says elected officials have a responsibility to encourage “civility, kindness, and decency” following colleague Elizabeth Beck’s social media post that showed absolutely none of that in the aftermath of the political assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah.

At the Tarrant County Courthouse: A Tarrant County jury finds Raunaq Alam guilty of vandalizing a church in Euless but decide that spray painting “F*** Israel” and pasting proPalestinian stickers on it were not hate crimes. The jury gives the pro-Palestinian activist five years’ probation and 180 days in jail.

Help Line: County and city officials cut the ribbon on a desperately needed JPS Health Network Psychiatric Emergency Center, a 68,000-squarefoot building designed to better care for patients in crisis.

Roman Treasures: The Kimbell Art Museum is hosting “Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection.” Works from the largest private collection features imperial portraits and funerary sculptures, carved between the fifth century B.C. and the early fourth century.

More Cowbell? You got it: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promotes the state’s pro-business policies before ringing the New York Stock Exchange’s closing bell at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to mark the relocation of the Chicago Stock Exchange to Dallas. “This is the home of the economy, and it is going to be the home of financial exchanges going forward.”

Cat’s Out of the Bag: The Fort Worth Zoo quietly announces the addition of two new residents: a pair of lion cubs, born June 29 to mother Saba and father Jabulani.

Let Freedom Ring: Fort Worth-based Eagle Venture Fund announces the launch of Eagle Freedom Fund II, a $50 million investment vehicle dedicated to supporting tech innovation in the fight against human trafficking. Eagle Freedom Fund I has already backed 20 high-growth companies delivering measurable impact across health care, law enforcement, technology, and frontline response, fund officials say.

On the Road: The Cliburn announces the 2025–26 touring seasons for Aristo Sham of Hong Kong, its newly minted gold medalist. Sham, 29, is booked from Duszniki, Poland, to Daegu, South Korea, to College Station, up to Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, and Boulder, Colorado, before an Asia swing.

October

3-5

‘Peter Pan’

The Texas Ballet Theater takes on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Neverland, the Darlings, and the boy who just wouldn’t grow up. The performance will include stunning costumes, dancing, and, in the true “Peter Pan”-style, jaw-dropping aerobatics. Bass Hall basshall.com

9

Keith Urban

Promoting the release of his 13th studio album, High, Australian country star Keith Urban hit the road with his High and Alive World Tour in May and will swing by Dickies Arena in October. Special guests include Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, and Karley Scott Collins. Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com

10-Nov. 2

‘Frankenstein’

The October weather should be perfect, and the season perfectly spooky, to take in “Frankenstein” at Fort Worth’s famous outdoor theater. Mary Shelley’s story of the perils of a scientist playing God is perhaps more apt today than it was during its initial publication in 1818.

Hip Pocket Theatre hippocket.org

11

ArtsGoggle

One of the city’s premier showcases of local artisans and musicians — with a few food trucks thrown in for good measure — ArtsGoggle takes over the entirety of Near Southside’s Magnolia Avenue for a full day in early October. Magnolia Avenue from Eighth Avenue to S. Main Street artsgoggle.org

12

Michelada Festival

The Clamato and beer concoction is one of maybe two beverages that has entered the cultural zeitgeist to a point of warranting a festival. Festivities will include michelada vendors, live music, and plenty of tajin. 900 Main St. micheladafestival.org

12-18

Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting

Organized by the National Portrait Gallery, London, this marks the first major exhibition of Jenny Saville’s work on this side of the Atlantic. The showcase will feature 50 pieces that encapsulate the celebrated figurative painter’s 30-plus-year career.

The Modern themodern.org

24-26

Boo at the Zoo

With live music, animal shows, and sweet treats, this annual familyfriendly event at Fort Worth Zoo is the perfect Halloween outing for kiddos that haven’t graduated to Cowtown’s plethora of haunted houses.

Fort Worth Zoo fortworthzoo.org

24-26

‘The Addams Family’

A musical based on the hilariously macabre family every generation has come to love — thanks to TV, film, and now Netflix — “The Addams Family” swings by Bass Hall for a three-night stint right before Halloween. Bass Hall basshall.com

28-Nov. 2

‘A Beautiful Noise’

The never-before-told story of Neil Diamond set to Neil Diamond tunes, sign us up. This biographical musical, which ran for over 600 performances on Broadway, includes all of Diamond’s hits and plenty of big-collar button-downs — and the chest hair to boot. Bass Hall basshall.com

Oct. 11

The Lumineers

Known for their unison chants of “Hey” and songs about women with names that end in an “a” — “Ophelia,” “Gloria,” and “Cleopatra” — the Grammy-nominated, Billboard-topping folk outfit visits Dickies Arena in support of their fifth studio album, Automatic. Dickies Arena dickiesarena.com

Keith Urban

photos provided by Dickies Arena // Michelada Festival // Bass Hall // Billy Bob’s Texas

‘The Addams Family’

Where Every

Food, Friends, Football, there’s always something to celebrate this time of the year. Join us at Quince and experience the best dining patio in Fort Worth, equipped with unique cocktails, live music and river views.

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE.

Josh Hoover

TCU Quarterback

By

John Henry Photo by Olaf Growald

As the years blur, I had all but forgotten that the paths of college quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Josh Hoover nearly intersected in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ewers, the top quarterback in the country in his high school recruiting class, was looking to transfer from Ohio State. Hoover, lightly recruited in comparison, out of Rockwall Heath High School, had two offers — SMU and Indiana, which he had committed to but was rethinking after a coaching change.

He also had a new suitor: TCU, freshly under head coach Sonny Dykes — the same coach who once courted him at SMU. Hoover liked the SMU staff but never felt fully sold on SMU the place. Now that Dykes and his staff had made the jump to Fort Worth, they picked up the phone and called him again.

Hoover said, “heck, yeah” to an invitation to visit TCU.

“TCU never recruited me [before Dykes],” Hoover says. “I wasn’t a bigtime recruit at all. SMU and Indiana were my two biggest offers. On the visit, TCU offered me [a scholarship], and I loved it here.”

Perhaps trying to be cagey, perhaps being surprised, or perhaps something else altogether, Hoover told the coaches he wanted to sleep on it.

Says Hoover: “I remember saying to my parents, ‘I better go ahead and just tell ‘em I’m coming. I really like it. I don’t want them to take somebody else. So about 10 minutes down the road, I called Coach Dykes and said, ‘Hey, I’m coming.’”

Ewers was scheduled to come in the very next day. Ewers wound up at Texas.

Oddly, the careers of the two are today trending in opposite directions. As Ewers seeks to find himself in professional football, Hoover is on the rise with NFL scouts and talent evaluators.

Hoover is living his dream of playing at TCU, and he’s making the very best of his opportunity.

After starting six games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, Hoover, a team captain, set TCU’s season passing record with 3,949 yards last season,

eclipsing Trevone Boykin’s mark of 3,901 in 2014.

Entering this season, former Alabama coach Nick Saban called him the “most under-the-radar quarterback in the country.”

Hoover has been off the radar as QBs like Arch Manning at Texas and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier have generated much of the buzz, but this season got off to a rollicking start with the figurative beheading of Bill Belichick’s North Carolina. Hoover’s performance on Labor Day night was a national eye-opener, passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-14 shellacking of the Tar Heels in front of a national audience on ESPN.

He has darted up the Davey O’Brien Watch List and been mentioned as a Heisman dark horse.

“I try not to pay too much attention to that,” he says. “My focus is just being the best I can be for TCU on the field, off the field, and just doing my job, and whatever comes of that — great.”

Hoover is an outdoorsman who enjoys a round of golf and is even in the cattle business with an old classmate from Heath.

Faith is also a defining part. How else to explain turning down the treasure of millions of dollars to transfer to Tennessee during the off-season? He probably best explained the reason in a first-person article for TCU.

“Every morning when I walk into the facility, it’s still dark outside. I like to stop and look at the field and think about how blessed I am to be here. The goodness of God just blows me away.”

BY THE WAY....

Josh Hoover’s Favorite QBs

The TCU QB’s most-admired list growing up, “in no particular order.”

1. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions/LA Rams

2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts/Denver Broncos

3. Drew Brees, San Diego Chargers/New Orleans Saints

4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Honorable mention: Aaron Rodgers, Packers/Jets/Steelers

1. Hoover is on the Davey O’Brien Watch List. 2. A good day hunting with buddies, including Cade Sharp, a good friend and now a partner in the cattle business.

3. Before he left Rockwall Heath for TCU, Hoover helped his old high school win a UIL Class 6A state baseball championship. 4. Running onto the field on gameday at home will never get old. 5. Here’s a catch worthy of showing to the masses. 6. Josh Hoover is a spokesman for Raising Cane’s. 7. With former TCU teammate Jack Bech, now a member of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

“Always

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by John Henry

Marked for Change

Marc Veasey once again is at the center of Texas redistricting warfare.

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth) paused, spoon in hand, over his bowl of chicken tortilla soup at lunch recently to make a counterpoint to one I just made.

Yes, he says, both parties gerrymander.

“But both parties don’t redistrict mid-decade,” he asserts.

“Only Republicans have done that.”

Touché, Congressman.

Veasey knows a thing or two about redistricting, an issue that catapulted his political career in a rise that landed him in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Now, two decades later, on the flip side, redistricting might change the direction of his political career or, quite possibly, end it.

The future is very much up in the air after Texas’ Republican-led Legislature redrew congressional districts in the middle of the decade, a practice rarely undertaken, though Texas has done it twice in the last 25 years. The stated objective, at the behest of the president, was to deliver to Washington five more Republican seats from Texas in the U.S. House, all designed to protect a narrow GOP majority in 2026.

Veasey’s seat in District 33 was one of those targeted.

It’s a long, ongoing story. As originally drawn in 2011, Veasey’s district ran from Dallas to the east, snaking across parts of Arlington, south into Forest Hill, and back north to include parts of Fort Worth to near Saginaw.

The new District 33 is mostly only in Dallas County. If it stays that way, Veasey says he’ll likely not run in 2026, certainly not in District 33. The constitutionality of the map is being challenged in court. Veasey believes the new District 33 and the new maps in general dilute minority voices in violation of the Voting Rights Act.

“It’s too early to tell right now,” Veasey says. “It’s an all-Dallas district [as redrawn]. I’m not planning on moving [to Dallas]. You don’t have to live in the district, but it would be probably odd if I were to commute from Tarrant County into a congressional district in Dallas. There are several members that don’t live in their districts, but that would be a little unusual, if I did that.”

Under the U.S. Constitution, the sole residency requirement for representatives is that they live in the state.

“So, I’m waiting to see if the map ends up staying. We’ll see which district I may be interested in or how I may make other contributions, but it’s just too early to say right now.”

Twelve years since first elected to the House, Veasey now stands as Tarrant County’s longest-serving member after the retirement of Republican Kay Granger. Over that time, he has championed affordable housing initiatives such as Hughes House and The Opal, helped secure funding for major transportation improvements, been a strong and consistent advocate for the F-35 fighter jet program, and partnered with Republican Granger on the $1.2 billion Panther Island project, a flood control and economic development effort.

Granger made a note of Veasey’s vital work with the Biden administration to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers included $403 million for the central city flood control project and development.

He has also played a pivotal role in securing federal grants for the essential work of other local nonprofits, such as, for example, Taste Community, where we dined on this day.

Political tribalism has slowly but surely eroded and pushed aside the local issues that once united people in Fort Worth. Veasey recalls a conservative acquaintance on Facebook rooting for his defeat in Congress, despite the work done locally.

“That’s really sad,” Veasey says. “When I was growing up, people appreciated the fact that Jim Wright and Martin Frost

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were for jobs at Lockheed, or that Joe Barton was for jobs at Lockheed, no matter the party. Employers like General Motors and Miller Brewery didn’t care whether you were Democrat or Republican as long as you were for this community.

“So much of people’s identity is tied to politics now, and local issues just don’t seem to matter as much. That really bothers me.”

And it’s not only the so-called conservatives. Veasey says he received significant pushback from Democrats during the pandemic when he supported federal aid for airlines. Critics told him to vote against “handouts,” even though American Airlines and Southwest employ tens of thousands in North Texas.

“You want me to vote no on legislation that would help friends and neighbors who fuel our local economy?” he says of what he told them.

It’s an out-of-whack disconnect that clearly demonstrates how national politics has overtaken practical — and oftentimes local — concerns. Even when jobs and livelihoods are at stake, some constituents would rather see their “side” win than support bipartisan solutions.

“It’s gotten that bad,” he said. “Politics has become so nationalized that people will root for our own economic demise, even when it impacts them personally. That’s really unfortunate.”

That’s not to say Veasey hasn’t played his own role in all of this. As the party’s highest elected official in Tarrant County, he is the de facto leader of local Democrats. And he plays the part as a decided underdog with virtually no Tarrant County Democratic Party apparatus to do any of the partisan lifting. On this thought, he recalls a story former Speaker of the House Jim Wright told him.

Wright once told his daughter to go find a job, but with one condition — she couldn’t use his name. After all, who wouldn’t suspect favoritism if the House majority leader’s daughter suddenly landed a position? To his surprise, she returned within the week, announcing she had done exactly that — without his help — by securing a spot in the office of Minority Leader Gerald Ford.

Wright admitted he was embarrassed, even a little irritated, and quickly called Ford to apologize, making it clear there had been no hidden, underhanded agenda in his daughter’s application. As Veasey remembers Wright telling it, Ford brushed off the concern. “Jim, we’re friends,” Ford said. “If your daughter wants to work here, she can. I don’t have an issue with that.”

Wright insisted his daughter not take the job, but, Veasey says, “That conversation would never happen today.”

Since we spoke at lunch that day, Tarrant County Democrats have suggested a new role for him if he decides not to run: a 2026 campaign for Tarrant County judge against incumbent Tim O’Hare, the conservative firebrand seeking a second term. It’s a proposition Veasey has said he would consider.

So here we are. Politics is not for those weak in spirit, but it’s a place Veasey, a 1990 Arlington Heights graduate, has

long had an interest. Sometimes, there’s even governing and policymaking involved.

“It’s just part of it,” he says. “I don’t even really think about it.”

He was probably in junior high school, he says, when an uncle spurred an interest in the career path. His uncle, who like Veasey grew up in the Como neighborhood, was a television reporter in Abilene. He went on to work for the Democratic majority leader, Jim Wright.

“I was watching the news; I was a news junkie,” Veasey says. “And I was watching this clip of a White House briefing, I think, or a State Department briefing. I remember asking, ‘How did the person answering the questions get that job?’

And he said, ‘Well, that’s the press secretary.’ That was fascinating to me. From that point on, I knew I wanted to do something in politics.”

His mother, despite struggling financially, he says, fed his interest by buying him a subscription to the US News and World Report. That was life-changing, he says. He was now an authority for his school peers in the realm of current events.

“It was a way for me to be able to engage in something that I was really good in and had a lot of confidence in,” he says.

It looked as if Veasey might go the route of the press secretary. He earned a degree in mass communication at Texas Wesleyan, where today he serves on the board of trustees, a body whose chairman is, coincidentally enough, Glenn Lewis.

He went to work as a part-time sports reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram before eventually landing a job as a field representative in the office of U.S. Rep. Martin Frost, a Democratic and Fort Worth native.

Veasey has not shied away from the bloody trenches of partisan combat. It was redistricting that sent him on his way to elective office.

During a 2003 redistricting fight, the first to occur mid-decade, it was Frost, then the dean of Democrats in Tarrant County, whose seat that Republicans had as a bull’s-eye. And they eventually got it.

However, Democrats didn’t believe state Rep. Glenn Lewis, a Fort Worth Democrat, did enough to stop the Republican-led redistricting. Some even accused him of cooperating. For example, when Democrats left the state to deprive the Legislature of a quorum, Lewis stayed in Austin. He didn’t go to the capitol, but he also didn’t leave.

Lewis, who had built a reputation on pragmatism and cooperation, often touting his ability to work across party lines, was too cozy, Democratic critics said, with House Speaker Tom Craddick.

Veasey resigned his post with Frost to mount a primary challenge to Lewis. Many believe he did so at the urging, if not the direction, of Frost.

Veasey’s bid to unseat Lewis was successful.

A new political career was underway.

“Redistricting has shaped my career probably more than any other single issue that I can think of,” he says, knowing full well it’s about to happen again.

–Allison I.

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by Shilo Urban

Grapevine, Texas

Population: 50,928

Is Grapevine a small town? It certainly feels like one with its charming, walkable Main Street lined with local shops and restaurants housed in beautiful vintage buildings. With authentic early 1900s architecture and well-done replicas, the entire neighborhood is designated as a National Register Historic District. But back in 1843, Grapevine was little more than a tangle of wild

mustang grapes when Sam Houston gathered here with leaders of 10 Indigenous tribes (and Texas was its own country). They signed a peace treaty that cleared the path for Anglo-American homesteaders, and the town of Grapevine was settled the following October. Five years later, Camp Worth was built just to the west on the banks of the Trinity River.

It’s easy to see why quaint Grapevine is called the “Christmas Capital of Texas” with its family-friendly merriment and nostalgia-fueled festivities. But for those of us with a taste for the offbeat, quirky, and mysterious — October brings a bevy of brouhahas and curious goings-on to the brick sidewalks of the city. Wine tours run year-round in Grapevine, but this month Grapevine Food Tours is offering Oktoberfest Beer & Bites, a guided stroll with craft beers, barbecue, and fudge. Other tour combos include margaritas-wine-chocolate, French food-Italian food-pie, and bourbon-barbecue-shooting range (not in that order). If you prefer your supper with a side of hokey horror, Texas Star Dinner Theater hosts Wild West murder mystery shows every weekend.

Autumn’s crunchy leaves and cool breezes create a storybook setting at Nash Farm, an 1859 farmstead just a few blocks off Main Street. October brings homespun shenanigans and old-fashioned fun: an outdoor pasture supper under the full moon, a 1950s-themed barn dance with a fried-chicken dinner and pie auction, and a fall festival featuring farm animals, chuckwagon demos, and cake walk. You can also take a lace-making workshop and learn how sheep wool becomes a shawl — and chitchat with costumed characters about

“Coming Home,” by artist Michael Pavlovsky, depicts a soldier’s return. It has sat in front of Grapevine’s train depot since Memorial Day 2000.

– Jacki D.

their pseudo-pioneer lives.

Fast-forward to the railroad boomtimes of 1896 when Grapevine’s beloved steam engine “Puffy” first hit the tracks. It’s now the oldest continuously operating steam locomotive in the South, found on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Puffy and other old-school engines pull genuine 1920s and 1930s railcars on themed excursions, including Trick ‘R Treat Trains for the kids and the 21-plus Oktoberfest Craft Brew Train and Witches Brew Train for adults rolling out with their friends.

Keep the night going on a ghost tour from Grape Vine Springs Winery, which will no doubt take you by the Calaboose, a creepy, one-room jailhouse from 1914. You get a glass of wine with your tour, but if you need additional liquid courage, Messina Hof Winery is just a block away in the historic Wallis Hotel. They have 40 wines to sample, plus chocolate pairings and cheese boards with winery-made jams and mustards.

And you could keep going. Grapevine’s Main Street neighborhood has more than 70 locally owned tasting rooms, art galleries, eateries, and boutiques — not a bad outcome for a brushy tangle of wild grapes.

Explore Grapevine

Savor: Wander through Harvest Hall, and you might think you’re in a grand European train station with the elegant, tiled floors and soaring ceilings with exposed iron trusses. But when you see the menus, you’ll know you’re in America: barbecue brisket eggrolls, frozen margaritas with inverted bottles of Corona, fully loaded lobster cheese fries with bacon and aioli. With eight eateries (and two bars), the food hall has plenty of options, from arepas to gyros to Nashville-style chicken. For something more sit-down, head next door to Mac’s on Main for primo prime rib and seafood or to Bacchus Kitchen for a wow-worthy wine list and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Shop: Spend an afternoon browsing Main Street’s boutiques for gift-ready goodies, artsy trinkets, and winelover decor. Multi-vendor Market on Main is a terrific place to start, but don’t overlook niche spots like British Emporium (gourmet teas and treats from across the pond) and Karma Handicrafts (far-flung treasures from Thailand and India). Peruse holiday adornments at Good Things for All Seasons and pick up your next juicy read at woman-owned Talking Animal Books. Open-air artisan markets pop up on various Saturdays, and the indoor Farmers Market of Grapevine sells Texas-made eats year-round.

Enjoy: Grapevine’s quirky attractions go far beyond Main Street — they even stretch into other dimensions at Meow Wolf, a rainbow-colored, rabbit hole puzzle playground with refrigerator portals into cosmic jungles … yeah, it’s kind of hard to describe. Nearby you’ll find Cowboys Golf Club, the world’s only NFL-themed golf course, and at Parr Park there’s a rock art trail with thousands of painted stones. You can also sign up for unique classes like charcuterie board workshops at YaYaYum Boards, paperweight-making at Vetro Glassblowing Studio, and wine blending at Grape Vine Springs Winery.

Snooze: Located right beside the rail station, boutique Hotel Vin is ideal for exploring the historic district on foot. This Autograph Collection hotel is inspired by the fruit of the

vine and has an exceptional wine program, with meet-the-sommelier events and a members-only “hidden” wine cave. Sip a sidecar cocktail at swanky Magnum speakeasy or feast your way through Harvest Hall and Bacchus Kitchen + Bar. Expansions coming to Hotel Vin in 2026 include a spa and outdoor pool. If you’re on a family adventure in Grapevine, the waterpark resort Great Wolf Lodge completed a $42 million renovation this year with new restaurants, arcade games, virtual reality experiences, laser tag, and a mini bowling alley.

How to Get There:

Where else can you take a train so easily from Fort Worth? Skip the traffic and board the TEXRail train from either Fort Worth T&P Station or Central Station (parking is free for 20 hours). TEXRail runs to Grapevine’s Main Station, right at Harvest Hall and Hotel Vin. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes and costs $2; buy tickets on the GoPass app or at the station’s machines. To drive, hop on Highway 121 N from I-35 for about 21 miles (you’ll merge with I-820 and TX-183 in some parts). Exit to Grapevine Historical District and turn left onto Main Street. It’s about a 30-minute trip with no traffic.

Lake Grapevine

Nash Farm

Gaylord Texan Resort lobby

SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM SUNDANCE SQUARE

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Top: Movie Night at Taos Theater. Oscar Berninghaus, 1939, Oil on Canvas.

Left: Stagecoach Movie Poster. 1939, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Lithograph.

by Michael H. Price

The Scariest Man in the World

The kinship that led to a friendship, and Vincent Price’s penchant for Fort Worth

That scary guy is here again,” security guard Edna Turner informed me as I returned to the newspaper building from an assignment. “I sent him on along to your office. Said he knows the way.”

Vincent Price certainly did know the way: A frequent visitor to Fort Worth during the 1980s, what with his touring dramatic presentations

and his fondness for the city’s art museums, the actor and bon vivant routinely visited the Star-Telegram, sometimes with a new film to promote. Vincent and I had discovered a distant-cousins kinship during the 1970s.

Price (1911-1993) was a near-constant presence at the metropolitan

area’s home-and-garden shows, cookware trade exhibitions, and art-broker marketplaces. Apart from his horror-movie typecasting, he was known as a chef and cookbook author, a collector of fine paintings (and curator for Sears & Roebuck’s home-decor department), and a stage interpreter of Edgar Allan Poe and Oscar Wilde. Such appearances supplemented a late-in-life surge of screen-acting assignments (from the sublimity of Linsday Anderson’s “The Whales of August” to the embarrassment of Jeff Burr’s crass and exploitative “The Offspring”).

A distinguished career culminated in 1990 with a somber, fleeting appearance in Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands.”

Vincent Price: The name conjures images as varied as his roles (romantic, comical, heroic, tragic) before typecasting kicked in to distinguish him as the baddest of Hollywood’s boogeymen. Having followed his work since my schoolboy days, I finally met Price in 1974 when assigned an interview in connection with his popular stage show, “And the Villains Still Pursue Me.”

“Price, eh?” he asked.

“Yessir,” I said.

“Ever trace your family tree? Back to West Virginia, maybe?”

“Uh, yessir, Mr. Price.”

“Any particular ancestors?” he asked. “A planter and military man named Sterling Price, perhaps?”

The name registered, sure enough. Gen. Sterling Price had turned up in a genealogical search conducted by a great-great-aunt of mine.

“Why, yes, sir!” I answered.

“Well, then, shake hands, Cousin!” said Vincent Price with a grand theatrical gesture.

We never quite figured out the specific kinship, third- or fourth-cousins or whatever, but we developed a friendship that persisted. On one memorably spontaneous occasion, Vincent and I were touring the Amon Carter Museum when an angry-looking woman approached, point-blank.

“You’re him!” she shouted. “Don’t try to deny it!”

“Why, madame, I’m certain I haven’t the least idea of...,” Vincent replied.

“You’re that guy! That scary guy!”

“Oh, come, now, madame,” he said. “Do I look all that scary, now?”

She finally came to the point: “Don’t think I don’t know! You’re that scary-movie guy! Hold on — I’ll think of the name...”

“Well, if I can be of any assistance, now...,” Vincent said.

She wanted no coaching: “Well? Why don’t you just come right on out and admit that you’re Boris Karloff!”

“No, ma’am, I assure you, that gentleman has been gone from this mortal coil since 1969.”

“Well, then,” she said, “who the hell are you?”

Without waiting for an answer, the woman stalked away in a huff of indignation, leaving Vincent Price and me flabbergasted but hardly at a loss. He chuckled, then said: “Too bad. She left before I could tell her I was Christopher Lee.”

Vincent reserved the right to indignant moments of his own, for that matter, as a gray eminence of Hollywood’s horror-movie scene. He would become riled when reminded of various modern-day remakes of his classic pictures. Upon arriving at Texas Christian University in 1986 — a touring engagement for his “Villains” stage presentation — he was asked what he thought of David Cronenberg’s then-new version of “The Fly,” whose original filming had been a hit for Price (a rare good-guy role) in 1959.

“Haven’t seen it, don’t intend to do so,” Vincent replied. “Hmph! You’d think we hadn’t done it right the first time.” I recalled that edgy riposte as a memorial nod in 2007, when Francis Lawrence’s remake of a 1964 Price-starrer called “The Last Man on Earth” appeared as a vehicle for Will Smith under the title “I Am Legend.” Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel, I Am Legend, has been filmed three times,

now. A 1971 remake, “The Omega Man,” features Price’s friend Charlton Heston in the equivalent role.

That last TCU-campus visit in 1986 coincided with Price’s involvement in two motion pictures, both issued the following year, that would effectively cap his career: Price considered a compassionate role in “The Whales of August” to be his valedictory. He dismissed “The Offspring” (also shown as “From a Whisper to a Scream”) as a waste of his artistry: “The director showed me one script, which I approved, but then substituted a trashier script that I could only find offensive.”

Vincent also enjoyed his occasional casting as a red herring, a plot-device distraction who appears sneaky enough to divert suspicion from a hidden culprit. “You know what a red herring is, of course,” he said. “That’s a character who’s too fishy to be caught red-handed.” One of many such gems of wordplay from a fine actor who never took himself too seriously.

Typecast in villainy since 1953’s “House of Wax,” Vincent had settled by the 1960s into a productive cycle of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations (“House of Usher,” “Tales of Terror,”

and so forth) with director Roger Corman. These coincided with the heroic leading role in “The Last Man on Earth,” filmed in Italy. That story finds a lone citizen (Price) immune to a plague that has transformed humankind into bloodthirsty predators. Price delivers a nuanced portrait of a resourceful survivor, struggling as much with a chronicto-acute threat.

“That one, now — quite a change of pace,” as Price once recalled “The Last Man on Earth.” “I had made my mark as a Grand Manner actor — which is a polite way of saying ‘a ham’ — and a perpetual villain, on top of that. When occasionally I got to play the good guy, the role was usually not as emotionally demanding as I’d like. So, this ‘Last Man’ thing allowed me a sympathetic role that also called for some intensity.” And of course, Vincent Price did it right the first time. Ironic, too, that such remakes as he professed to despise should wind up calling belated attention to his original versions.

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by John Henry

Josh Hoover Keeps Eye on NFL, Another on Herd

Recent research led me to stumbling over an old newspaper story about TCU students and the jobs they took to make ends meet.

For example, during the fall semester of 1911, M. Jackson Farmer of Colorado, Texas, served as a baker, making all the bread consumed by every student in the dorms at TCU. It was good stuff, too, apparently.

“How did I break into the baking game?” he said to a reporter. “The most natural thing in the world. There are five of us boys and four of us are bakers — like our father. I am a kind of jack-of-all-trades, too, and in extra jobs outside and in the college, I have made more than $50 since the term began above my salary as a baker.”

Red Morton, a baseball pitcher, was a barber.

And then there was Milton Daniel, a football player. You know the name. Daniel is the namesake of Milton Daniel Hall and the DanielMeyer Athletics Complex. But before he graduated to banking and oil, he was moving pianos and furniture and picking up other odd jobs around campus “with the same energy he displays on the gridiron.”

All of this ties in with an interview I recently conducted with TCU quarterback Josh Hoover.

Much has changed over the course of 115 years or so.

With revenue sharing and endorsement deals, athletes in the revenue sports are no longer having to move furniture or “find” envelopes full of

cash under large pizzas to pay bills or have some spending money.

Hoover, in fact, is in the cattle business.

“We buy and sell cattle, and I do a lot of that on the side all year long,” says Hoover. “So, if you know anybody who needs some cows, give me a call.”

His partner is Cade Sharp, a former baseball player at Texas Tech University. The two grew up together in Rockwall. Their base of operations is San Angelo.

“We’re selling — we do a lot of different stuff, kind of whatever’s hot at the time,” Hoover says. “Recently, we had some lightweight calves that we grew and then sold. And now we’ve got some heifers that we’re putting bulls on, and we’re going to sell them as bred heifers. Instead of waiting the full time for the calves to be born, we sell them as bred. We get them checked by the vet and then sell them as pregnant.”

Hoover said the partnership just sold a “bunch of cows.” He also has a horse stabled in Fort Worth. He sold another recently.

Hoover traces his interest in ranching back to his family roots. His mother’s side of the family hails from West Texas, where ranch life is part of the landscape, and many of them are still in the business. His own parents, however, never took part in it, even though his paternal grandfather had always run cattle. For Hoover, that skipped generation didn’t lessen the pull. Ranching

was simply something that appealed to him on its own terms, and over the last couple of years, he’s thrown himself into it more seriously, carving out his own place in the Texas tradition.

Hoover is also dabbling in another business with loads of history in Texas: energy. With a degree already in hand, Hoover is doing graduate work in the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute.

I joked that if he can get into a plane and do some aviation, he’ll have hit every major industry in Fort Worth.

“I’ve actually flown a plane,” he says, recalling a family friend letting him slip into the pilot’s seat of a small jet or classic light aircraft or something. “It was terrible.”

Hoover is trending up in the estimation of NFL scouts. If he can put together another good season in 2025, his draft stock will continue to rise to the point that he might have to make a decision on whether to forgo a final season in 2026.

The NFL is his immediate goal. And he’ll get a shot at it.

But whenever his playing days are behind him, Hoover says cattle is a long-term interest for the future.

Professional football is the “No. 1 goal,” he says, “but ranching is something I can do to keep busy in the off-season. And it’s a cool little side deal. And then I’m sure someday I’ll want to do it full time.”

There’s little doubt Hoover has a lot of Milton Daniel’s entrepreneurial streak.

left to right:

BEST OF FORT WORTH

A lot’s changed since we last requested our readers vote on their Cowtown faves — the city’s gotten bigger (climbing to 11th in the US of A), eggs pricier, AI smarter, and Morgan Wallen chippier But through all the turbulence, one truth has remained steady: Fort Worth is the best. And as we attest over the following pages — lots of them — this greatness comes from a combination of our devotion to tried-and-true pillars and an openness to those pushing the envelope. From the Stock Show and Rodeo and a 70-year-old Italian mainstay to a new tennisthemed coffee shop and a bookstore with “lo-fi” open mics, the city, as always, proves one can be conventional and contemporary at the same time. Yep, Fort Worth likes to have its brisket and eat it, too.

Words by Malcolm Mayhew, John Henry, and Brian Kendall

Photos by Olaf Growald, Thanin Viriyaki, Asia Eidson, and Richard W. Rodriguez

Blackland Distillery BEST DISTILLERY

(Editor Pick)

Opened in 2019 by lawyer, chef, and sommelier Markus Kypreos, Blackland Distillery is probably the most hightech addition to Fort Worth’s distilling scene. Located in the Foundry District, the distillery uses state-of-the-art tech to produce its six signature spirits: gin, vodka, rye whiskey, bourbon, Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and the gotta-try Texas Pecan Brown Sugar Bourbon. Kypreos says

Blackland’s high-end equipment eliminates the chance of human error, resulting in a cleaner finish with less burn. “A lot of people distill by touch, smell, instinct,” Kypreos told us in 2021. “What we do is take away any chance of human error. The end result is very clean spirits, without a lot of burn on the end.” Blackland also features an upscale cocktail lounge that serves craft cocktails infused with Blackland spirits. blacklanddistillery.com

FOOD & DRINK

Match Point Coffee

BEST COFFEE SHOP (Reader Pick)

Match Point Coffee is new to Fort Worth’s coffee scene but touts a theme that helps it stand out: tennis. This unique passion project comes from owner Scott Keenan, a former collegiate tennis player and media executive, who, with his neighbor and pal Dana Tomechko and his Australian friend Kristian Willems, opened Match Point last year in a former dental office on West Seventh Street. You’d never know of the space’s former life as it’s been transformed with warm woods,

exposed brick, and, of course, a lot of tennis memorabilia. Bet the place was jumping during the U.S. Open last month. Match Point serves Houston’s Geva Coffee in a wide variety of traditional and specialty drinks, from straightforward cups of joe to lavish lattes like the recent Grand Slam, topped with a peanut butter cup. A cornerstone of their mission to be a community hub, the owners donate one day’s profits of their monthly proceeds to a rotating local nonprofit — talk about an ace. matchpointcoffee.com

Habibi Barbecue

BEST FOOD TRUCK (Reader Pick)

Fort Worth’s barbecue game is strong … yeah, yeah, yeah, we know, we know. But don’t sleep on Arlington barbecue — specifically, this bright red food trailer parked every Friday and Saturday at the Ghost Food Park. Young pitmaster Marc Fadel, still a student at nearby UTA, is churning out barbecue that looks and tastes like it was smoked by an old pro — brisket is lined with streaks of crust and fat, like we like it; ribs are meaty and thick; and pork belly burnt ends melt away at the touch of your tongue. What sets his food apart from others are personal touches that pay tribute to his Lebanese heritage. Instead of the usual sides, he serves batata harra, crispy fried potatoes tossed with red pepper flakes and other seasonings, and hashweh, rice loaded with ground meat and nuts. He also swaps out ho-hum white bread for pita — the perfect vessel to enjoy this up-andcomer’s unique style of ‘cue. habibibarbecue.com

Bodega South Main

BEST SANDWICH SHOP (Reader Pick) AND BEST GROCERY STORE (Editor Pick)

This gem on South Main might be unassuming with its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it location, but that’s precisely the point. The grocery store that doubles as a sandwich shop — or vice versa — is a true bodega that brings to mind the popularity of such places in urban areas less reliant on giant box stores and supermarkets. And while there may be thousands of these shops in New York City, in Fort Worth, Bodega South Main is one of a kind. It’s a quaint, neighborhood spot where one can grab their culinary necessities and pick up a hot meal while they’re at it. And it’s on the hot-meal front where the bodega truly shines. At the far end of the shop is a panini press where owner Tasha Monticure heats up some of the best grub between two slices of bread you’ll ever have. While the no-frills menu includes tried-andtrue sammie recipes like Cubans and Reubens, we suspect there’s some magic in that panini press that distinguishes their sandwiches from the rest.

bodegasouthmain.com

Match Point Coffee co-owner Scott Keenan

Bocca Osteria Romana

BEST ITALIAN (Editor Pick) AND BEST PASTA (Reader Pick)

There’s another category elsewhere in this list called “Restaurant That Came Out of Nowhere.” This tiny Italian joint could certainly qualify for that trophy, too, since brothers Alessandro and Alfonso Salvatore totally took everyone off guard with this South Main spot, their first restaurant in the U.S. Readers zeroed in on the pasta but pasta isn’t the only thing they do well. They do focaccia bread well, making it by hand and serving it straight out of the oven. They do chicken saltimbocca well, topping thinly sliced, pan-fried chicken with sage and prosciutto, and drowning all of the above in a buttery white wine sauce. They do salads well, mixing and matching seasonal fruits and veggies like they’re making a mixtape of flavors. They do vibe well — lively, neighborly, like the little places in Italy that inspire it. They do service and desserts and wine well. No wonder it’s always packed. In a city jammed with Italian spots, Bocca is so different from anything else here, it almost doesn’t fit in. And what a great thing that is. instagram.com/boccafortworth

Whiskey Cake

BEST BRUNCH (Editor Pick)

Few restaurants savor the art of indulgence like this Dallasbred concept, which recently opened a location in north Fort Worth near H-E-B’s Alliance Town Center store. A good time to quench your appetite for unapologetically over-the-top riffs on American classics is at brunch, when Whiskey Cake offers several tasty caloric splurges. Among them is a new menu item: shrimp and grits. But not just any ol’ grits will do here. Whiskey Cake’s are of the Gouda cheese variety, and they’re dotted in specks of green chiles for a creamy/spicy one-two punch. Another new brunch dish is a unique take on steak and eggs, comprised of an expertly grilled

Hot Dogs El Buda

flatiron steak, sliced like frites, and topped with a sunny-side up egg. Don’t let the name fool you: There’s more to the dish than steak and eggs. Under the meat lies a bed of fried and cubed potatoes doused in chili-infused butter, along with a handful of shishito peppers because, why the heck not? All come together under a drizzle of addictive avocado hollandaise. No meal here is complete without the restaurant’s namesake dish — a ridiculously good sticky toffee cake topped with bourbon anglaise, spiced pecans, and a housemade vanilla whipped cream. Remember, this is just brunch. Wait till you see the dinner menu.

whiskeycake.com

BEST STREET FOOD (Reader Pick)

For nearly two years, husband-wife team Jesus Luis and Ana Jimenez have been setting up on a street corner on East Seminary every Friday night and selling the city’s best hot dogs. Social media noticed before we did — their IG followers are at nearly 24K; man oh man, where have we been? We absolutely love Luis and Jimenez’s cool twist on this American staple. Cooked on a flattop grill, set up in the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant owned by Luis’ parents, these all-beef dogs are wrapped in bacon, then topped with your choice of grilled onions, pico de gallo, melted cheddar cheese, and Hot Cheetos dust. Yes, yes, yes, and yes — you want all of it. Top it off with mayo and mustard, too. Of course, you can get your dog plain and simple, and you’d still get a killer dog because Luis and his crew are so adept at their grill skills. Read more about Hot Dogs El Buda elsewhere in this issue. instagram.com/hotdogselbuda

Brunch spread at Whiskey Cake.

Jesus Luis working the grill at Hot Dogs El Buda.

61 Osteria

BEST PASTA (Editor Pick)

There was a time when housemade pasta was somewhat of a rarity in Fort Worth. Red sauce joints using boxed pastas ruled the city — that was Italian food in Fort Worth. Things, thankfully, changed, and now housemade pastas are the norm here. Helping usher in that change was Grace, so it makes perfect sense that this stylish Grace spinoff does pasta so well. It’s one of 61’s specialties, made by hand, often painstakingly, and always to incredible effect. See the tagliatelle bolognese made with braised brisket, veal and pork-based tomato sauce; or the wild boar pappardelle; or, our favorite, the serpente, a ricotta-stuffed pasta so named because the pasta resembles a curled-up snake. 61osteria.com

Paloma Suerte

BEST QUESO  (Reader Pick)

There is queso and then there is Tim Love queso, which, of course, is not going to be your average, everyday, Tex-Mex cheese sauce plopped into a little white bowl. Nope, far from it. In Love’s hands, at his upbeat, upscale Stockyards Mex joint, melted white cheese comes

two ways: topped with brisket, avocado, tomatoes, lime, and peppers (that’s the house queso) or your server can trick out your queso, tableside, with various ingredients of your choice, from grilled shrimp to avocado to minced onions to, no kidding, birria duck meat. Boy, only at a Tim Love restaurant.  palomasuerteftx. com

Margie’s Italian Gardens

BEST SERVICE (Editor Pick)

Westland Hospitality’s resurrection of this decades-old Italian spot in far west Fort Worth — technically, in the community of Westland — is nothing short of a culinary miracle. Torn down to the studs, then rebuilt to resemble how it looked when original owner Margie Walters opened it in 1953, the place is now one classy affair, an about-face of how it looked before Westland got ahold of it. The vibe, the design, the food — all A-plus. Same goes for the service, which mixes white-glove attentiveness with Fort Worth’s trademark warm and welcoming hospitality. Servers do a good job of making you feel at home, learning your name, remembering your fave dishes, but they’re also incredibly knowledgeable about Margie’s food and bevs, quick to make recommendations based on diets and preferences. Margie would be proud. margiesitaliangardens.com

EDITOR PICK

61 Osteria Pasta

Alma’s Frozen Treat

Batter and Beans Doughnut/ Kolache

Benito’s Restaurant Queso

Beren Mediterranean Empire

Kitchen Mediterranean

Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez Tacos/ Taqueria

Blackland Distillery Distillery

Bocca Osteria Romana Italian

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine Steakhouse

Cafe Americana Dessert

Calisience Pop-up

Cherry Coffee Coffee Shop

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pizza

Chumley House New Restaurant

Cowtown Brewing Co. Brewery

Dayne’s Barbecue

Dino’s Subs Sandwich Shop

Duchess – Beef Carpaccio on Hashbrowns Appetizer

Ellerbe Fine Foods

Wine List

Fort Redemption Restaurant That Came Out of the Blue

Guanajuato Bakery Bakery

Habibi BBQ Food Truck

Hoya Kitchen Asian

It’s Food Vegan/Vegetarian

JD’s Hamburgers Burger Joint

La Cabrona Atmosphere

La Escondida Taqueria Street Food

La Rueda Tex-Mex

Little Lilly Sushi

Los Paisanos Hole-in-the-Wall

Love Shack French Fries

Magdalena’s Catering

Margie’s Service

Mercado Juarez Margarita

Neighbor’s House Grab-n-Go

New York Eats Late Night Eats

Nonna Tata BYOB

Paris 7th French

Pho 95 Vietnamese/Pho

Pulido’s Salsa

Quince Patio Dining

Righteous Foods Healthy Bite

Sidesaddle Saloon Tapas/ Shareable Plates

Star Cafe Chicken-Fried Steak

Sunny’s Cafe Comfort Food

The Fitzgerald Restaurant We Wish Would Come Back

The Holly Wine and Beer Curator

Tres Betos Breakfast

Walloon’s Seafood

Whiskey Cake Brunch

Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen

BEST BAKERY (Reader Pick)

Former 911 dispatcher Eduardo Arreola runs one of the most well-known bakeries in the area, a tiny spot in River Oaks that became a viral sensation over the summer for its super-cute (and super-tasty) mini cheesecakes. That’s one of Arreola’s signature dishes. Made fresh every day, the cheesecakes come in a half-dozen flavors, including banana pudding, salted caramel, and Dubai chocolate. The flavor TikTok fell in love with: pumpkin spice. Word of it spread like wildfire, causing people to swarm Arreola’s tiny shop. As a result of the online high-five, he’ll often sell out, so go early (he opens at noon). Don’t expect the usual bakery doughnuts and croissants, though. Rather, Arreola is a master at making us all feel like kids, as he specializes in sweet tooth-forward items such as mini cheesecakes, brownies, and sinfully rich cookies. eduardospastrykitchen.com

Eduardo Arreola

Star Cafe

READER PICK

97 West Atmosphere

Ático Patio Dining

Ático Tapas/Shareable Plates

Belenty’s Love Vegan/Vegetarian

Bocca Osteria Romana Pasta

Bodega South Main Sandwich Shop

Boulevard of Greens Healthy Bite

BEST CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK (Editor Pick)

If you have yet to try the chicken-fried steak at this nearly 100-year-old cafe in the Fort Worth Stockyards, you’re missing out on one of the very best renditions of it you’ll find — a bold claim, we know, in a city where CFS is as common a sight as burgers or barbecue. For his CFS, Star Cafe’s talented executive chef Victor. Villarreal uses a six-ounce Texas Black Angus sirloin, soaked in buttermilk, dredged in King Arthur flour, and peppered with his own “Star Dust” seasoning. Blanketed in peppered gravy, as any and all chicken-fried steaks should be, it’s served with freshly made rolls and your choice of sides, one of which should definitely be the mashed potatoes because, if you are eating CFS in Fort Worth, you will be eating it with mashed potatoes. And those are damn good here, too. facebook.com/starcafefortworthtx

Tres Betos

BEST BREAKFAST (Editor Pick)

Two years ago, Beto Ramos upgraded his long-running taqueria, moving it into bigger digs at 2306 NE 28th St., just a few steps west of his original spot. The update did a wonder for business: The place is usually nonstop busy, with much of that business coming from the breakfast crowd. People swarm the place for inexpensive — and gut-bustingly filling — dishes such as pork chops and eggs, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and huge breakfast burritos stuffed with eggs and your choice of filling: pastor, steak, carnitas, or tripe. Wash it all down with a freshly made agua fresca. instagram.com/tresbetos_taqueria

The Holly BEST WINE AND BEER CURATOR (Editor Pick)

Brewed Brunch

Café Bella BYOB

Campfire Grill Restaurant We Wish Would Come Back

Del Frisco’s Grille – Cheesesteak

Egg Rolls Appetizer

Dusty Biscuit Beignet

Doughnut/Kolache

Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen Bakery

Feedstore BBQ French Fries

Fort Redemption New Restaurant

Fred’s Texas Cafe Chicken-Fried Steak

Hatsuyuki Sushi

Heim BBQ Barbecue

Hopfusion Brewery

Hot Dogs El Buda Street Food

Italianni’s Italian

J&B’s Catfish Crawfish & Shrimp Comfort Food

Jesús Restaurant Tex-Mex

Joe T. Garcia’s Margarita

Karino’s Piri Piri Restaurant

That Came Out of the Blue

Katrina’s MicheAguas Pop-up

La’Creamian Frozen Treat

Le Margot French

Mama Lama Dessert

Mariscos el Cachanilla Seafood

Matchpoint Coffee Coffee Shop

Nish! Mediterranean

Ol’ South Pancake House Late Night Eats

Paloma Suerte Queso

Pancho’s Pinche Pizza Pizza

Pantry on Magnolia Hole-in-the-Wall

Pho One Vietnamese/Pho

Roy Pope Grocery Grab-n-Go

Southside Cellar Wine and Beer Curator

Stone House Restaurant Service

Sweet Sugar High Craft Burgers

Burger Joint and Food Truck

Tacos Los 98 Tacos/Taqueria

Teddy Wong’s Asian

TX Whiskey Ranch Distillery

Viva Gastronomy Catering

West Side Cafe Breakfast

Wicked Butcher Steakhouse

Wild Salsa Salsa

Winslow’s Wine List

I had never had orange wine before I stumbled upon The Holly for the first time circa 2021. I don’t suspect the wine was made from actual oranges — it was no Aperol — but my tastebuds forced me to purchase two bottles, which I devoured within the month. Of course, when I returned sometime later, the wine was no longer available, and in its stead a was new array of fascinating labels from around the globe.

And such is the nature of The Holly, a wine bar and shop with a rotating selection perfect for the connoisseur or those with adventurous palates. Specializing in organic wines, The Holly’s charming space, located one block west of South Main on Daggett Avenue, serves up curated flights and wine by the glass paired with cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and locally made bread. It’s an ideal spot for a date night, gathering with friends, or impressing your pal from Napa. thehollyftw.com

Star Cafe executive chef Victor Villarreal

Elizabeth Mears

Alma’s Paleteria

BEST FROZEN TREAT (Editor Pick)

You may not think of paletas as craft cuisine, but for Jose Ponce and his family, their long-running paleteria on the city’s East Side offers exactly that — just in the form of what many of us know as popsicles (paletas, however, are made with natural ingredients).

After being in business for 16 years, the family still handpicks every piece of fruit, ensuring each paleta or scoop of ice cream dazzles with freshness. Their secret lies in their small, bustling shop. Though they’ve outgrown the space, it forces them to produce everything fresh daily — no advance batches, no stale stock. They handmake and seal each paleta and churn their own ice cream, and even create fresh fruit reductions for their snow cones — no small chore. But this meticulous, hands-on approach is exactly what neighbors and foodies, young and old, love about the place. The popular Mi Tierra meat markets have taken note, too, and started carrying Alma’s paletas — a major victory for a small family-run business.

facebook.com/ almasFW

Batter & Beans

BEST DOUGHNUTS/KOLACHE (Editor Pick)

Located around the corner from Café Bella, in the old Donut Palace space, Batter & Beans specializes in miniature, made-to-order cake doughnuts, a cool alternative to many of the city’s run-of-the-mill doughnut shops. Owners Matt Whip and Jacob Soltysiak, brothersin-law from Chicago, create their doughnuts from a unique sour cream and cake batter blend, offering flavors like maple bacon, strawberry Pop-Tart, and “TCU Spirit,” which is loaded with so many purple sprinkles, you can barely see the doughnut (this is a good thing; we like sprinkles, bring on the sprinkles). To complement their pastries, they also serve premium, small-batch coffee from Dillanos Coffee, an award-winning roaster in Washington state, along with fresh lemonade and ice cream.

batter-and-beans.com

Paris 7th

BEST FRENCH DINING (Editor Pick)

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of West Seventh Street, Paris 7th is a culinary gem that transports diners straight to the heart of France. While Fort Worth is home to other acclaimed French restaurants — including, just up the street, the excellent Saint-Emillion — this intimate and elegant spot, owned by front-of-the-house maestro Chris Salvador and executive chef Mark Hitri, stands out for

its masterful blend of classic French cuisine and a refined yet vibrant atmosphere. The menu features exquisitely done dishes like French onion soup, wearing a crown of melted gruyère; seared duck; steak frites; and dover sole, all executed with impeccable technique and presented with artistic flair. With its attentive service and impressive wine list, Paris 7th offers an enchanting escape from Fort Worth’s culinary norms for a truly special dining experience.

Paris7th.com

Jose Ponce

Pancho’s Pinche Pizza

BEST PIZZA (Reader Pick)

What started out two years ago as a way for Fort Worth dad Francisco Godina Jr. to teach his son Francisco III the values of hard work and passion has turned into so much more. Triple-P is now one of the city’s hottest pop-ups. Dad and son are crushing it on the pop-up circuit, often selling out of their freshly made, Tex-Mex-inspired pies in just a few hours. Father and son often work side by side, tossing dough in the air, piling it on with pepperonis, ground beef, jalapenos, and other toppings and taking turns waiting on customers — two acting as one. Their pizza crust is the perfect combo of crunchy and soft — all the more impressive considering they’re using mobile ovens. With pizza all the rage in Fort Worth, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they took Triple-P a step further and opened a brick-and-mortar. Fingers crossed. instagram.com/pizzachingon

Coconut Cake at Café Americana

BEST DESSERT(Editor Pick)

So many restaurants put their best culinary feet forward on drinks, appetizers, and entrees that they often forget about the encore: dessert. That’s most definitely not the case at this Arlington-based, Spanish-inspired restaurant, opened in ‘24 near downtown A-town. Here, owner/executive chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht makes his own desserts in-house, offering servings that can feed two to three people, depending on how many paellas and empanadas you scarfed down. The house specialty is coconut cake, a ginormous slice that never fails to elicit OMGs and requests for to-go boxes. Draped in a dark rum pineapple sauce and topped with blow-torched, burnt meringue, it’s an over-thetop — and wholeheartedly delish — culinary wonder. cafeamericanatx.com

Hoya Korean Kitchen

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT (Editor Pick)

A staple of downtown’s restaurant scene for a decade, this family-run Korean restaurant recently jumped from one space to another, moving from a corner spot on Taylor to, just a block or so away, the bigger and better digs where Piranha Killer Sushi once called home. Naturally, the move to a larger space means there’s more elbow room in the kitchen for owner Sangwon “Bobby” Ham to work his culinary magic. The restaurant is already known for its bibimbap, a beloved Korean dish served in a hot stone bowl with rice, veggies, and proteins such as beef and pork. Other menu items that made the jump include mandu (Korean dumplings); Korean fried chicken; and, perfect for the downtown lunch crowd, combo boxes that include your choice of protein, rice, salad, dumplings, and kimchi. Among the new offerings is the traditional Korean dish banchan, a collection of small side dishes, such as kimchi, potatoes, and vegetables, served with cooked rice. The restaurant also upped its booze game with a full bar with beer, sake, Korean-inspired cocktails, and soju, a slightly sweet Korean liquor.

hoyasundancesquare.com

Dino’s Subs

BEST SANDWICH SHOP (Editor Pick)

When local foodies debate the best sandwich shops in the area, Dino’s Subs will always come up — if they know what they’re talking about, that is. Since opening in 1980, this tiny sandwich shop in Arlington — named after owner Lawrence Dino, who has since passed away — has attracted locals and foodies alike for creative handhelds stuffed with quality meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies. Diners sit in cramped booths and tables, and other diners try not to trip over them; did you get the part about it being small? Part of the Dino’s experience is knowing that you may get yelled at by one of the sandwich makers. Heed the one rule — order by sandwich number! — and you should be OK, and if you happen to wind up on the receiving end of a little curtness, well, you’ve just been Dino’d. It’ll be worth it. dinossubs.com

Francisco Godina Jr. and son Francisco III

Cafe Americana’s coconut cake

Joe T. Garcia’s

BEST MARGARITA (Reader Pick)

Fort Worth has been satisfying appetites family style and having fun at Joe T.’s for generations. The celebrities love this Tex-Mex standout — on the North Side for 90 years — as much as the natives. Particularly this native. How many times have I been there? I’m not sure … probably because of the margaritas. You can’t order as many pitchers as there are people at the table, I learned one time. So, singles all around it was.

Those things are as tasty as one of those big, round nacho chips with green chiles and

Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez

BEST TAQUERIA (Editor Pick)

as potent as the water in Hell’s Half Acre. And the readers know it.

Somebody once cooked up an urban legend about how they’re made with Everclear. That’s all mumbo jumbo. People whip up these legends because the margarita is legendary. The urban legend is a modern form of folklore. It’s a way to explain customs. And, make no mistake, Joe T.’s margaritas are a Fort Worth custom.

That Everclear legend is also a good way to explain that hangover. joetgarcias.com

Dayne’s Craft Barbecue

BEST BARBECUE (Editor Pick)

Our love, your love, for Dayne’s is no surprise. We’ve been writing about Dayne and Ashley Weaver for years, and you’ve been eating their brisket and smashburgers probably just as long. What may be a bit of a shocker: While there are a lot of great ‘cue joints in FW, we have all followed the Weavers out west to Aledo, where the young couple opened their brick-and-mortar last year after finding their culinary footing in Fort Worth via pop-ups and a cool trailer they parked at Lola’s. We can still remember walking up to that trailer, ordering and getting our food in a few minutes — no wait necessary! Now, after landing in the top 10 of Texas Monthly’s Top BBQ Joints list and opening a location in Taiwan (what the what?), there’s often a bit of a wait. With brisket this well smoked, imaginative sides, and of course those unforgettable smashburgers, no one dares to mind. Don’t forget about breakfast, too. They make killer kolaches.  daynescraftbarbecue.com

What started out as a modest food truck has turned into one of the city’s biggest culinary success stories. Not to mention, one of the best taquerias in the city. Chances are, there will be a wait at the Cortez family’s East Side restaurant. But there will be plenty to keep you occupied: festive music, good people-watching, the scent of birria meat — the restaurant’s calling card. Once you land a table, your choices will be many: quesadillas, burritos, tacos, even pizzas, come topped and stuffed with the family’s signature birria, slow-cooked, incredibly tender, vastly flavorful stewed beef. The pizzas are an absolute must, but for beginners, the immensely popular quesatacos are your ground-zero, with their oozing mozzarella cheese and crispy, crackling edges. Late last year, the restaurant’s popularity skyrocketed when the Michelin Guide honored it with a “recommended” nod, a high honor in the restaurant world that has gained this taqueria — and the Cortez family — worldwide notoriety.

birrieriacortez.com

Mom and son, Patricia and Rogelio Cortez Jr.

Sweet Sugar High Burgers

BEST FOOD TRUCK (Reader Pick)

Catherine and Juan Fernandez made a name for themselves in local burger circles when they opened a tiny brick-and-mortar in northwest Fort Worth in 2020 — a heckuva time to open any business. But the pandemic was no match for their stellar, craft-inspired smashburgers, piled high with unexpected

Fort Redemption

BEST NEW RESTAURANT (Reader Pick)

New York Eats

BEST LATE-NIGHT EATS (Editor Pick)

Late-night dining is sort of a lost art in Fort Worth. You can only eat so many Dutch Babies at Ol’ South or food truck tacos. Over in Arlington, though, there are plenty of after-hours dining options, New York Eats being one of the best. Owner Sohaib Ahmad’s signature dish is chicken over rice, a quintessential New York dish popularized by Halal street-food carts. It consists of marinated chicken on a bed of seasoned rice crisscrossed in streaks of a zesty white sauce — it’s the sauce that keeps you coming back. The menu features variations of this dish — you can get it with salad and veggies, and also falafel and gyro meat. Elsewhere on the menu, there are burgers, wraps, salads, and other edibles born for night owl noshing.  newyorkeats.net

Duchess: Beef Carpaccio on Hashbrowns

BEST APPETIZER (Editor Pick)

toppings such as mac and cheese and pulled pork. Matter of fact, bolstered by a StarTelegram story, they outgrew the space and hit the food truck and pop-up scene. They’re currently in the process of launching a new truck. Keep an eye on their socials for when and where they’ll be cooking next. instagram.com/sweet.sugar_high

BEST RESTAURANT THAT CAME OUT OF THE BLUE (Editor Pick)

Most times when food truck owners make the jump to brick-and-mortars, they do so with a certain amount of immediacy — striking while the culinary iron is hot, so to speak. Not so with West Side spot Fort Redemption, whose owner Tony Chaudhry took the time to completely revamp the old Mariachi’s Dine In space, turning it into an attractive yet approachable steakhouse. While it may seem the restaurant has come out of nowhere, Chaudhry ran his food truck by the same name for five years, and he’s been a part of the city’s restaurant scene for 25 years — a newcomer, he ain’t. You can tell that from his expertly cooked steaks, clever sides (you’re going to want to get the mac and cheese, topped with smoked brisket), creative takes on seafood, and divine desserts. His gargantuan rack of lamb may be the best in town. fortredemption.com

One of this year’s best new restaurants is Duchess, a New American spot housed inside The Nobleman hotel, which itself resides in the restored Fire Station No. 5 on Bryan Avenue. Helmed by chefs Marcus Kopplin and Casey Thompson, the restaurant is a goldmine for those craving adventurous, edge-of-your-seat fare. One fine example is the restaurant’s inventive take on beef carpaccio. This standout dish starts with a crispy hashbrown base, topped with paper-thin slices of prime beef filet seasoned with truffle zest, salt, and pepper. It’s then drizzled with a zesty lime aioli made with finger limes and garnished with shaved Parmesan, chiffonade lime leaf, and micro sorrel from Epicurean Farms. It’s a masterful blend of textures and flavors that’s as delicious as it is creative.

Sweet Sugar High Burgers’ glorious creations

Duchess’ delish beef carpaccio and hashbrowns mash-up

»

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LONE STAR BAVARIAN — FORT WORTH’S LUXURY AUTO SPECIALISTS

For 25 years, Lone Star Bavarian has been Fort Worth’s preferred independent service and repair facility for Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce automobiles.

Since 2001, our team’s passion, experience, and dedication to getting it right every time has set us apart. Lone Star Bavarian is a full-service independent specialist, operating out of a large, clean, air-conditioned shop equipped with the latest factory and aftermarket diagnostic technology. Every member of our staff participates in annual continuing education to stay ahead of the newest onboard systems from the manufacturers we service. Our technicians each have 15–20 years of experience

and are recognized as master technicians in their respective brands.

Our clients will tell you their vehicles are returned not only professionally repaired or serviced, but also cleaned—and every job is backed by our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. That commitment to excellence is why Lone Star Bavarian is consistently chosen as one of Fort Worth’s “Best Of” businesses.

Whether you need brake repairs, oil changes, transmission service, alignments, A/C repair, electrical or complex diagnostics—or any service your Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Bentley, or Rolls-Royce requires—Lone Star Bavarian is your ultimate service team.

The Rabbit Hole BEST HAPPY HOUR (Reader Pick)

Happiness is measured in ounces between 4 and 6 p.m. You know — happy hour. Or maybe it’s 3 and 8 p.m. Well, at The Rabbit Hole Pub, happy hour is served twice — from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Why? Because, they say, everyone deserves a happy hour, and with the pub’s proximity to the Medical District and other companies, such as Lockheed, with a third shift, the Rabbit Hole was built from Day 1 on a reputation for a happy hour

inclusive of all work shifts.

That’s a mighty noble pursuit if you ask us.

The Rabbit Hole in August celebrated its fourth anniversary. Owners and staff have made it a happening place on White Settlement Road, where more development is forthcoming. rabbitholefwtx.com

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

Touch of Chrome Trail Rides

Best Horseback Riding (Editor Pick)

It’s news to us, but hidden on the southeast side of Benbrook Lake are some of Tarrant County’s most picturesque trails. (Who said we didn’t have nature in North Texas?) And as any honest-to-goodness Fort Worthian will tell you, the best thing to do on such a dirt path is to ride horses on it. Touch of Chrome Paints, a nearby Crowley ranch that provides trail-riding services for beginning and experienced riders, must’ve read our minds. Offering hourly rides and 90-minute sunset rides on the ranch’s beautiful APHA (paint) horses, we reckon Touch of Chrome Trail Rides is the perfect way for city dwellers to scratch that cowboy itch. And with 17 horses, the rides are perfect for larger groups, too. Just be prepared for plenty of photo opportunities, so remember to pack your camera … or phone. touchofchromepaints.com

EDITOR PICK

Low Doubt

Best Bar/Pub (Editor Pick)

Whether one is visiting for free pool on Tuesday, karaoke on Wednesday, or DJ night on Saturday, the walk to Low Doubt always adds a good bit of fun. Located behind Tulips on St. Louis Avenue — itself a winner in our Best Music Venue category — a red neon sign signals the bar’s entry point: a narrow, boardwalked alley (well-lit and with new boards, we might add) covered in brilliant murals by some of the city’s most prominent artists. It’s a 50-yard stroll between the exterior walls of Tulips and HustleBlendz Coffee that has its fair share of Instagrammable moments. The bar in the back seems hidden; it’s not. Post-Tulips shows and during any DJ night, the narrow bar overflows into the spacious patio, where a food truck and local artists regularly set up shop. With yellow barstools, a red pool table, and black toilets, the aesthetics are also unmatched or greatly appreciated. And the bar’s stiff cocktails and boilermakers — one of which comes with a smoke — displays generosity and character. Oh, and they also serve corn dogs. Twist our arms, why don’t ya? lowdoubtbar.com

Low Doubt’s manager Kimberli Philips and owner Jason Suder

DFW Car and Toy Museum

Best Family Outing (Reader Pick) North Fort Worth just got a heck of a lot cooler. Advertising itself as the largest car museum in Texas — which we would assume puts it in the running for largest nationwide — the DFW Car and Toy Museum is an expansive, indoor museum that fills to the brim all 150,000 of its square feet with, you guessed it, cars and toys. Founded by auto enthusiast and local entrepreneur Ron Sturgeon and celebrating its grand opening in April of this year, the museum’s collection includes over 200 classic cars and 3,000plus toys. From an 1885 Mercedes-Benz to Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, the museum’s catalog is so large, diverse, and full of oddities that one might have to consider a full Labor Day weekend trip with the family to get it all in.

dfwcarandtoymuseum.com

Ron Sturgeon

Sarah’s Place

Best Karaoke (Editor Pick)

We gotta admit, the competition in this category is awfully stiff. Cowtown sure loves to belt out a radio-friendly tune after a boilermaker or two. But if we were to describe any bar’s karaoke night as iconic, Sarah’s Place would take the cake. Since the unassuming dive bar opened 20 years ago — it’s celebrating its anniversary Oct. 17 and 18 — karaoke maestro Dave Owens has been the master of ceremonies, making sure the mic works, the words scroll, and the names are called, all while singing the occasional tune. And the pairing between Owens and Sarah’s Place has amassed quite the following. Check out its karaoke nights on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and you’ll see plenty of the same faces. But you’ll also catch some new ones. According to the bar’s co-owners, married couple Sarah Ten Brink and Ginger Smith, Sarah’s Place is a safe, inclusive space where its patrons are fun, friendly, and pass no judgment — ideal company when one gets the itch to croon.

Owners Ginger Smith and Sarah Ten Brink

Casa Mañana and The Reid Cabaret

Best Performing Arts Theater (Editor Pick)

READER PICK

Ampersand Nightclub

Benbrook Stables Horseback Riding

Cowtown Cycle Party Girls Night Out

Delectable Dilemmas Outdoor Activity

DFW Car and Toy Museum Family Outing

Finish Line Bar Place to Two-Step Fort Worth Oktoberfest Festival

Hip Pocket Theatre Performing Arts Theater

Hotel Drover Hotel/Resort

Jackie O’s Karaoke

Maxine’s Cocktails Bar with Games

Morton’s Tavern Pet-Friendly Hangout

Morton’s Tavern Place to Watch a Game

Pluckers Wing Bar Trivia Night

Proper Cocktail Bar

Rooftop Cinema Club Movie-Going Experience

Rosen House Inn Bed and Breakfast

Texas Star Dinner Theater First Date

The Basement Lounge Lounge

The Down ‘n Out Bar/Pub

The Electric Starship Arcade Arcade

The Horny Toad Patio/Outdoor Space with Drinks The Rabbit Hole Happy Hour

The Secret Chambers Escape Room

The Usual Place to Pop the Question Tulips Music Venue

For the past few years, this writer had admittedly, and most unfortunately, been sleeping on Casa Mañana. Though I admired its Epcot-like dome from afar, I assumed its productions weren’t of interest to a 38-year-old man with no children. It wasn’t until I received an invite from the theater’s marketing manager, who happens to be a previous intern at our magazine, to attend a performance of “Cats” that my blinders were finally removed. Changing the musical’s setting to the Fort Worth Stockyards and reconstructing all of East Exchange Avenue on stage — down to every minute detail — was spectacular enough. But once the actual performance ensued, I was (check Thesaurus) gobsmacked. I’m not sure what I was expecting — something akin to community theater, perhaps? — but when I became aware the theater hires Broadway performers for their productions, it all added up. While Bass Hall might snag the legit Broadway shows, they couldn’t possibly match the charm of this production’s regional flare. Add to that the intimate Reid Cabaret, where a Simon & Garfunkel duo left me (check Thesaurus) astounded, and this duo of stages will never escape my attention again. casamanana.org

Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktail Club

BEST LOUNGE (Editor Pick)

Nearly 30 years into masterminding restaurants and other food-related concepts, Tim Love’s creative juices just keep flowing. For his 14th concept, they’ve flowed into this upscale restaurant and croquet park, which Love fashioned after Great Gatsby-era, English country clubs. Guests nosh on lux bites such as caviar, lobster rolls, and tableside bananas Foster, while others play croquet, the game in which players try to knock wooden balls through hoops protruding from the ground. There are craft cocktails to sip on, too, or indulge in a libation from the roving martini cart — a cool, and very Tim Love, touch. stewartscocktailclub.com

The Post

Best Music Venue (Editor Pick)

Once called The Post at River East, the music venue has dropped the “River East” from its moniker after closing its spot off Race Street and subsequently reincarnating as a new version of itself at Lola’s old saloon digs off West Sixth earlier this year. The outdoor “trailer park” remains Birdie’s Social Club, by the way. Fort Worthians nostalgic for the old days of Lola’s — one of Fort Worth’s premier live music venues — The Post attracts that similar mix of local, regional, and national touring acts in the folk, rock, country, and Americana genres. While it no longer has the hip and distressed outdoor space that accompanied The Post’s previous home in River East, we’ll take a return to concerts in the old saloon any day of the week. thepostatrivereast.com

Brooks Kendall

North Texas’ Most AwardWinning Waxing & Tanning Salon

Where It's Okay To Be A Little Vain

At Vanity Room Waxing Boutique, beauty is more than a service—it’s an experience. Since 2008, our awardwinning team has set the standard in Fort Worth for flawless waxing and sunless tanning. With expert precision, premium products, and an unwavering attention to detail, we create results that exceed expectations. When it’s time for you, let us be your destination for comfort and confidence.

5013 Byers Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Phone: (817) 348-8400

vanityroombeauty.com Fort Worth’s Destination: Where Tile & Stone Meets Inspired Design

“From the minute we walked in the door it was an amazing experience."

vanityroomwaxingboutique

Voted Fort Worth Magazine Pick for Best Flooring

2824 Marquita Drive

Fort Worth, TX 76116 bottegadesigngallery.com

At Bottega Design Gallery, we offer a welcoming gallery of meticulously curated tile and stone collections, where clients can collaborate with our expert design team to create the perfect selections for their home. We believe great design should feel effortless and that every home should tell a story while providing a space to enjoy and make memories for years to come.

Visit our Fort Worth showroom or call to schedule a design consultation. Follow our social media platforms to stay up to date on new products and project installations.

Vanity Room Waxing Boutique

—Christie T.

STATEMENT PIECE

Cowgirl Western Gallery

Fort Worth’s Premier Luxury Tanning Experience.

At Bronze & Bubbles, beauty isn’t just skin deep—it begins within and radiates outward. With the artistry of a flawless Airbrush Tan, that inner glow becomes unmistakably luminous. Founded by Raquel Lugo, Bronze & Bubbles was born out of a deep passion for beauty, self-expression, and inclusivity. More than just a tanning salon, it’s a space where every individual is celebrated for their uniqueness—because no two people are alike, and neither are their tans. With that philosophy in mind, each tan is hand-crafted to enhance natural tones, flatter every curve, and leave skin glowing with confidence. The experience at Bronze & Bubbles is as luxurious as it is empowering. From the warm welcome to the meticulous attention to detail, clients leave not just

bronzed, but uplifted. Because at Bronze & Bubbles, it’s not just about how you look. It’s about how you feel. Look good & FEEL even better.

Raquel’s journey took a transformative turn in the wake of the pandemic. Leaving behind California, she began to challenge conventional expectations and reconnect with her true calling: serving others. What began as a modest 75-square-foot suite in Fort Worth soon blossomed beyond its walls. By October 2024, Raquel proudly unveiled a beautiful 600-square-foot salon near downtown. The new space features two thoughtfully designed treatment rooms: one dedicated to Airbrush Tanning and the other to Red Light Therapy, each reflecting her commitment to quality and client care.

“With the unwavering support of my husband and our families, following my dreams and turning my passion into reality became possible. Their belief in me has been the foundation for every step of this journey, from opening our doors to growing into Fort Worth’s Premier Luxury Tanning Salon and now, a BEST OF FORT WORTH WINNER.

“Best airbrush tan I have ever had: it looks natural and even almost a week after.”

-J.S (August 25')

Benson Varghese, Varghese Summersett

UP-AND-COMER

(Reader Pick)

Benson Varghese’s climb among business leaders in Fort Worth is as dreamy as James Truslow Adams ever dreamed of his so-called American Dream. An immigrant from India, Varghese, 43, leads the law firm Varghese Summersett with his wife and partner of the firm, Anna Summersett. It’s a firm he started in 2014 in a one-room office with $9,000 he borrowed from an uncle.

Varghese built the brand with a robust multimedia presence and, with his wife coming onboard, hired elite trial attorneys across the North Texas region. Within three years, the firm was recognized as among the fastest-growing businesses in the country by Inc.  5000 and soon after was named the sixth-fastest growing company in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Inc. It grew from criminal defense to include family law and personal injury litigation. The firm, now with 70 employees, 20 of which are attorneys, has three offices, including its 15,000-square-foot space downtown. And in 2023, Varghese Summersett was named a Small Business of the Year by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce.

versustexas.com

PEOPLE & CULTURE

The Big Good: The Big Night

BEST NONPROFIT EVENT

(Editor Pick)

The Big Good definitely knows how to throw a big party. The nonprofit, headed by former TCU football coach Gary Patterson and Leon Bridges, has raised more than $3 million over the past three years through its biggest annual fundraiser, The Big Night. The occasion draws a collection of the who’s who of Fort Worth society — chief among them the legendary football coach and iconic crooner, the nonprofit’s founders, faces, and faithful

champions, who are proving that sports and music can be powerful engines for social good.

This year Charley Crockett, a son of San Benito in the Valley, gave us his distinctive blend of country, blues, and soul. Maggie Rogers, NYU Tisch School of the Arts educated, was simply amazing. Bridges joined each for a song.

And Andy Roddick, tennis luminary and good friend of Bridges, was our master of ceremonies. thebiggood.org

Richard Selcer

BEST WRITER/AUTHOR

(Editor Pick)

Richard Selcer left Paschal High School last century with a plan to study veterinary science, but after a year and a half of math and science, he found he despised math and science and the feeling was mutual.

“I’ve never looked back,” he says. And this year, Selcer and University of North Texas Press published his 15th book — Fort Worth Characters 2, a sequel and expansion of a previously published work in 2009 examining “colorful, oddball” and mostly forgotten historical figures and stories in Fort Worth history.

Selcer, who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Austin College and a Ph.D. from TCU, has established himself as the official chronicler of Fort Worth history — and a fantastic storyteller to boot. His most recent effort covers 31 individuals over 25 chapters.

Leon Bridges and Charley Crockett

Leon Bridges and Gary Patterson

Ramona Bass

BEST PHILANTHROPIST (Editor Pick)

Ramona Bass remembers, like it was yesterday, making her first visit to the Fort Worth Zoo four decades ago. There was no hiding the neglect that comes with limited resources that had taken a toll over the years. The zoo falling into disrepair wasn’t just about losing a local treasure. It’s science. It’s a living classroom where children get an opportunity to see the world beyond their neighborhood, in many instances, for the first time. She spoke to her husband, Lee Bass, about it. He told her to “do something about it.”

And, so, she did.

Ramona Bass is celebrating her 40th year with the Fort Worth Zoo. Bass, with her family’s resources and a personal commitment, has transformed the zoo like a river carving a canyon. Investments and fundraising in hundreds of millions of dollars have given people all over the world a reason to come to Fort Worth simply to see the zoo.

fortworthzoo.org

EDITOR PICK

A Wish With Wings Service Organization

Alessandro Salvatore – Bocca

Osteria Romana Chef

Andrew Turner – Fort Worth Roots

Radio Personality/Podcast

Artspace111 Art Gallery

Claudia Tiffany Rodriguez – Ballet Folklorico Actor/Performer

Colonial Country Club Country Club

Dr. Mark Cunningham Jr. – UNT Health Science Center Up-andComer

Elaine Agather Best-Dressed

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Local Attraction

Hailey Van Lith Athlete

Jacob Lovett Artist

Letitia Esparza Social Media Influencer

Near Southside Inc. Neighborhood/ Association

North Crowley High School Football Sports Team

Omari (Mars) Anderson – Nickel

City Bartender/Mixologist

Ramona Bass Philanthropist

Richard Selcer Local Writer/Author

Simon Flory Musician/Music Group

The Big Good: The Big Night Nonprofit Event

The Modern Museum

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

BEST LOCAL ATTRACTION (Editor Pick)

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has been a cornerstone of Western tradition since 1896, when a modest “fat stock show” took place under shade trees along Marine Creek. From those humble beginnings, it grew into the nation’s longest-running livestock exhibition and rodeo. By 1917, the world’s first indoor rodeo was staged in the North Side Coliseum, cementing Fort Worth’s place in cowboy culture. Now held each January and February, splitting time between Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum and Dickies Arena, the Stock Show blends worldclass rodeoing with livestock competitions, horse shows, and a carnival.

This thing is legendary, and so is the economic impact. The Stock Show and Rodeo attracted 1.3 million visitors in 2023 and poured as much as $142 million into the local economy, according to one analysis. fwssr.com

Ramona Bass with Fort Worth Zoo’s baby elephants Brazos and Travis

Simon Flory BEST MUSICIAN (Editor Pick)

When I last met up with Simon Flory, the folk musician had to cut our time short because of a late-night appointment he had in Allen to pick up a van he was buying for an upcoming string of gigs. I suspect he’d been shopping around a while, and he was quite excited about this particular automobile, a Honda, I think — the man really knows his vans. Heck, he knows a lot of stuff. Flipping through the folk and bluegrass sections at Record Town that night, I could have sworn he knew every musician who played on every track of every album and could spout biographical information like he

was reciting his ABCs. Of course, all of this should be unsurprising for one of the city’s most prolific and hardest-working musicians. Since 2019, Flory’s released three full-length albums, two EPs, a string of singles, and a short film. And he’s got another album, Man of Vision, due to hit local record stores in November. Last year’s album, Progress, was a split bill with Nashville’s Roger Harvey. A folk protest album in the same vein as Pete Seeger and Woodie Guthrie, Progress harkens back to the radical foundations of American folk music. And Flory certainly got his licks in about local politics; the track “Fort Worth Jail” is worthy of multiple listens. simonflory.com

READER PICK

Amanda Reyes Actor/Performer

Benson Varghese – Varghese Summersett Up-and-Comer

Christian Wallace Local Writer/ Author

Cristina Faulconer Best-Dressed

David Hardin Philanthropist

Edgar Miller Photographer

Fort Works Art Art Gallery

Fort Worth Botanic Garden Local Attraction

Funkytown Founder Awards Nonprofit Event

GameTime LC MOX Athlete

Grant Morgan – 97 West Chef

Joseph Patrick Neville Musician/ Music Group

Montrachet/Montserrat Neighborhood/Association

Ridglea Country Club Country Club

Sharon Hollingsworth – Sarah’s Place Bartender/Mixologist

Sid Richardson Museum Museum

TCU Women’s Basketball Sports Team

Tiffany Blackmon Social Media Influencer

Tiffany Blackmon – My SoCalled Fabulous Podcast Radio Personality/Podcast

Triston’s Legend of the Cowboy Foundation Service Organization

Vanessa Daly Artist

TCU Women’s Basketball Team

BEST SPORTS TEAM (Reader Pick) Riff, ram, bah, zoo, you did what, women of TCU? Oh, just went where no men’s or women’s basketball team in school history has ever been — the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The Horned Frogs gave us some memories to remember in advancing to the Sweet 16 in Birmingham, Alabama, where they beat No. 8 Notre Dame, employing the three-headed nucleus of Hailey Van Lith, Sedona Prince, and Madison Conner, for a second time this season. The dreaded Lady Longhorns of Austin proved too much, but a 34-4 season under second-year coach Mark Campbell will get you some reader recogni tion. Well done, ladies.

Colonial Country Club

BEST COUNTRY CLUB (Editor Pick)

Pushing 90 years, Colonial Country Club is a Fort Worth institution. Founded in 1936 by Marvin Leonard, a visionary self-taught golfer who obsessed over every detail of course design, Colonial quickly earned a reputation as one of the nation’s finest private clubs. Leonard worked with architects John Bredemus and Perry Maxwell, blending their best elements into a championship layout that challenged even the game’s elite. Colonial made history in

1941 as host of the U.S. Open and remains the only club to have staged a Men’s U.S. Open, Women’s U.S. Open, and THE PLAYERS Championship. Since 1946, its iconic fairways have welcomed the longestrunning annual PGA Tour event — now the Charles Schwab Challenge. With course architect Gil Hanse leading a restoration to return the course to its original brilliance a year and a half ago, Colonial continues to honor its legacy while inspiring the next generation of golf greats. colonialfw.com

Hailey Van Lith

Why Guests Will Love It

» Trip advisor rated #1 of 329 things to do in Fort Worth

» Not your typical ballroom — guests can mingle, explore, and have fun

» Family friendly • Dog friendly • Free admission

» Race our slot cars! Team building!

Your Event, Your Way

» 150,000 sq. ft. of space

» 200+ classic cars & 3,000+ toys on display

» 4,000 sq. ft. lounge for smaller gatherings

» Events from 50–500 guests

» BYOB & choose your own caterer

» Prep kitchen with large ice machine

» Tables & chairs generally provided

Fort Worth’s Best Weight Loss Center

SciFit Center’s Program Makes Transforming Your Body Easy

SciFit Center has one of the most unique and successful weight loss programs in the industry, delivered to you by an expert team of highly qualified professionals to ensure a promising and seamless experience.

“Diets are overly restrictive and short lived, whereas our program transitions you into a new-normal, allowing indulging in fun foods and cocktails while still managing your weight.”

—Dr. Bryce Calvillo

Nominated Fort Worth’s Best Hollistic Health & Wellness Center,

SciFit Center’s expert team works with you to create an entirely personalized and sustainable approach that’s not overly restrictive or demanding and works with your lifestyle and preferences. From effective nutrition strategies, efficient exercise techniques and maintainable lifestyle practices to offering an empathetic environment that addresses mental and emotional aspects associated with weight loss, our goal is to provide a seamless, all-in-one experience.

RYANN ORCUTT, BS Nutrition & Dietetics

ANGELA CALVILLO, BS, BA Nutrition & Psychology

DR. BRYCE CALVILLO Lead Practitioner

ASHLEY RANDALL PETZOLD Nutrition & Lifestyle

PRESTON HANCOCK, MS, BS Sports Nutrition & Exercise

Voted Best Frozen Treat in Fort Worth 2025 – Two Years Running!

Small-batch, ultra-creamy ice cream served from a cozy 25 sq. ft. shop. Eight rotating flavors—like Stockyard S’mores and Luscious Lemon—plus specialty coffee and the signature affogato.

Family- and veteran-owned, La’Creamian® continues to thrive after the 2024 Sandman Signature Hotel explosion. Indulge In The Sweetest Taste® at 215 W 8th Street, Fort Worth.

THEPARCVET.COM

One visit is all it takes to learn why The PARC was named Fort Worth Magazine’s 2025 “Best of Fort Worth” Winner for Veterinary Clinics. With a 24/7 ER ready for walk-ins, we’re here to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art care for your fur baby.

The Happy Lark

BEST TOY STORE

(Editor Pick)

In an age when so many parents are implementing the just-give-the-kid-somesort-of-touch-screen-toplay-on strategy of child rearing, The Happy Lark, a beautifully curated boutique toy store on Camp Bowie Boulevard, is not only a breath of fresh air, it’s giving this writer a sense of hope for a future generation. Sisters Caitlin Deville and Suzanne Fluke (left) initially conceived The Happy Lark as a joint indoor play space

and toy shop with monthly membership fees attached. But after five years, COVID forced the sisters to pivot and dive headfirst into full-time toy selling. And boy, do they sell some cool toys. Even I, an adult perusing their store, find myself itching to sit on the floor cross-legged and spend a little time with their boxes of magnetic tiles and wooden block puzzles. To put it in more sophisticated terms: The Happy Lark makes one appreciate the art of the toy. thehappylark.com

SHOPPING & SERVICE

Omaha’s Military Surplus

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP/ SECONDHAND STORE (Reader Pick)

If the items at Omaha’s Military Surplus weren’t demilitarized, there’s enough firepower to take on a whole platoon of enemy combatants. Let’s put it this way: If mankind ceased to exist and aliens arrived sometime later, they’d wonder what caused these 10,000 square feet to become the most highly fortified spot west of the Mississippi — though unlikely in those terms. Making its home in the Foundry, Omaha’s first opened its doors in 1963

and has been North Texas’ go-to spot for genuine, hardto-find military surplus items. While the demilitarized stuff is novel and interesting, the military surplus also carries practical gear like blades, sheaths, weatherproof outerwear, first aid-kits, canteens, and just about anything else you’d need to survive in the wild for a spell. We just hope you like everything in camo. omahas.com

Morgan Mercantile

BEST GIFT SHOP (Editor Pick)

Located in Fort Worth’s Near Southside, Morgan Mercantile is a family-owned shop blending creativity, commerce, and community. This husband-and-wife team curate a stylish mix of men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, plus accessories, home goods, and their own Panther City Provisions line — a go-to for Fort Worth merchandise and a nod to their hometown. Beyond retail, they’re known nationally for custom-printed goods, crafting high-quality merchandise for brands, bands, and businesses. At heart, though, Morgan Mercantile remains a neighborhood hub: a place to browse original designs, discover new favorites, and share a beer with locals and visitors alike. We like doing that. morganmercantile.com

Kala and Chance Morgan

Emerald Bridal Lounge

BEST BRIDAL BOUTIQUE (Reader Pick)

Given bridal shops are typically by-appointmentonly, it makes sense that Emerald Bridal Lounge is tucked away with zero signage on the second floor of a historic Magnolia Avenue building.

After all, you don’t want nosy passersby seeing the bride’s dress before anyone else. This moment — the dress-choice moment — is one of the biggest in her life, and creating a warm, inviting, and even secluded space is important. And that’s precisely what this boutique bridal shop has done. It’s not lost on us that Emerald’s choice to include the word “lounge” in its name. And with its comfy seating choices, rustic bohemian aesthetic, and friendly atmosphere, the name is appropriate. Of course, environment is just one element; a bridal shop still must deliver the product and the service. And on that front, the boutique employs four stylists and a creative director to help guide future brides through a large inventory that includes brands like Abella, Allure, Pronovias, and Stella York. emeraldbridallounge.com

EDITOR PICK

Alterations by Claudia Tailor

Barber’s Book Store Bookstore

Blossoms on the Bricks Florist

Bodega South Main Grocery Store

Chieffalo Americana Western Apparel

CHROMA Modern Eyewear

Diva Diamonds and Jewels Fine Jewelry

Doc’s Records & Vintage Antique Shop/Secondhand Store

Enchanted Woods Travel Travel Agent

Ethridge Auto Center Auto Service

GOrganic EATS Organic Food Store

HUB Fort Worth Insurance Agent or Firm

Kings Liquor on Berry Liquor Store

Kite’s Custom Cleaners Dry Cleaning

Lena Pope Early Learning Center Child Care/Day Care

Lila and Hayes Children’s Boutique

Morgan Mercantile Gift Shop

Morris Boot Company Boot Maker

Moxxie Concepts Event Planner

Mutts Cantina Dog Park

Panther City Tattoo Tattoo Parlor

River Ranch Event Venue

Ruff Resort & Spa Boarder/ Groomer

Saint Marie Records Record Store

Salt FW Collective Co-working Space

The Happy Lark Toy Store

The PARC Vet Veterinary Clinic

The Squire Shop Men’s Boutique

Trinity Event Staffing Event Staffing & Bartending

Tucker Brown Women’s Boutique

VIP Valet Services Valet Service

WED Bridal Boutique Bridal Boutique

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

(Editor Pick)

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, opened in 1964, is an outdoor treasure, offering 3,600 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands, just minutes from downtown. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails, the refuge allows visitors to step back in time and see what North Texas looked like before rapid urban growth. (And lots more of it on the

way.) A National Natural Landmark since 1980, the center is home to diverse wildlife, from a herd of bison to countless bird species, and offers staff-led hikes and educational programs year-round. Beyond recreation, it plays a vital role in conservation, managing ecosystems through prescribed burns and habitat restoration. Whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or on a guided walk, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature. fwnaturecenter.org

Hao’s Grocery & Café

BEST GROCERY STORE (Reader Pick)

From the small but mighty department, local chef Hao Tran’s tiny gourmet grocery store on the South Side is a hub for local foodies looking for something different. Like housemade dumplings, artisanal breads, seasonal fruits, and assorted Asian foods and bevs — things not easily available elsewhere in Fort Worth. The cafe hosts community dinners and brunches, along with afternoon teas on Saturday — definitely a rarity in the Fort. Tran’s cafe doubles as a classroom, where local chefs and other foodie types host various cooking classes. Early risers, take note: Hao’s is open noon to 8 p.m. TuesdayFriday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. haosgrocerycafe.com

Recluse Books

BEST BOOK STORE (Reader Pick)

Earlier this year, the Near Southside finally landed a business it has desperately needed: a good bookstore. Recluse Books is owned by husband-and-wife duo James Webster and Josie Smith-Webster (left), who met while working at a bookstore in New York. The couple offers a curated selection of new and used books across all literary genres, along with a variety of other items like greeting cards and — hooray! — ’zines. No one carries ’zines anymore! If you’re somewhat of a, er, recluse, rest assured, most of their inventory is available to purchase online, or at least 5,174 items in their inventory are available to purchase online, which is pretty awesome. Hoping to find its footing as a community hub, the store hosts events like book clubs and a “lo-fi” open mic night. What a cool spot. Welcome to Fort Worth, y’all. reclusebooks.com

Emerald Bridal Lounge owner

Sabina Yochum, stylist Lauren, and manager Caitlin Meyer

READER PICK

Benny Cartlidge – Allstate Insurance Agent or Firm

Brandi Chapman Floral Florist

BRIK Venue Event Venue

CityVet Veterinary Clinic

Collections Fine Jewelry Fine Jewelry

Collins + Conley Children’s Boutique

Double D Ranchwear Western Apparel

Ellison Event Productions Event Planner

Emerald Bridal Lounge Bridal Boutique Eyeworks Eyewear

Fort Worth Family Cleaners Dry Cleaning

Franklin & Anthony Men’s Boutique

Gulliver’s Travel Service Travel Agent

Hale House Women’s Boutique

Hao’s Grocery and Cafe Grocery Store

Ichiban Autos Auto Service

KM Tailor Alterations Tailor

LaunchBox Collective Co-working Space

Old Gringo Boot Maker

Omaha’s Military Surplus Antique Shop/Secondhand Store

Recluse Books Bookstore

Record Town Record Store

Rent-A-Frog Valet Service

Retro Madness Toy Store

Spider Lily Studio Tattoo Parlor

Sunflower Shoppe Organic Food Store

Teresa’s Event Staffing and Bartending Event Staffing & Bartending

The Pillars Christian Learning Center Child Care/Day Care

The Worthy Co. Gift Shop

Tricks of the Trade Liquor Store

Your Pet Staff Boarder/Groomer

Z Bonz Dog Park Dog Park

Tricks of the Trade

BEST LIQUOR STORE

(Editor Pick)

For Fort Worth booze enthusiasts, Tricks of the Trade is a destination more akin to a boutique record shop than a typical liquor store. Located in a historic, 100-year-old corner building in the South Main area, owner and former bartender Megan McClinton goes beyond stocking the standard spirits and instead offers a curated selection of everything the modern home craft-cocktail bartender needs. What sets it apart is its treasure trove of hard-to-find and limited-edition spirits, such as La Pulga’s TCU-inspired Tequila Blanco Black Out, a highly sought-after bottle that sold out in a flash. The store’s shelves are stocked with not only fine spirits and wines but also nonalcoholic beverages, a wide range of bar tools, craft mixers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and recipe books. There are weekly tastings, too, often accented with DJs. A DJ set at a liquor store? Only in Fort Worth. tricksbottleshop.com

Salt FW Collective BEST CO-WORKING SPACE

(Editor Pick)

Co-working spaces were practically obliterated by the pandemic, but exceptions exist: This unique coworking spot is thriving in the South Main area. Founded by husband-and-wife team

Chris and Diesa Rupert, Salt FW is a co-working option designed for entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and content creators. Housed in the historic South Main building that was once Eagle Audio Studio, it offers a variety of amenities, including soundproof private

offices, (so you can yell at your co-workers as loud as you want), a stylish coffee lounge, and state-of-theart facilities like a podcast studio and video editing suite. Offices come furnished or unfurnished, your choice, and are designed for teams up to four people; those who don’t need a full office can snag a spot to work and lounge in the community area. Costs vary and interviews to be admitted are required.

saltfw.com

Chris Rupert

Tricks of the Trade owner

Megan McClinton

Vanity Room

BEST ESTHETICIAN (Reader Pick)

It’s fitting that Vanity Room is located in an unassuming, white-bricked house off Byers Avenue. After all, the waxing boutique’s world-class estheticians do a fine job of making one feel at home. And we suspect such friendliness and excellent customer service is their way of honoring Vanity Room’s original owner, Katy Slayton, who opened the boutique in 2008 after finding a passion for esthetics. According to the company’s website, “Katy’s love for helping others is still felt when you walk in the doors of Vanity Room.” Employing six estheticians, Vanity Room offers services ranging from waxing to brow lamination and airbrush tanning. And, of course, they do it all while making you feel at home. Slayton, who succeeded in her endeavors despite battling the constant pain of scoliosis, passed away in 2016, but her welcoming nature is felt anytime one walks through the red front door at Vanity Room. vanityroombeauty.com

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Thrive Apothecary

Say what you will about the ongoing controversies swirling around cannabis, but for some, CBD and THC products have become an integral part of their health and lifestyles. In Fort Worth, many who rely on legal cannabis products turn to this South Main area store, opened in 2018 by Dr. Lisa Gardner, a board-certified physician, and her husband, Trey Phillips, a retired Fort Worth Police SWAT Team Leader. Products include traditional CBD items, hemp-derived THC edibles and smokables, medical cannabis (for patients who qualify), and products for pets. In addition to its retail stores (there’s also a location in Weatherford), Thrive has launched a service in which eligible Texans can book a virtual appointment with a provider to get a medical marijuana prescription. Veterans receive a free first consultation. Its products are also available to order nationwide. thrivetx.com

Bumble Bee Yoga

BEST YOGA STUDIO (Editor Pick)

Tucked away on Weisenberger Street in Fort Worth’s Foundry District is a one-of-a-kind yoga studio named after our world’s brilliant pollinators. Bumble Bee Yoga, the brainchild of Dr. Lori Atkins-Williamson, a full-time OB-GYN who moonlights as a yogi and studio head, is not a business in the traditional sense. In fact, Bumble Bee Yoga is not a business at all; it’s a nonprofit that serves as a mental wellness and suicide prevention tool for children and young adults. “Yoga belongs in a nonprofit world in one way or the other,” Atkins-Williamson says. Open since 2023, Atkins-Williamson admits operating as a nonprofit that still has bills and employees to pay is difficult work, but wishing to spread the positive outcomes associated with the ancient Indian spiritual and physical practice is also necessary work. Creating community partners, Bumble Bee Yoga recently received its first grant to work with high schools within Fort Worth Independent School District to serve students, teachers, coaches, and families. Atkins-Williamson — again, a board-certified physician — knows that practicing yoga equates to whole health care. “There isn’t a single treatment center that doesn’t use yoga as part of their treatment and therapy,” she says. And receiving whole health care shouldn’t depend on the amount of money one has in their pockets.

bumblebeeyoga.co

Dr. Lori Atkins-Williamson

EDITOR PICK

Bumble Bee Yoga Community Yoga Studio

Camille Brown Facial

Dwell Studio Salon Beauty Salon

Fort Worth Strong Gym/Fitness Studio

Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dance Studio

Greg Goss Personal Trainer

Kelly Blair Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry Dental Care

Mynt Barbershop Men’s Barbershop

Panther City Wax Co Esthetician (Waxing Microdermabrasion)

SciFit Center Holistic Health & Wellness Center

Tan2Glow Sunless Tanning

The Body Scrubbery Massage

Thinique Skin & Wellness Anti-Aging Clinic

Thrive Apothecary CBD Store

Vertical Chiropractic Chiropractor West 7 Nail Bar Manicure or Pedicure

Woodhouse Spa Day Spa

Bronze & Bubbles

BEST SUNLESS TANNING

(Editor Pick)

Greg Goss

PERSONAL TRAINER (Editor Pick)

At one point, while an employee with Union Pacific Railroad, Greg Goss admits to falling into the rut of not working out. Though he ran track and played football in his younger years, he’d fallen out of shape. It was a gym owner that inspired him to not only pick up the dumbbells again but set him on the path of his new career as a personal trainer. And he’d go on to log 10 years working at Fit for Life before opening his own gym, Goss Fitness. Located in Mont-Del Plaza, just off Texas 183/Southwest Boulevard, the boutique gym has all the modern equipment one would need for a full-body workout — and then some — without the crowds and distractions of a mega gym. “[Bigger gyms] are nice to you when they’re trying to get you a membership,” Goss says. “Once they get your membership, they don’t speak to you anymore.” Goss has the opposite approach: a highly personalized experience. And he’s often the one providing this personalization — teaching, assisting, and motivating. Though Goss is the gym’s namesake and owner, being a personal trainer is just in his blood.

READER PICK

In Raquel Lugo’s opinion, spray tan booths are out. “Who wants an uneven, unnatural, and stressful spray tan?” she writes on her Bronze & Bubbles Facebook page. “Not me!” Out of a small space on W. Magnolia Avenue, next door to Walloon’s, Lugo runs what is known as an airbrush tan salon, where skilled tan artists, such as Lugo herself, utilize airbrush guns to spray tan treatments on their customers. Lugo says this is a better option than traditional tanning salons because the tanning is being performed by an actual person, not a machine. This means tans are customized for every body type, skin type, and tone. Lugo’s specialized tans start at $55. She also offers mobile tans — within 10 miles of the 76104 ZIP code — for $195. bronzeandbubblestanning.com

Raquel Lugo

Paul and Sarah Ramon

Archie’s Gardenland

BEST PLANT SHOP

(Editor Pick)

Since 1934, Archie’s Gardenland has been helping North Texans grow everything from towering trees to backyard blooms.

Founded by N.E. Archie Sr. and carried forward by four generations, the familyowned business has grown from Archie’s Planter Box into a destination garden center on Camp Bowie Boulevard.

Today, with 14 greenhouses and thousands of square feet of space, Archie’s offers far more than plants. Customers find soils, composts, fertil-

izers, and garden décor, all backed by a staff of foresters and horticulturists who know Texas soil inside and out.

But what keeps families coming back is more than the greenery — it’s the tradition. From a pumpkin patch anchored by an antique truck to a play area for children, Archie’s cultivates experiences as well as landscapes. In a world of big-box competition, it’s that personal touch and deep-rooted expertise that make Archie’s a perennial favorite in Fort Worth. archiesgardenland.com

Randall and Gina Archie

HOME & GARDEN

Maven Interiors

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

(Editor Pick)

One of the most well-known entities in Fort Worth’s design scene, Maven Interiors has become the go-to firm for some of the city’s most noteworthy new businesses, in particular, restaurants. Founded in 2012 by designer Kellye Raughton, the company has left its mark on some of the city’s most beloved eateries, including French restaurant Le Margot, high-end Mexican spot Maria’s Kitchen, and steakhouse F1. Raughton, alongside her talented team of Morgann Young, Sie J. Martin, Claire Beck, and Addie Allenbrand, has built a reputation for creating spaces that are both stylish and uniquely Fort Worth. And it seems they’re just getting started. In a new partnership with local restaurateurs Jeff Payne and Jason Cross, Maven Interiors recently designed the stunning midcentury modern hot spot The Mont. The team is currently at work on their next collaboration with Payne and Cross, designing the anticipated downtown Mexican restaurant The Beverly, slated to open by the end of the year. Can’t wait to see it. maveninteriors.com

EDITOR PICK

6th Avenue Homes Remodeling Company

Aquamaid Pool Services Pool Service & Repair

Archie’s Gardenland Plant Shop

Cowtown Maids Home Cleaning Service

Firefighting’s Finest Moving and Storage Moving Service

Gladiator Fence and Outdoor Fencing Company

Guardado Landscaping Landscape Design

Mark’s Plumbing Plumbing Company

Maven Interiors Interior Design Firm

Moss Heating & Cooling HVAC Company

Peerless Electric Electrician Proscapes Yard Care

Ramon Roofing Roofing Company

Semmelmann Interiors Home Decor Store

Structured Foundation Repairs Home Repair Service

Susan Semmelmann Interior Designer

Texas Bug Slayers Rodent Control

The Complete Backyard Pool Builder

The John Zimmerman Group Real Estate Firm

The Morrison Group

Homebuilding/Remodeling Company

Unitex Cleaning Carpet and Rug Cleaners

Vintage Floors + Finishes Flooring

White Lion Painting Co. Painting Company

Susan Semmelmann and Fort Worth Design Studio

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER (Editor Pick) AND BEST HOME DÉCOR STORE (Editor Pick)

If you’ve never stepped foot inside Susan Semmelmann’s incredible showroom, Fort Worth Design Studio located on West Vickery Boulevard, I will do my best to paint the picture for you. First, you’ll hear the clap of your heels against the marble floors as you enter the 8,500-square-foot space full of modern furniture, fixtures, and art pieces that are all at once naturalistic yet extravagant, monochromatic yet varied in texture, and welcoming yet totally Las Vegas. In short, it feels like a pristine museum of a unique Western aesthetic. The Modern meets The Amon Carter, so to speak — with a thousand swatches to boot. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Semmelmann several times, thanks to her work on the magazine’s Dream Home projects, and I recall once comparing her favorably to a movie director or artist with a distinctive style. While the artist’s subject or genre might change, there’s always something within the work that one can point to and say, “Ah, that’s a [fill in the artist’s name]!” Such auteurs often receive the highest of accolades within their respective fields, and Semmelmann, who has decades of experience in the industry, has earned similar praise.

semmelmanninteriors.com

The Maven crew, left to right: Morgann Young, Claire Beck, owner Kellye Raughton, Sie J. Martin and Addie Allenbrand

READER PICK

ADH Disaster Restoration Home Repair Service

Azael Electrical

Electrician

Bottega Design Gallery

Flooring

Brabec Custom Homes

Homebuilding/Remodeling Company

Brenda Blaylock

Interior Designer

Buffalo Outdoor Yard Care

Burt Ladner Real Estate Services Real Estate Firm

Fount House Interiors Interior Design Firm

Hank’s Carpet Cleaning Carpet and Rug Cleaners

Haus of Blaylock Home Decor Store

Hawk Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning Plumbing Company

Ideal Partners HVAC Company

Ideal Pest Control Rodent Control

J&V Painting Painting Company

Magnolia Fence and Patio Fencing Company

Mean Green Lawn and Landscape Landscape Design

Merry Maids of Fort Worth Home Cleaning Service

Pulliam Pools Pool Builder

Puryear Custom Pools Pool Service & Repair

Silverado Construction Services Remodeling Company

Tarrant Roofing Roofing Company

The Flower Ranch Plant Shop

Veterans Moving America Moving Service

Merry Maids of Fort Worth

BEST HOME CLEANING SERVICE (Reader Pick)

Whoever invented the vocation of housekeeping must’ve been a dang genius — talk about addressing two of the world’s most inherently human problems: organization and cleanliness. So, we’d argue Dallen Peterson was tapping into Einstein-level brilliance when he founded and started franchising Merry Maids over 40 years ago in Omaha, Nebraska. The business has since grown into a housekeeping empire with over 500 locations across North America. Houston-based Brian Houtman owns six of them, including the one right here in Cowtown. And like all franchise locations, Merry Maids of Fort Worth offers the whole kit and caboodle of cleaning services, including vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms, kitchens, and appliances in homes, workspaces, and apartments. And with 22 maids on duty, we reckon they get spaces spick-and-span in no time.

merrymaids.com

The John Zimmerman Group

BEST REAL ESTATE FIRM (Editor Pick)

John Zimmerman is one of the best Instagram follows in Fort Worth (handle: @jzfortworth). A scroll through the real estate agent’s feed is like getting an abridged version of every episode of “MTV Cribs” ever made. Only, instead of a Hollywood celebrity giving you a tour of a jaw-dropping mansion, it’s Zimmerman, which we find far more entertaining. Zimmerman, a mainstay at the top of the magazine’s annual Top Realtor list, has been selling top-tier homes at a brisk pace for over three decades. Involved in the development of the Montserrat and La Cantera developments, his knowledge of the city’s most exclusive and sought-after neighborhoods is second to none, no doubt an advantage when selling real estate. According to his website, Zimmerman’s the No. 2 Realtor in the state of Texas. Perhaps next year he’ll do Fort Worth proud and claim the top spot. jzfortworth.com

Merry Maids team members Kim, Maxine — a 40-year Merry Maid vet — and Diana

A Walk in Oakwood Cemetery

A leisurely stroll through the North Side cemetery leads to some extraordinary run-ins.

The quickest way to learn firsthand about the history of a place — a city or region — is through its cemeteries. Walk among the gravesites, and you’ll see a story of a community etched in stone.

The pioneers who built it with their hands and fortunes and their sons and daughters, many of whom became the soldiers who defended it. Those families whose names now belong to streets and schools.

The faces, many of them unknown except to their family and friends, who gave the place character.

By John Henry illustrations by Lauren Deitzer

Alex Henry

Oakwood Cemetery on the city’s North Side has always been a place of reprieve. Here is the final resting place for some of Fort Worth’s most notable, including Burk Burnett, K.M. Van Zandt, Luke Short and nemesis Jim Courtright, and Major Horace Carswell. R.L. Paschal is here, as are some Monnigs. Euday Louis Bowman, the hard-luck composer of the famed “Twelfth Street Rag,” has a nice place at Oakwood. And whenever I visit, like this visit, I make my way to the “Henry” plot. It’s the final resting place for my great-

grandparents, two of their daughters — my great-aunts, both unmarried — and a grandson, one of those infants lost before life began. I’m standing at the gravesite, located just inside the arch that welcomes visitors like myself to this section of the cemetery. It carries the inscription “Calvary.” A cardinal sits atop it. The top two markers carry the inscriptions for the patriarch and matriarch with dates of death of 1920 and 1947.

Down and to the left lies the grandson. To his right should be the two markers of my great aunts, but both are covered with overgrown grass. I begin to kick at the grass until gray granite begins to appear.

“I really wish someone would come out here and clean that up,” I hear a voice say from the direction to my left. It startles me more than a little, my having been caught up in my own world.

“What was that?” I say as I turn to look toward the voice.

“I really wish someone would come out here and clean that up,” says a man I clearly recognize from a picture I have in the house.

That’s my great-grandfather!

“Do you work here?” he asks me.

“N-n-n-n-n-no,” I stammer. “Hey … uh, pardon me … what is your name?”

“I’m Alex Henry.”

I take a deep breath, trying to gather my wits. What in the hell is going on here? I blink hard, half-expecting the image to vanish, but he’s still there, as real as the headstone at my feet.

This is either the strangest day of my life or the beginning of a very long conversation with the dead.

I flinch at the sight of a coyote about 100 yards in front of me. That’s not something else you see every day.

“That’s just Wiley,” Alex says. “He roams the property for squirrels at lunchtime.”

“Wiley?” I say. “Like Wile E.? Wile E. Coyote?”

“What?” He looks at me, blank. No flicker of recognition. No smirk of shared Saturday mornings watching cartoons on a television that, to him, would be something out of science fiction.

“Well, I’m John Henry. Like you. I’m one of yours. I’m your greatgrandson.”

“The hell you say! I’ll be damned. Who’s your daddy?”

He also probably wouldn’t recognize the humor in that phrase. He didn’t know my dad either, but I tell him. He knows my grandfather — his son — of course.

“Holy cow. This is deep. You come here often?”

return, drawn to the remnants of the body.

It’s never allowed to rejoin.

“So why do you appear in almost perfect form?” I say. “You don’t look like a ghost.”

The spirit retains a perfect memory of its physical self, he says. What I see is not the body returned, but the soul projecting how it remembers itself — face, posture, even clothing from the moment it last felt most alive.

“To the living, this appears as a ‘full body form,’” he says, “though in truth, it’s a luminous imitation, not flesh.

“I can come and go as I please,” he says. “I love my afterlife home, but it can get kind of boring.

John Peter Smith

He thinks this is deep, I say to myself. Generally, once a year, I tell him.

“I’ll be honest with you,” I continue. “Wiley isn’t the one who is scaring the bejesus out of me. How is it that you’re here right now?”

Alex tells me that when a person dies, the soul lifts free from the body but can hover. It can feel the gravity of the flesh pulling at it. That pull never fully releases. Even a century later — centuries later, he says — the spirit may

“It’s never boring down here.”

And with that we begin to walk.

He’s leading the way. I follow along, my fear having subsided, and my curiosity turned up to full blast.

We’re walking among droves of grave markers, almost all of them first laid more than a century ago. Those stones are reminders, Alex tells me, that a real person left their own mark on the world.

“All of them have a story to tell,” he says.

“All of those stories are worth listening to. Keep it down. Don’t rustle up that son of a bitch.”

He points in a direction to our right.

“There’s a fellow buried over there who was as notorious as they come. Jim Miller was his name, though most folks called him

‘Deacon Jim’ in his day. Don’t let that church-going nickname fool you,” he says before continuing.

By the time an angry mob strung him up in Ada, Oklahoma, in 1909, he had the blood of dozens of men on his hands. Some say it all started right back here in Texas, near Gatesville, when he was accused of killing his brotherin-law. That was the first time he was accused, but it sure wouldn’t be the last.

Jim eventually became a hitman, all the while carrying

himself as a gentleman preacher. He didn’t drink or cuss, and went to church regularly, and he always wore fine clothes too, including a diamond ring on his finger, stick pin on his coat, and that long black frock coat even in the blazing Texas heat.

“It was hot here then, too,” Alex says. Fort Worth was where he lived, but his work took him across the Southwest.

Jim killed upwards of 50 people, they say, and got away with every one of them — mostly because witnesses wound up dead — until Ada, where he killed a rancher and former U.S. marshal.

Jim was arrested, but the townsfolk weren’t waiting on due process. A mob of about 200 stormed the jail and dragged Jim and three other men to a stable.

Alex continues: “As the noose was going over his head, Jim asked for two things — that his diamond ring be sent to his wife and that he be allowed to wear his black hat, which, as gentlemen, they permitted. Then he straightened himself up, looked out at the mob, and said, ‘Let ‘er rip.’”

That was that. Jim Miller was returned to Fort Worth for proper burial.

To our left as we walk up the road is a section for soldiers of the Confederacy. A memorial pays homage to their service. Edgy, I think.

Another voice suddenly breaks in.

terms as mayor and oversaw the organization of the city’s public schools, remaining one of their strongest advocates.

He went to Franklin College in Indiana and then entered Bethany College in West Virginia. The same year he graduated with honors, he moved to Fort Worth. The move to Texas was transformational for both.

“Fort Worth was little more than an abandoned fort at that time when I got here in the early 1850s,” he says to me. Peter says he taught in the town’s first school, established in an old hospital.

That school was the foundation for AddRan Christian University. Addison Clark got his first classroom experience there under

Charles Culberson

“Folks think Texas marched in lockstep to secession, but here in Tarrant County the difference was just 28 ballots out of more than 700,” the man says to me. “It was neighbor against neighbor, and the tally could have tipped the other way with a handful of men changing their minds.”

It’s John Peter Friggin Smith, I say out loud to no one in particular.

“Call me Peter,” he says.

The “Father of Fort Worth,” Peter Smith served three

“I wonder whatever happened to AddRan,” Peter asks to no one in particular.

“It’s TCU! It’s in Fort Worth,” I answer.

Alex appears not to hear me. He was alive when TCU moved to Fort Worth in 1910. Peter simply ignored me. He died in 1901 in St. Louis on a trip to bring commerce to Fort Worth. By then he was the largest landowner in Fort Worth. Some of that he donated for this very cemetery, Peter says before getting back to the topic: secession.

“I did my damnedest to stop it. I was with Sam Houston and Throckmorton and, here, Middleton Tate Johnson in opposing raising a new flag.”

Tarrant County was pretty equally divided, likely because of Peter Smith’s opposition to leaving. Once it was decided, however, Peter went off to fight for the Confederacy.

After the war, Peter returned home to practice law and deal in real estate, quickly rising in Fort Worth society as one of its largest landowners. He was a leading advocate for moving the county seat from Birdville.

“Was it true, the story about Fort Worth stealing a barrel of whiskey out of Birdville and giving it out to voters as incentive to get to the polls,” I ask.

“Just a legend,” he says. Or was it?

Peter, who turned down a number of overtures to run for governor, backed key projects like the Fort Worth Street Railway and the Texas & Pacific Railroad. By the 1880s and into the 1890s, his influence extended to building the city’s first stockyard and supporting countless cattlemen and business ventures that shaped Fort Worth’s growth.

“I was there that afternoon when the great concourse followed his body to its final resting place,” Alex says. “It was the largest gathering anybody can remember ever seeing to honor the dead in Fort Worth. I stood among his countless admirers, all of us mourning the loss of Fort Worth’s best friend and one of Texas’ greatest citizens.”

I follow Peter, who began to walk. I turned to find Alex, but he was suddenly nowhere to be seen.

“Another antisecessionist was David Culberson in East Texas,” says Peter, before being interrupted. A very dapper man stood before me.

“He voted against it in the Texas Legislature,” says this new man, who takes over the story. “But, defeated, he served his state in the Confederacy. Good afternoon, I’m Charles Culberson. David Culberson was my father. He’s out in East Texas.”

Charles Culberson — who arrived in Oakwood in 1925 — has always intrigued me. He is in the Harrison plot, very near the mausoleums of Burk Burnett and John Slaughter, as well as K.M. Van Zandt.

“I summoned that special session not for spectacle, but for duty — to place upon our statute-books a law making prize-fighting a felony,” Charles says to me. “Such exhibitions, as practiced in many places, are incompatible with the morals and safety of our citizens. Texas must refuse to sanction cruelty under the guise of sport and must draw a firm line: If men wish to strike blows for gain, then law must interpose and forbid.”

Joe Pate

Though his father went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, the son grew up to become a darling of Texas politics — attorney general, governor, and a member of the U.S. Senate, where he served for almost 25 years.

Culberson’s mark as governor was a special session in 1895 to ban boxing. He had a Prohibitionist’s zeal against the sport.

That effort to stop the fight in Dallas between James Corbett and Bob Fitzsimmons eventually turned to spectacle. In the end, Roy Bean held a fight between Fitzsimmons and Peter Maher on a sandbar in the Rio Grande, on the Mexico side, spitting in the face of the law and Charles Culberson.

“That exhibition upon the Mexican bank of the Rio Grande was not a triumph of sport but a mockery of law,” Culberson says, now seemingly preaching to me. “It was a deliberate attempt to evade the sovereignty of Texas and to flout the authority of this office. Let no man mistake it — when individuals stage such spectacles within sight of our soil, thumbing their noses at statute and order, they do violence not only to the letter of our law but to the dignity of the state itself.”

Culberson made his mark, however, in the Senate as a friend of President Woodrow Wilson. In 1912, he introduced Texas to Wilson, the rising political star, at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. It would lead to Texas going Wilson at the Baltimore convention and, ultimately, presidential triumph.

Once Wilson reached the White House, Culberson, and even more so his political rainmaker, Col. Edward House, became one of the president’s closest friends and most reliable allies in Congress. When the reformminded Wilson needed a steady hand in the Senate, it was Culberson he turned to.

“I voted for him twice,” says Alex, having suddenly

reappeared, of Wilson. Alex dabbled in politics. In fact, he was an alternate delegate to the state Democratic convention in San Antonio in 1916.

“That was an all-Wilson conclave,” he says. “The ‘Harmony Doctrine.’”

Culberson, looking a little annoyed at Alex’s interruption, supported Wilson’s efforts for a permanent peace through the Treaty of Versailles.

“Though my own fortunes waned, I left Washington certain that history would judge our failure to ratify the treaty as a lost opportunity for America to lead wisely in the world,” he says.

No one in Texas saw Culberson for his reelection bid in 1916, the first direct election in Texas of that august body. He was too sick to come back to campaign. Rumors of his attachment to the bottle swept across the lips of muckrakers.

“I heard the whispers, and I will not pretend I am without frailty,” Culberson says to me with the flair of a lawyer making a closing argument.

“But I would remind those who judge that a man is not measured by his failings alone, but by his service to his state and country. If my hand has ever trembled from private weakness, it has never trembled in the discharge of my duty.”

He turns and walks away, never to return.

the dead — I’m guessing is Joe Pate.

“Me either,” Joe says. “I wasn’t there but a few years before we moved to Fort Worth.”

At Central High School — today we call it Paschal — Joe was a standout quarterback before turning to baseball. He went on to become a star pitcher for the Fort Worth Cats, where he spent eight seasons (1918–25) under legendary manager Jake Atz.

Pate won 30 games in both 1921 and 1924 — making him the only two-time 30-game winner in Texas League history — and added four more 20-win seasons during his tenure.

Adrienne Ames

I’m suddenly on my own, the senator having beat a path to somewhere, and dear, ol’ great-granddad taking a break — I guess.

I’d always heard that Fort Worth’s greatest ballplayer was here somewhere, though I’d never found his gravesite.

Joe Pate was born in Alice, Texas, in Jim Wells County.

“Do you know who Jim Wells was,” says this young man in a Fort Worth Cats baseball uniform.

“I don’t,” I say to a guy — I’m getting used to talking to

The Cats won five Dixie Series championships in six years with Pate as their ace, and in 1924 Amon Carter even took him to Washington, D.C., to meet President Calvin Coolidge after one of their victories.

“I’d pitched a lot of tough innings, but walking into the White House to shake hands with the President was something else entirely,” Joe says to me. “Mr. Coolidge wasn’t a man of many words — in fact, not surprisingly, he said very little. Baseball had carried a Fort Worth boy farther than I ever dreamed.”

In 1926, at age 34, Pate joined the Philadelphia Athletics under Connie Mack. He went 9-0 with a 2.71 ERA and six saves as a rookie, tying a major league record for most consecutive relief wins to start

During his two years with the Athletics, Pate shared the clubhouse with future Hall of Famers including Ty Cobb, Al Simmons, Mickey Cochrane, Jimmie Foxx, Eddie Collins, and Lefty Grove.

“Ty Cobb was fierce, sharp as barbed wire, and he played every inning like it was the last out of the World Series,” he says. “Just to wear the same uniform was something I never forgot.”

After returning to Fort Worth in 1928, he played eight

more years of minor-league ball before retiring. Later, he operated a newsstand and domino parlor.

“I thought running a newsstand and dealing dominoes would keep me busy, but truth be told, nothing ever filled the hole baseball left. Baseball wasn’t just what I did, it was who I was.”

Joe turns to the side as if something big were approaching.

There was something big approaching: a beautiful woman. Holy mackerel, I think to myself, as this glamorous young beauty walks toward us. She is wearing a long, form-fitting gown, its shimmering sequins shining brightly in this Texas sun. Her heels are, let’s just say, high.

“That’s Adrienne Ames,” Joe says to me.

“I am Adrienne Ames … once upon a time Ruth McClure of Fort Worth, Texas, but the world came to know me beneath the brightest lights.”

In the six years before her death, she was the voice of Hollywood and Broadway on WHN radio, broadcasting twice daily and interviewing leading celebrities.

“You reside here, I presume?” I asked.

“Yes,” she says.

The elegant Ms. Ames was often referred to as “the orchidaceous Miss Ames” and frequently listed among America’s best-dressed women.

Ames went on to star in numerous films throughout the 1930s, including “Twenty-Four Hours,” “The Road to Reno,” “Two Kinds of Women,” “From Hell to Heaven,” and “George White’s Scandals.”

She also had a Hollywood track record in matrimony, marrying three times, the first to Texas oilman Derward Truax.

“She died in 1947 at 39,” Joe says. “I died the next year.”

William Madison McDonald

After marrying New York broker Stephen Ames, she was introduced to Manhattan society. She continued her education, studying literature at Columbia University and art at the Metropolitan Museum. A vacation to Honolulu with her husband led to a detour in California, where striking photographs of her beauty caught the attention of Paramount executives. They offered her a contract without even a screen test.

“It still astonishes me,” she says. “A handful of photographs changed the course of my life.”

The tallest obelisk in Oakwood Cemetery sits on the plot that houses the remains of Fort Worth businessman William Madison McDonald, a pioneer in every sense of the word, a leader of the Texas Republican Party for more than 10 years as the founder of its “Black and Tan” faction that sprung to life in the late 1890s

That the obelisk faces the former Ellis Pecan Co., a former Ku Klux Klan hall, is no accident, at least according to lore. It was intentional, the placement of the monument, which he built some years before his death in 1950 at age 84.

“I’m not saying that’s true,” says McDonald, who has appeared in front of his memorial in the Trinity section of the cemetery. “I’m not saying it’s not true.”

McDonald rose to prominence as both a businessman and political leader, becoming, it is believed, the first Black millionaire in Texas.

“That’s true,” he says.

After the death of Norris Wright Cuney in 1897, McDonald assumed leadership of the Texas Republican Party. He forged a strong political alliance with Edward Howland Robinson Green, and together they led the “Black and Tans.” Though their control was challenged and briefly lost to the “Lily Whites” in 1900, McDonald and his allies regained influence in 1912 during the “Bull Moose” upheaval.

Alongside his political career, McDonald built a powerful business legacy in Fort Worth. With the backing of Black fraternal lodges, he founded the Fraternal Bank and Trust Company, which became the principal financial institution for Black Masonic lodges across Texas. This achievement cemented his reputation as both a savvy financier and a civic leader.

“I am most proud of the bank,” he says. “It was more than a business. With the support of our lodges, we created an institution that gave our community a measure of control over their own destiny. For years, it proved that Black enterprise could not only survive but thrive in Texas.”

McDonald had the obelisk erected as a memorial to his son, who died in 1918 while away at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“The day I lost my boy was the hardest of my life. He was only 20, just beginning, full of promise, with a mind set on helping his community. I had dreamed of handing him the burden and the blessing of leadership, but God saw fit to call him home before his time.”

W. T. Waggoner was the kind of man who seemed larger than life. His fortune stretched across oilfields and cattle ranges, but his heart beat to the rhythm of hooves.

“A horse will tell you more about yourself than any banker ever will,” says Tom Waggoner, who is standing just outside his grand mausoleum.

one of the richest men west of the Mississippi. His Wichita County lands sat atop one of the great oil pools of the Southwest, and while derricks eventually sprouted where cattle once grazed, he never lost his identity as a cowman.

He turned down offers in the tens of millions for his holdings, measuring success in the quality of herds, not in barrels of oil.

To Waggoner, cattle meant more than profit; they represented a way of life.

He still says to me on this day that it was water he was digging for, not oil, when crude

W. T. Waggoner

I immediately look for a way to remember what he just told me.

Tom Waggoner was one of Texas’ most remarkable sons. He was raised on the unforgiving frontier and carved out distinction as one of Texas’ most celebrated cattle barons — who with his father built one of the largest cattle operations in Texas — and landowners. On that land, he eventually found a lot of oil, becoming

“I wanted water, and they got me oil,” he says of the memory. “I was mad, mad clean through. I said, ‘Damn the oil. I want water.’

Oil may fatten a man’s purse, but cattle feed a man’s soul. I’ll take the herd over the derrick any day.”

He poured his fortune into causes that mattered to him: strengthening Fort Worth and supporting education and, perhaps most famously, realizing his dream of building Arlington Downs — one of the finest horse racing tracks in the nation.

There, his passion for good horses found a stage equal to his ambition.

Despite his immense fortune, Waggoner never traded simplicity for extravagance, as I witness on this day. He’s plainspoken, generous, and as oldfashioned as an old shoe.

He was a civic leader, pouring money and energy into his adopted city, Fort Worth. He funded dormitories and fine arts buildings at Texas Woman’s College, and he erected two of downtown’s landmark office towers — the Dan Waggoner and W. T. Waggoner buildings.

“Because in the end,” Tom says, “we will be judged in how we treated each other.”

Texas Capital strengthens its roots in Fort Worth.

Texas Capital drives community engagement, business growth and personalized financial services in all its markets — and Fort Worth is no different. As the city continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, Texas Capital is positioning itself as a key partner for local businesses and residents alike.

At the heart of this momentum are the recent appointments of Jennifer Baggs Kamacioglu to Fort Worth Market President and Rusty Anderson to Fort Worth Market Vice Chairman and Head of Business Development. With deep ties to the region and careers built on fostering meaningful relationships, they both bring strategic visions that align with the firm’s mission to serve Fort Worth with excellence and integrity.

“Fort Worth is a unique and vibrant community,” Baggs says. “It’s a place where tradition meets progress, and we’re proud to be part of that story. Our goal is to be more than a bank — we want to be a trusted partner in every stage of our clients’ journeys.”

Texas Capital’s priorities for the Fort Worth market over the next year include expanding its presence across key segments such as Middle Market, Business Banking, Consumer Banking, Private Banking and SBA lending. With a full-service platform that spans solutions from everyday banking to M&A advisory, the firm is uniquely equipped to support the diverse needs of Fort Worth’s business owners and entrepreneurs.

“Our clients are building the future of Fort Worth,” Anderson says. “We’re here to help them do that with confidence — providing tailored solutions, expert guidance and a commitment to going above and beyond expectations.”

Beyond its financial services, Texas Capital is deeply invested in the Fort Worth community. The firm’s employees regularly participate in volunteer initiatives that reflect its values and dedication to giving back. Recent efforts include helping build Opal Lee’s home in partnership with Trinity Habitat for Humanity, sorting clothing donations for Cornerstone Assistance Network’s resale shop and assembling educational kits for Junior

Achievement.

“These experiences are more than just volunteer hours,” Baggs says. “They’re opportunities to connect with our neighbors, support meaningful causes and contribute to the well-being of the community we serve.”

As Fort Worth’s banking landscape evolves, Texas Capital remains focused on delivering innovative solutions while maintaining the personalized service that has long defined its approach. The firm recognizes the competitive nature of the market but sees it as an opportunity to distinguish itself through collaboration and authenticity.

“There are always strong competitors in Fort Worth,” Baggs says. “But our focus is on delivering exceptional value and building lasting relationships. That’s what sets us apart.”

With a growing footprint and a leadership team committed to the city’s success, Texas Capital is poised to play an even greater role in Fort Worth’s future. Whether supporting a local startup, guiding a family through wealth planning or helping a business navigate expansion, the firm stands ready to serve with expertise, empathy and a deep understanding of what makes Fort Worth special.

To learn more about Texas Capital’s solutions or to connect with the Fort Worth team, call Texas Capital’s Fort Worth office at 817.852.4000 or visit texascapital.com.

WE MAKE SURE YOUR HEART WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO.

Our advanced heart services are designed to keep you doing what you love, with the people you love. With the expertise of our cardiologists, including the Cardiology and Vascular Associates of North Texas (CVANT) team, and advanced cardiothoracic procedures led by Dr. Bradford and Dr. Lin, we deliver care ranging from prevention, to complex surgeries, powered by the latest technology and a shared commitment to your health.

That’s the Huguley difference. TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart

Insist on Benjamin Moore paint for unmatchable color and luxury performance. There’s no substitution for quality. See the Love.

Alvaro S. Rios, MD Cardiology

Louis Cristol, MD Nuclear Cardiology

J. Vijay Jayachandran, MD Cardiac Electrophysiology

Jeffrey Lin, MD Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Amit Prasad, MD Cardiology

Deval Mehta, MD Interventional Cardiology

Darien Bradford, MD Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

by Brian Kendall

Breast Cancer Awareness:

Two Oncologists on Early Detection

They say pink has a calming effect — something I recall once hearing that my limited Googling confirms. Thus, I assume we’re in for a less anxiety-inducing October when pink’s abundance soars in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society in partnership with AstraZeneca, the purpose of dubbing the tenth month of the year National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was to promote one of the key tools in early breast cancer detection: mammograms.

In the U.S., one in eight women (13%) will develop invasive breast cancer — meaning cancer cells have broken out of the lining of the ducts and begun to spread — in their lifetime. Mammograms ºcan potentially detect cancer cells while they remain in the ducts (Stage 0), making the cancer far more treatable — a cure rate of 99% according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. On the flip side, someone who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer has a survival rate of 31%, according to the same study. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of women over the age of 40 forgo annual mammograms.

We spoke with two Fort Worth oncologists, Dr. Lauren Ramsey, medical director of breast surgery at JPS Health, and Dr. Rachel Leigh Theriault of Texas Oncology, who is on the medical staff of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, to discuss early detection, mammogram misconceptions, and what the future holds for treatments.

FW: What are the most common misconceptions patients have about mammograms and early detection, and

how do those misconceptions impact outcomes?

Dr. Lauren Ramsey: I think a misconception is that if you have a normal breast exam or if you don’t feel anything, then you don’t need a mammogram. But that’s actually not the case because some cancers can be very small, and mammograms can help us find them. And the earlier we find cancer, the more treatment options we have. Then maybe we can do a less aggressive surgery. We might not have to do the surgery where the woman has to remove all of her breasts. We can do what’s called a lumpectomy where we only remove the small area where the cancer was.

Dr. Rachel Leigh Theriault: People think [mammograms] hurt. And as a woman who has had mammograms, I’m not going to tell you it’s comfortable, but it’s tolerable. I tell folks there’s no reason not to take a couple ibuprofen an hour beforehand, then get it done. I’m also frequently asked whether mammograms have radiation that causes cancer. And I tell them, the amount of radiation you get in a mammogram is comparable to the amount of radiation you would get on a three-hour airplane flight. And no one’s limiting their trips to the Caribbean because of fear of radiation. The risk is exceedingly low.

FW: What lifestyle or genetic factors do you wish more people understood about their risk for breast cancer?

LR: When it comes to risk factors, there are two kinds: modifiable factors and non-modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors are things you cannot change, like genetics. And within genetics, there are two mutations that would put women at higher risk: BRCA1 and BRCA2. And people would be alerted

to their risk of having these mutations based on their family history and could see a genetic counselor to do an assessment. But this accounts for only 5% to 10% of cancers.

RLT: Most of breast cancers are what we call sporadic, meaning they occur for reasons we don’t totally understand. Lifestyle things that we know help limit the risk of breast cancer are maintaining a healthy body weight — and not just the number on the scale, but body composition — and doing 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. That’s a 30-minute walk most days. And then alcohol increases one’s risk. Unfortunately, wine is delicious, but the more we learn about alcohol, the more we learn that it is not great for our bodies, and it has been shown to increase risk.

FW: What are some of the most promising recent advances in breast cancer treatment, and how are they changing survival rates or quality of life?

LR: We’ve moved from a one-size-fitsall therapy to more personalized care. There’s also been advancements with medications that target specific types of cancer, surgery techniques, and radiation. When it comes to surgery, we now might be able to preserve the nipple and perform less aggressive surgeries. And the same thing with radiation. We used to have to target the entire chest, but now we can do targeted radiation, so there are less side effects.

RLT: Early detection will always be key. That said, in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, my role is lowering the risk of recurrence with medications. And in women who unfortunately have developed Stage 4 disease, which is not curable, my role is trying to keep their disease in check so they can live their lives. So, we’ve continued studies of new medications to lower the risk of recurrence and then control the cancer if, God forbid, it comes back. My hope is that we begin using traditional chemotherapy much less and, instead, discover more ways to target the immune system to help us fight cancer.

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Treating Breast Cancer While Protecting the Heart

Texas Center for Proton Therapy is at the forefront of radiation therapy that reduces cardiac risks

IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT, radiation oncologists increasingly aim to protect the heart from unnecessary radiation, and Dallas/Ft. Worth-based Texas Center for Proton Therapy finds its high-end technology well positioned for the trend.

The move toward avoiding exposing cardiac tissue to radiation is an evolution in care that can make a significant difference in women’s heart health later in life, explains Jared Sturgeon, M.D., Ph.D., a radiation oncologist at Texas Center for Proton Therapy. “Excess radiation can damage several critical areas of the heart, which can lead to a higher risk of coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction and heart failure,” he says.

With the most advanced proton therapy in the state, the Center provides an excellent option for protecting women’s hearts, Dr. Sturgeon says. “Our technology is especially suited to concentrating treatment on the target tissue and avoiding the heart and lungs,” he says. “Proton therapy uses a focused beam only a few millimeters wide to precisely ‘paint’ the target with therapeutic proton radiation, minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissue.”

In fact, proton therapy consistently demonstrates the lowest average dose to the heart in treatments of the breast, the chest wall and nearby lymph nodes, according to a major study by University of Oxford researchers published in the November 2015 International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.

Advanced targeting technology is also crucial for avoiding needless irradiation of the heart at Texas Center for Proton Therapy. “With its pinpoint accuracy, our proton beam treats tumors layer by layer, in three dimensions,” Dr. Sturgeon says. “With our advanced technology, we can also ensure that the proton beam doesn’t exit the body through tissue that shouldn’t be exposed to radiation.”

Additionally, the Center’s cone-beam CT image guidance system provides clinicians a three-dimensional view of a patient’s anatomy, allowing them to develop a tailored approach. Using the CT imaging scans, the Center’s physicists, dosimetrists (who calculate radiation doses) and radiation oncologists program the proton beam equipment to deliver the optimal dose to each target tissue, even if it’s irregularly shaped.

While the field of oncology continues shaving down cardiac risks related to breast cancer treatment, Texas Center for Proton Therapy plans to keep getting the most out of its considerable technology and expertise. “We’re dedicated to providing our patients the best possible treatment for their immediate needs and for years to come,” Dr. Sturgeon says.

THE NATION’S LEADING TEAM OF BREAST CANCER EXPERTS IS YOURS

When you fight breast cancer with Texas Oncology, your care is shaped by the collective experience of hundreds of oncologists, surgeons, and support staff. It’s shaped by access to the latest clinical trials, leading-edge surgical approaches, genetic risk evaluation, advanced treatment like proton therapy, and specialized expertise for both cancerous and non-cancerous breast conditions. And it’s driven by our commitment to innovation.

Every patient we’ve treated, every lesson learned, helps us focus on improving your quality of life throughout treatment, making us the leader in fighting your cancer.

A Part of Texas Oncology

Health Care Professionals

The partnership between you and your doctor is one of the most vital pairings for a happy and fit lifestyle. In matters of health, you should never settle. Selecting the right practitioner can make all the difference. To aid in choosing the perfect person for your medical needs, a few local physicians have purchased space to tell you more about themselves, their practices, and how partnering with them will improve your quality of life.

The information in this section is provided by the advertisers and has not been independently verified by Fort Worth Magazine.

Accent On You

Cosmetic Surgery Center and Medical Spa

Y. Anthony Nakamura, M.D., P.A.

Sameer H. Halani, M.D.

SPECIALTY: Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery.

EDUCATION: Dr. Nakamura – B.A., UT Austin; Surgical Training, LSU (General Surgery) and UTMB (Plastic Surgery). Dr. Halani – B.A., Emory University; M.D., Emory University School of Medicine; Surgical Training, UT Southwestern (Integrated Plastic Surgery). CERTIFICATIONS: Dr. Nakamura – BoardCertified Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Halani – Board-Eligible Plastic Surgeon. RISING STAR: Newly joined Dr. Halani heads the facial aesthetic surgery of Accent On You. In this role, Dr. Halani has demonstrated the ability to set a clear and compelling vision for the team in providing natural, elegant results for their patients. OUR PRACTICE – WHAT SETS US APART: Meticulous in nature with a combined 35+ years of experience focusing on aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. COSMETIC SURGERY CENTER SERVICES: Aesthetic facial surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, body contouring, tummy tuck, waist tuck, and mommy makeovers. MEDI SPA SERVICES: Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation with injectables including neurotoxin (Botox), facial fillers, lip enhancement, Sculptra/ Radiesse, SkinPen Microneedling, ZO Skin Health, Revisions Skincare, and ISDIN. PATIENT CARE: Our goal is to rejuvenate you with an elegant, beautiful, and natural appearance. Our state-of-the-art facility includes a surgery center that is QUAD A accredited, with a medical spa, ensuring the highest level of patient care. PICTURED: Sameer H. Halani, M.D., and Y. Anthony Nakamura, M.D.

Accent On You

3030 S. Cooper St., Arlington 76015 817.417.7200 | Fax 817.417.7300 accentonyou.com

Executive Medicine of Texas

MEDICAL SPECIALTY: Concierge Medicine, Executive Physical Exams, Age Management. EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: J.

Mark Anderson, M.D., MPH, DABFM – M.D., University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine; Master of Public Health, University of Michigan; Certified, Age Management Medicine Education Foundation. Walter Gaman, M.D., FABFM – M.D. in Infectious Disease, University of Manitoba; Fellow of the American Board of Family Medicine; Strategic Management, Harvard Extension School. Roshni Patel, M.D. – M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center;

degree in Neurobiology from Harvard University; board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Terrence Feehery, D.O. – D.O., Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; member of the American Academy of Family Physicians; Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the TCU Burnett School of Medicine. Mary Ward, D.O. – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center; board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine; board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. AWARDS/HONORS: Top Doctors Top Physicians, 2018 - 2020; Tops in Tarrant, 2019 - 2023, DFW

Favorites, 2024 - 2025; Top Docs in America, 2024 - 2025. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Our founding partners (Drs. Mark Anderson and Walter Gaman) are published authors and co-host the Stay Young America! podcast. INNOVATIONS: We are dedicated to bringing new and exciting options to our clients including, but not limited to: Peptide Therapy, Virtual Colonoscopy, DNA Testing, Red Light Therapy, Brain Mapping, and Neurofeedback. UNIQUE PATIENT CARE: Executive Medicine of Texas helps busy individuals get their energy and health back so that they can do more of what they were meant to do. FREE ADVICE: Investing in your health today

ensures you’ll be there for your loved ones tomorrow. PICTURED: J. Mark Anderson, M.D., MPH, DABFM; Walter Gaman, M.D., FABFM; Roshni Patel, M.D.; Terrence Feehery, D.O.; Mary Ward, D.O.

Executive Medicine of Texas 2106 E. State Hwy. 114, Ste. 300 Southlake 76092

817.552.4300

Fax 817.552.4301

EMTexas.com

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./ PerroneRX, LLC

SPECIALTY: Established in 1952, we proudly hold the distinction of being the oldest family-owned pharmacy in Tarrant County. For more than seven decades, our commitment to innovation and personalized care has allowed us to serve a diverse range of patients and health care institutions across the region. We compound sterile medications for investigational drug studies, for patients of local hospitals and clinics, and for individual patients with unique medical conditions. In addition, we provide mobile immunization services to employers, assisted living communities, local churches, and charitable organizations. We also dispense and deliver medications for patients admitted to more than 60 hospices throughout DFW.

WHAT SETS THEM APART:

Institutions and patients should choose us because of our breadth of service offerings, our accessibility, and the depth of pharmacist clinical knowledge (over 220 years of combined pharmacist team experience). The contract services division, PerroneRX, LLC, is open 24/7, and our retail division, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc., is open seven days a week. We maintain our own fleet, covering the DFW area, making over 300 deliveries a day.

INNOVATIONS: We stay current with industry trends and innovations through memberships in professional trade organizations, sending our leadership to seminars and conferences. We utilize third parties to test our labs, our processes, and our

compounded products. PICTURED: (seated) Gabretta Guerin, RPh; Paula Perrone, J.D., Owner Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX,LLC; (standing) Paloma Garza, PharmD; Heather Wessner, PharmD, Pharmacist-in-Charge, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc.; Marcus Zavala, PharmD, Chief Pharmacist Officer, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./ PerroneRX, LLC, Pharmacist-in-Charge, PerroneRX, LLC; Russel Whisenhunt, RPh; Stephen Sibley, RPh; and Megan Lee, PharmD. NOT PICTURED: Patricia Diaz, RPh; Wendy Fleig, RPh; Jacob Johnson, PharmD; Mi Lam, PharmD; and Haley McKeefer, PharmD.

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX, LLC 3921 Benbrook Highway Fort Worth 76116 817.738.2135 perronepharmacy.com info@perronerx.com

MEDICAL SPECIALTY: Audiology, Lenire Tinnitus Treatment Device, hearing aid prescription, fitting, real ear verification of hearing aid fitting, and expert follow-up care.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Dr. Diane Blaising - Doctor of Audiology, A.T. Still University for Health Sciences; Master of Science in Communication Disorders, University of Texas at Dallas; Certifications – American Board of Audiology, American Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology; Certified Lenire tinnitus treatment device provider. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Cityview Audiology is careful to fit each patient with the hearing aid that meets their needs and uses advanced real ear measures to ensure that the programming in the hearing aid is perfect for their hearing needs. Also, Cityview Audiology is the only practice in Fort Worth that is certified to provide the FDAapproved Lenire tinnitus treatment device. HOW THEY CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS: Improving our patients’ quality of life is the focus of our practice. FREE ADVICE: The best thing you can do for your long-term health is to act sooner rather than later to assess your hearing ability.

Cityview Audiology & Hearing Aids

5701 Bryant Irvin Road, Ste. 202 Fort Worth 76132 817.263.1800 info@cityviewhearing.com cityviewhearing.com

Dermatology Specialists of Fort Worth

MEDICAL SPECIALTY: The providers of Dermatology Specialists of Fort Worth (DSFW) strive to provide the highest quality care for all patients with skin conditions. Board-certified physicians, Dr. Tatyana Yetto, Dr. Heather Volkman, Dr. Robin Roberts, and Dr. Catherine Harrell and physician assistants, Michelle Brannan and Kimbell Hall, provide surgical, medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatological care with an emphasis on the individual needs of each patient. EDUCATION: The DSFW providers were educated at prestigious and highly ranked academic institutions, including Baylor University, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Texas Tech University, Emory University, University of North Texas Health Science Center, and Case Western Reserve University. In addition, they participate in the education of medical students and residents, including assistant professorships at the Texas Christian University Burnett School of Medicine. WHAT SETS THEM APART: DSFW providers diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. They provide comprehensive care for skin cancer, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, warts, autoimmune diseases, hair loss, moles, hyperhidrosis and other complex skin conditions. Together with Raegan Stokes, licensed aesthetician, DSFW also offers cosmetic procedures such as injectables, microneedling, laser treatments, and chemical peels. PICTURED: PICTURED: (From front, left to right) Tatyana Yetto, M.D.; Heather Volkman, D.O.; Catherine Harrell, M.D.; Raegan Stokes, LE; Michelle Brannan, PA-C; Kimbell Hall, PA-C.

Dermatology Specialists of Fort Worth 6131 Southwest Blvd., Ste. 100 Benbrook 76132 817.989.1221

fwdermatology.com

Fort Worth Pharmacy, LLC

MEDICAL SPECIALTY: Compounding specialists; compounded medications. EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATIONS: Owner Creighton Maynard, RPh, MBA, Fellow American College of Apothecaries, Fellow International Academy of Compounding Pharmacy, Fellow Academy of Veterinary Compounding Pharmacy. AWARDS/HONORS: DFW Favorites; Best of Fort Worth. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Professional Compounding Centers of America, Texas Pharmacy Association, American Pharmacists Association, National Community Pharmacists Association. INNOVATIONS: We specialize in customized compounded medications to fit the individual needs of the patients. UNIQUE PATIENT CARE: We love our patients! We are a people company in the compound pharmacy business. FREE ADVICE: You have the right to choose your pharmacy and who you do business with.

Fort Worth Pharmacy, LLC 7833 Oakmont Blvd., Ste 120 Fort Worth 76132 817.361.9960 FWPharm.com

SPECIALTY: Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center is limited to the treatment of snoring, sleep apnea, and TMD. EDUCATION: Baylor College of Dentistry, DDS in 1985. HONORS: Fellow with American Academy of Craniofacial Pain; Diplomate with American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine. MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Member of Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, American Academy of Orofacial Pain. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: Achieving board certification in Dental Sleep Medicine. UNIQUE PATIENT CARE: We give patients an option to treat their snoring or sleep apnea without the use of a CPAP machine and almost always without requiring patients to sleep overnight in a sleep lab. Most major health insurance policies cover the treatment. FREE ADVICE: Don’t believe snoring is just a nuisance. It is usually a sign of a potentially deadly disorder called sleep apnea. PICTURED: Dr. Mitch Conditt.

Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center

451 University Drive, Ste. 102 Fort Worth 76107

817.502.9449

fortworthsnoringandsleepcenter.com office@fortworthsnoringandsleepcenter.com

Dr. Mitch Conditt

Fort Worth Snoring and Sleep Center

Martin Reinke, M.D.

SPECIALTY: Ophthalmology: cataract surgery, premium lens implants (Toric Lens, PanOptix, Vivity, Tecnis Odyssey), diseases of the retina and vitreous, diabetic retinopathy/ lasers, macular degeneration, glaucoma treatment. EDUCATION: B.A., magna cum laude, Harvard University, 1986; M.D., University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, 1990; Ophthalmology Residency, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, 1995; Vitreoretinal Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1997. CERTIFICATIONS: Board Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology.

AWARDS: Physician’s Recognition Award, American Medical Association.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Texas Ophthalmological Association, Texas Medical Association, Tarrant County Medical Society. AFFILIATIONS: Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Las Colinas, Baylor Scott & White-Irving, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Texas Health Surgery Center Arlington. PATIENT CARE: A commitment to excellence in eye care is enhanced by our outstanding, caring staff. Dr. Reinke is a uniquely talented surgeon who personally provides all preoperative and postoperative care. PICTURED: Dr. Martin Reinke.

Reinke Eye and Laser Center

1310 N. White Chapel Blvd. • Southlake 76092

817.310.6080 • Fax 817.310.6014

1916 Central Drive • Bedford 76021 817.283.6607 • Fax 817.283.2674

7433 Las Colinas Blvd. • Irving 75063 972.556.1915 • Fax 972.556.1877

reinke.southlake@gmail.com dfwlasercataract.com

Reinke Eye and Laser Center

HONORING katie farmer

PRESIDENT & CEO, BNSF RAILWAY

The Distinguished Citizen Award luncheon honors Individuals who share Scouting’s belief in leadership, Determination, and values. HONOREES have contributed significantly to Wednesday, November 12, 2025 11:30AM • The barn • HOTEL DROVER

»

LOCAL EATS AND RESTAURANT NEWS

78

What’s Up, Dog?

In the middle of a parking lot on the city’s East Side, Jesus Luis cooks up Sonoranstyle hot dogs, slathering them in melted cheese, mustard, grilled onions, and Hot Cheetos dust, earning him a whopping 25,000 followers on Instagram.

WHAT WE’RE CHEWING OVER THIS MONTH:

On page 142 A new mom-and-pop food trailer on Camp Bowie is adding some Philly soul to the city’s cold treats scene. On page 144 The Capital Grille resurrects its wildly popular Wagyu and Wine burger menu; Coco Shrimp swims ashore in Mansfield; and other foodie news.

by Malcolm Mayhew

Not Your Average Frank

El Buda Hot Dogs brings a Sonoran street food sensation to Fort Worth’s East Side

On a recent Friday night, my wife and I lined up in the parking lot of a birria restaurant on the city’s East Side, waiting to have dinner. But as is often the case with our food expeditions, things were not exactly as they seemed. We

weren’t, in fact, lining up for birria. We were there for hot dogs.

Outside the restaurant, under a jet black/Corvette-red canopy emblazoned with the name El Buda Hot Dogs, Jesus Luis grilled franks on a

large, portable, flattop grill, sending the smell of Fourth of July and backyard cookouts up and down East Seminary. Each frank was wrapped in bacon — a double-whammy of mouthwatering fragrances, as you can imagine. He and a small crew of helpers dressed the dogs in grilled onions, melted cheese, mustard and … Hot Cheetos dust — a new way, for me at least, to eat a hot dog.

After getting our food, we did what most other diners were doing: eating in or on their cars, using their hoods, tailgates, and waybacks as tables. We ate these fantastic dogs against a backdrop of kids playing and adults visiting, a communal and lively scene that felt like a neighborhood gathering.

For the past two years, Luis and his wife, Ana Jimenez, have been setting this scene in the parking lot of Luis’ family restaurant, Birrieria Tres Coronas. Luis works as a cook and manager at the restaurant, but every Friday night, starting around 7 and going until midnight or so, he and his wife — along with other family members — set up a pair of flattop grills here and serve Mexican hot dogs to a seemingly endless line of regulars and curious foodies.

To call them superstars would be somewhat of an understatement. In that short amount of time, El Buda Hot Dogs has amassed a tremendous following — 24K followers alone on Instagram.

Photos by Thanin Viriyaki

Jesus Luis serves hundreds of hot dogs to hungry Fort Worthians every Friday night.

Everyone loves bacon.

“It’s crazy to think that when I started out, it was just me and my daughter, who was 6 or 7 at the time, just helping dad,” Luis says. “But we started getting so many people, I had to bring in my wife, then my brother-in-law, and then my sister-in-law, then I had to buy bigger grills. It’s been crazy.”

El Buda’s hot dogs aren’t the average

ballpark franks. Its Mexican hot dogs, or “dogos” as they’re known in Mexico, are culinary wonders that elevate a simple hot dog into a flavor-packed feast. Styled after the popular Sonoran hot dog, they feature a bacon-wrapped frank tucked into a large, soft bun, perfect for holding a wide range of toppings. On the side comes a roasted chili pepper, adding a smoky, mild heat to the experience.

While Luis’ dogs are in step with Sonoran style, they’re tricked out with personal touches. Hot melted cheese, for instance, is poured on, if you want, along with dustings of Hot Cheetos. Tack on grilled jalapenos, pico de gallo, mustard, and mayo, and you’ve got one of the best handhelds in Fort Worth.

Luis’ passion project started with a much simpler hot dog. While running errands for his parents’ restaurant, he grabbed a dog at Home Depot, sparking the idea. As someone who witnessed firsthand the boom in

popularity for birria, Luis says he recognized the potential in bringing Mexican hot dogs to a city hungry for new street food.

“It just seemed like a good idea, a good way to bring people in the neighborhood together,” says Luis, a native of California who was raised in Fort Worth. “Who doesn’t love a good hot dog? But I knew I wanted to do more than just regular hot dogs.”

That need to offer something different can maybe be attributed to his parents, Maria and Jesus Sr., whose restaurant specializes in a lesser-known — but equally great — form of birria: lamb. Most restaurants that serve birria use beef or goat.

“I knew when I started this, I wanted to do something no one else was doing,” he says. “That’s when I thought about adding the nacho cheese, which everyone seems to love here, and then I thought about the Hot Cheetos dust. Everyone loves Hot Cheetos. I wanted to find some toppings and ingredients that people would remember us for.”

To cook his hot dogs, Luis and his helpers use a pair of city-approved commercial-grade grills. The real thrill of eating at El Buda is watching them work, as plumes of smoke rise and the smell of sizzling franks and bacon drift around them. No wonder there’s usually a line.

El Buda Hot Dogs, 1150 E. Seminary Drive, instagram.com/hotdogselbuda

El Buda owner Jesus Luis with a grill full of goodness. Below, the line for El Buda’s Sonoran-style dogs.

El Buda’s husband-wife team, Jesus Luis and Ana Jimenez

by Malcolm Mayhew

Breaking the Ice

A new mom-and-pop food truck is bringing Philly-style cold treats to Fort Worth’s West Side

If you think all Italian ices are created the same, you obviously haven’t met Douglas Cappleman and his wife Kristine Tonkin — and clearly, you haven’t visited their West Side Italian ice trailer, Pop-Pop Feducchi’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream.

Not only will they serve you an outstanding Italian ice, in flavors both traditional and unique, ranging from cherry to Mangonada Magic, they’ll offer you a lesson in the differences between their Italian ices and everybody else’s.

Theirs, they say, is Philly-style. It differs from those you can get at chain

Italian shops in that theirs are made from all-natural ingredients.

“A Philadelphia-style Italian ice is made with three ingredients: fruit, sugar, and water, and that’s it,” says Tonkin. “Some places, instead of using real fruit, they’ll use syrup. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not how we make them. It’s not the Italian ices I grew up on.”

Makes sense the couple would gravitate toward this style of Italian ices — Tonkin is, after all, a Philly expat. As a kid, she fell in love with Italian ices in the same way that many of us Texans

fell in love with sno-cones, a close relative of the Italian ice. Summer nights, a cold treat, surrounded by friends and family — these are the memories and experiences that inspired her to, after years of dreaming and planning, open the trailer this past summer; it’s parked at the Rivercrest Service Center on Camp Bowie.

While Italian ices aren’t as prevalent locally as sno-cones, they’re becoming more well-known, thanks to the arrival of Rita’s Italian Ice, a chain with locations in Arlington and the mid-cities.

Italian ices differ greatly from sno-cones in two significant ways: the texture of the ice and how they’re flavored.

“The texture of the ice for an Italian ice is fluffy and soft,” Cappleman says. “The texture is way smoother than a sno-cone. There’s special equipment you need to make Italian ices if you want to do them right.”

In putting together their Italian ice trailer, they traveled to Indiana to purchase an authentic Italian ice machine.

All-natural ingredients, the couple says, give Italian ices their distinct flavor, setting them apart from sno-cones and other cold and frozen treats.

“It’s both the ice and what’s mixed into the ice,” Tonkin says. “We use fresh fruit for all of our ices. You can see and taste and feel little chunks of it in every bite.”

West-Siders have been lining up ever since the couple launched the trailer in July. But that’s not just because of their Italian ices. They also serve — and make themselves — Philly-style ice cream.

Philadelphia-style ice cream, Tonkin says, is ice cream made without eggs, as opposed to the more common French-

Photos by Olaf Growald

Philadelphia native Kristine Tonkin serves Philly-style Italian ices and ice cream.

Pop-Pop’s sweet treats

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style ice cream, which uses a custard base.

“Not having any eggs in the base makes it lighter and creamier,” Tonkin says. “It doesn’t weigh on you as heavily.”

Their ice cream flavors are craft inspired: banana pudding, Orange Cloud Cream, Darker Chocolate, and pandan. Again, instead of artificial flavorings, they use real ingredients, from chopped up bits of chocolate, crumbled cookies, and for Checkmate, their must-get ice cream flavor, real pieces of chess pie.

Admittedly, they say, it’s a lot of work.

“There are a lot of shortcuts we could take, that’s for sure,” Cappleman says. “Part of the fun of doing this is the work involved and then seeing the results of that work, seeing people say, ‘This is great’ or seeing the same people come back over and over, making their way through the menu.”

Tonkin says the trailer’s name was inspired by her family. One of her grandfathers was from Italy, and he nicknamed her “Feducchi.”

“He nicknamed all of us Feducchi,” she says, laughing. “That’s just what he called all the kids. I was Feducchi, my sister was Feducchi.”

And “pop pop,” she says, was a common nickname given to grandfathers in Philly. “I called both of my grandfathers ‘pop pop.’ When I first started dreaming about doing this, I knew I wanted to pay tribute to them, so this is me honoring them, remembering them.”

Currently, Pop-Pop’s is only open weekend evenings. The two still have day jobs — careers in the transportation industry, actually, that they’ve invested their lives in. He’s a local truck driver; she works as a merchant and channel partner manager.

Unlike some people who get the restaurant bug and jettison their careers to pursue a life of food, Tonkin and Cappleman are moving slowly, seeing how things unfold, taking this one step at a time, they say.

Instead of a brick-and-mortar, the two are dreaming about opening another, far less headache-inducing venture: a commercial kitchen.

“That, right now, is the ultimate goal for us, to have some more space,” Tonkin says, laughing. “Have you worked in a food truck? Have you ever tried to make things from scratch in a food truck? There’s not a lot of space. So, what we’d really love is a big commercial kitchen where we’d have some storage, some room to move around and cook — and then have a walk-up window for customers.

“I don’t think I’d ever want to give up our trailer, to be honest,” she says. “It’s been such a dream to get it that I don’t think I’d ever want to lose it.”

Pop-Pop Feducchi’s Italian Ice and Ice Cream, 4621 Camp Bowie Blvd., instagram.com/poppopfeducchis

The Chowtown Lowdown

Downtown’s Capital Grille has announced the return of its annual Wagyu & Wine pairing experience, available now through Nov. 16. The limited-time menu, offered in the restaurant’s lounge, features a selection of three gourmet wagyu burgers starting at $35. Each burger is paired with a different wine from acclaimed winemaker Dave Phinney. Wines include, according to a release, vintages rarely offered by the glass. Pairing options include the Grille’s signature wagyu cheeseburger with a glass of Advice from John merlot; a wagyu blue cheese and black truffle burger paired with Palermo cabernet; and the Roasted Wild Mushroom and Jarlsberg Burger with a choice of 8 Years in the Desert or Acolytes pinot noir. All burgers are served with housemade fries, and you can upgrade your side to chips and caviar for an additional $20. thecapitalgrille.com

Mansfield is seeing a surplus of new restaurants. A new location of Fort Worth-born Coco Shrimp has opened at 2301 E. Broad St. Just a few blocks away you’ll find a newly opened Itadaki Ramen at 2301 E. Broad St. I’ve eaten at the Arlington location, and it’s solid. Also new in Mansfield is Happy Buns, an Asian restaurant — at 3341 E. Broad St. — that specializes in housemade pan-fried buns, dumplings, and noodles. Try the black truffle soup dumplings and the beef-stuffed scallion pancakes. Both are excellent. The restaurant is a new concept from the owners of Akarii Revolving Sushi. happybuntx.com

Crystal Springs Hideaway has beefed up its coffee program and is now opening early to serve espresso, lattes, and other coffee drinks. Recently opened by JD Granger and his wife Shanna, the Hideaway is a beer and wine garden that serves burgers, charcuterie, pastries, and other hand-held bites in a 100-year-old, beautifully restored building in the River District. Leading the coffee program is head barista Jackson Davis, a former general manager for Ascension Coffee. Says a release, Jackson worked with Hideaway chef Kelly Burton to develop a smooth-bodied blend with hints of berry and chocolate. Customers can infuse their coffee drinks with housemade syrups that include seasonal flavors. In addition to coffee, the Hideaway is also serving croissants during its early morning hours, which are 7 to 11 a.m., TuesdaySunday. crystalspringshideaway.com

Toro Toro and its acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval will ring in the Día de los Muertos holiday with “Under the Moon,” a one-night-only, private dining event on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets include a three-course dinner featuring items such as lobster pozole and prime beef tenderloin, a sixdrink Omakase pairing with mezcal and milk punch, and a live cooking demo by Sandoval. There will also be live music, a performance from Ballet Folklorico, face-painting, and other fam-friendly activities. The restaurant is celebrating the Day of the Dead holiday all month long with a special three-course menu that includes guajillo lobster broth, lamb tenderloin, and pumpkin brulee. Toro Toro is located inside downtown’s Worthington Hotel. torotorofortworth.com

Pop-Pop owners Douglas Cappleman and Kristine Tonkin

Photo by Joy

Darce Ross Photo

Photo by Joy

Photo by Joy

Kaitl n Rodgers Photography

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Best Companies

FortWorthInc.hosted its 10th Best Companies To Work For luncheon Aug. 14 at the River Ranch Stockyards. Fifty companies were honored as places that drive great work environments. Each was called to the stage by the masters of ceremony, Curtis Needs a Ride.

This contest is run and judged independently of the magazine’s ownership and staff by the Workforce Research Group, a Humble, Texas, research firm that’s behind some 24 Best Places to Work programs across North America.

Aeko Technologies served as Platinum Sponsor. Gold Sponsors were First United Mortgage Group, Forvis Mazars, and The Thompson Clinic Center of Health and Wellness.

Debra Hill, Michelle Zabonik Celotto, Colby Waldrop, Heather Stroh, Julie Box

Sean Russell

Deanne Schmidt, Michael Flusche

Jennifer Johns, Michael Flusche

John Franz

Reilly Freeman, Courtney Tate

photos by Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy

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GIVE BACK

GREATER FORT WORTH’S CHARITY/SOCIAL EVENTS

Oct. 4

More Than Pink Walk

Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth

The Shops at Clearfork

Oct. 4

Bobby Norris Roundup for Autism Roundup for Autism

River Ranch Stockyards

Oct. 4

Strong Familes EventBracelets for Clients

Lena Pope - Rooted Together

Lena Pope

Oct. 8-12

Christmas in Cowtown

OCTOBER

Preview Party and Sale

The Junior League of Fort Worth

Will Rogers Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall

Oct. 9

50th Celebration

Clayton Youth Enrichment

Kimbell Piano Pavilion

Oct. 11

Zoo Ball

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo

Oct. 11

ArtsGoggle Near Southside

Magnolia Avenue

Oct. 12

Indulge & Inspire

Paslay Foundation

Clay Pigeon

Oct. 15

65 Roses Wine & Food

Extravaganza

Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation

Benbrook Stables

Oct. 17

Bras for a Cause Stronger Together River Ranch Stockyards

Oct. 18

White Coat Gala

JPS Health Network

The Worthington

Renaissance Hotel

Oct. 21

Heroes of Hope Cancer Care Services

Hurst Conference Center

Oct. 22

Early Childhood

Investors Luncheon

Child Care Associates

Omni Hotel

Oct. 22

Fall Dinner Event

FunkyTown Food Project

Conundrum Farms

Oct. 23

Blasting Clays for Cristo

Rey

Cristo Rey Fort Worth Defender Outdoors

Oct. 24

Monster Mash

The Women’s Center

Fort Worth Club

Oct. 25

Hoot n Holler

ACH Child and Family Services

River Ranch Stockyards

Oct. 25

Ignite: An Evening of Art and Impact

Camp Fire First Texas

William Campbell Gallery

Oct. 25

Fall Festival & Open House

Christ’s Haven for Children

Christ’s Haven for Children

Oct. 24-26

Boo at the Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo

Oct. 29

Clay Shoot

Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County Defender Outdoors

Thank You to Our White Coat Gala Sponsors

Your generosity brings hope and healing to Tarrant County.

The JPS Foundation’s annual White Coat Gala honors our mission to transform healthcare for all. It recognizes those shaping the lives of patients across Tarrant County and building a future where every patient, family, and provider can thrive. Together, we can transform generosity into life-saving care and a community legacy.

Presenting Sponsor

Dr. Karen Duncan

Media Sponsor

Austin Commerical BECK

Dustin & Richelle Austin

Sponsor List as of September 3

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF FORT WORTH

would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and generosity

PREMIER SPONSOR

MEDIA PARTNER

Fort Worth Magazine

BAR & SPIRITS SPONSOR

Central Market

DECORATIONS

Westfork Garden Market

BOOT SHINE SPONSOR

Bains Law PLLC

VALET SPONSOR

Sewell INFINITI of Fort Worth & Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth

BAG CHECK SPONSOR Ofi Chito

AISLE SPONSORS

Bank of Texas • Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center • Ben E. Keith Beverages • Cantey Hanger

Corporate Realty Advisors • Fort Worth Colonial Charities

Freeman Mills PC • Frost • Luther King Capital Management • Texas Health Resources

The Roach Foundation • The Ryan Foundation • Williams Trew

FLORAL SPONSOR

Jackie and John Jenkins

SUSTAINER TOAST SPONSOR

Paula and Bob Brockway

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

ShipWreck Island Tiki Bar

The Robinson Petronis Group of Baird Private Wealth Management

PREVIEW PARTY

2025-2026 JLFW Board of Directors

Carrie Cappel, Natalie Martin, and Tiffany Rubenkoenig Fort Worth Fertility • Kim Darden • Marty Leonard

Nan Matson • Vantage Bank

For more information, visit WWW.christmasincowtown.com

The magazine’s Best of Fort Worth issue is one of our annual volumes that routinely requires the most amount of figurative blood and not-so-figurative sweat and tears from our creative and editorial departments. Every year, we honor over 300 local personalities, businesses, and institutions. And while you can find each winner in this issue, not all 300-plus receive a write-up or fancy photo shoot. (We will have you know there is no formula when deciding who or what does and does not receive such coverage.) This year, our team of freelance photographers — Olaf Growald, Thanin Viriyaki, Asia Eidson, and Richard Rodriguez — collectively completed 41 photo shoots and delivered nearly 800 photographs to our creative department. And of those nearly 800 photos, very few make it into the magazine. The rest, often wonderful shots, are doomed to becoming outtakes. The above photo of local author and Best of Fort Worth winner Richard Selcer, taken by Growald, is one such photo.

@ogrowald

PHOTO BY OLAF GROWALD

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Experience the Gilchrist Difference:

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• Each experience is special when you work with Gilchrist Automotive

Pictured: Justin Rudd, GM Platinum Chevrolet

Mike Brown, GM, Pegasus Chevrolet

Stephen Gilchrist, Dealer Operator, Gilchrist Automotive

Stephen Jimenez, GM, Spur Chevrolet