It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ball-Eddleman-Mc Farland-House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fort Worth, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care in Bedford TX, staff are benevolent, attentive, generous,thoughtful, and kindhearted. They work with your schedule and accommodate you the best they can. For a company that have been in business over 23 years, they still take pride in who they employee as well as the families they assist. I am very grateful to be working for a company that works from their heart.”
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“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”
“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victoria’s husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed—wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went—sometimes only after one day—because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shameka’s character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver—she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest Regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
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“Rarely do I give a 5-star rating to any company, but this is clearly a deserved rating. I would highly recommend Always Best Care of Ft. Worth. Their care and attention to detail is excellent. After 2 1/2 years of service to our family, they became an extension to our family. Many times they went above and beyond expectations. They communicated very well with family members.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trinity Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine or visit Hells Half Acre, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fort Worth, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fort Worth, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fort Worth, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
for the Fort Worth area. Delivered to your inbox — completely free.North Texas has seen 19 days of unhealthy air pollution so far this year, following a spike of high ozone levels in July and August.The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Ozone Action Day alerts on those days, informing residents, businesses and industries of high smog levels so they could help mitigate emissions, such as those coming from cars, motorized lawn equipment and industrial sites.The alerts also urge the public to ...
for the Fort Worth area. Delivered to your inbox — completely free.
North Texas has seen 19 days of unhealthy air pollution so far this year, following a spike of high ozone levels in July and August.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Ozone Action Day alerts on those days, informing residents, businesses and industries of high smog levels so they could help mitigate emissions, such as those coming from cars, motorized lawn equipment and industrial sites.
The alerts also urge the public to adjust daily routines to minimize health risks and exposure to unhealthy air conditions, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the agency responsible for monitoring the region’s air quality.
In August, eight Ozone Action Day alerts were issued. That’s more than any other month this year so far. Still, it’s lower than August of last year when Dallas-Fort Worth had 13 days of unhealthy ozone levels.
In 2024, 43 ozone action alerts were issued for the region.
Ozone Action Days occur during high temperatures, sunny weather, light winds and a lack of atmospheric movement. When combined, these weather conditions can form unhealthy air quality, said Daniela Tower, council of governments air quality planner.
Levels of smog between 71 and 85 parts per billion are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, those with lung disease and people who are active outdoors.
Ozone can lead to health problems such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, lung infection and disease, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Poor air quality can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.
What is ozone?
Ground-level ozone, or smog, forms when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides emitted by human activities and natural sources react in the sunlight, according to the council of governments. Vehicle emissions, power plants, industrial sites and area sources such as paints and motorized lawn equipment largely contribute to ground-level ozone.
The region is prone to lower levels of ozone when there is a combination of cooler temperatures, cloudy conditions, less radiation and potentially fewer emissions, Tower said.
This summer has been cooler than last year, which had 23 triple-digit days in Dallas-Fort Worth. The area reached triple digits on six days so far this year, according to the National Weather Service.
However, cooler temperatures do not always mean lower ozone levels.
Atmospheric conditions, including air quality, are complex and fast-changing due to low viscosity of air — the resistance of a liquid or gas, Tower said.
North Texas could see additional Ozone Action Days this year as smog typically spikes from March through October.
Under the EPA’s Clean Air Act, Fort Worth-area polluters or major sources of volatile organic compounds could face annual fines of $45 million if levels are not brought to or below 75 parts per billion, according to the state environmental commission.
The current design value of ozone for the region sits at 81 parts per billion so far this year. The design value represents the average of the fourth-worst ozone day from each year in a three-year period, according to the council of governments.
Whether polluters will see those fines is unclear after the Trump administration unveiled plans to roll back several environmental policies earlier this year, including those on climate change and air quality.
Most recently, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to revoke a scientific finding that determines the health risks of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The proposal comes after President Donald Trump granted two-year exemptions from emissions limits to coal-fired plants, chemical companies and other air-polluting industries.
The proposal to scrap the EPA finding must go through a lengthy review process, including public comment, before changes are finalized, the Associated Press reported.
Meanwhile, air quality planners with the council of governments are drafting the Dallas-Fort Worth Air Quality Improvement Plan, which lists strategies to improve air quality in the region through 2050.
In order to be eligible for continued federal EPA funds, the air quality plan must be finalized and submitted to the agency by Dec. 1.
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at [email protected].
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From Michelin-rated barbecue to fine dining, contemporary art, and everything in between, the city has gone way beyond cowboy culture.It started as a small frontier outpost in 1849—literally a one horse town—and has since evolved into a thriving metropolis with a million-plus residents and a world-class dining, arts and cultural scene. Never eschewing its authentic Western legacy, the city has seamlessly blended cowboy and contemporary culture for a one-of-a-kind experience that’s unmistakably Texan and unlike anythi...
From Michelin-rated barbecue to fine dining, contemporary art, and everything in between, the city has gone way beyond cowboy culture.
It started as a small frontier outpost in 1849—literally a one horse town—and has since evolved into a thriving metropolis with a million-plus residents and a world-class dining, arts and cultural scene. Never eschewing its authentic Western legacy, the city has seamlessly blended cowboy and contemporary culture for a one-of-a-kind experience that’s unmistakably Texan and unlike anything else on earth. Larger than San Francisco, Boston and Nashville, Fort Worth is finally coming into its own, and last year was named one of Travel + Leisure‘s Top 50 places to visit in the U.S.
On a recent visit to the up-and-coming destination, we were guided by local celebrity chef Tim Love, who overseas a number of the city’s top venues. “Fort Worth is just hitting its stride,” Love declares. “You’re going to see more diverse flavors, more chefs taking risks, and more people traveling here specifically to eat and drink. For me, that means pushing the boundaries of what ‘Western cuisine’ can be while staying true to my roots and bringing new ideas home from everywhere I travel. The goal is simple: keep Fort Worth on the culinary map, keep people asking for more, and keep raising the bar!”
“We’ve got this deep Texas heritage and cowboy culture that’s honest and authentic,” Love notes. “It drives everything we do, it’s why people fall in love with Fort Worth, and it’s why the city feels so different from, say, Austin or Dallas. You’ve got legendary Stockyards history right next to high-end hotels, world-class art, and some of the best food in the state — that balance of heritage and innovation is what makes Fort Worth special…. I cook all over the world, and when I tell people where I’m from, I want them to think of bold, creative, world-class food that still knows where it came from and is unpretentious. That’s our mark.”
The Hotel Drover, a 200-room boutique hotel in the historic Stockyards District, earned a coveted Michelin Key last year. A cool combination of rugged Western design with contemporary luxury, it features bespoke antler chandeliers, salvaged timber, and rich leather accents. Distinguished by its “rustic-luxe” design philosophy that pays homage to cowboy heritage throughout, it operates under Marriott International’s high-end Autograph Collection banner, and is consistently recognized as one of Texas’ top luxury hotels.
Positioned at the end of Mule Alley, a pedestrian-friendly entertainment corridor featuring shops, taverns, and restaurants, the hotel’s outdoor amenities include a swimming pool with private cabanas, fire pits, and scenic Marine Creek vistas. The property’s dining venue 97 West serves refined comfort cuisine showcasing local Texas ingredients, a gourmet evocation of cowboy cuisine in a stunning setting with something to please every palette.
“Unmistakably Texan but without crossing too far into kitsch, and sophisticated enough to balance out the broad rustic gestures,” is how the Michelin Guide describes the hotel’s many charms. We’re particularly fond of touches like soaring stone fireplaces, armchairs upholstered in iconic Pendleton blanket patterns, and the clever blending of indoor and outdoor space. There are other hotels in Fort Worth but the Drover might just be the coolest.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Love’s influential Lonesome Dove restaurant played a pivotal role in establishing the “urban Western” culinary movement. Renowned for adventurous, game-centric offerings such as elk sliders and rattlesnake sausage, Love’s cuisine charts new territory while honoring Texan traditions. “When I first opened Lonesome Dove, fine dining wasn’t exactly easy to find in Fort Worth,” Love says. “Now, 25 years later, I believe the city has become one of the most exciting dining destinations in the country,” with Love leading the charge.
In 2022, through a collaboration with Live Nation, Love launched Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, a 1,000-capacity venue featuring three exclusive 20-person VIP suites along with a dedicated bar and gorgeous restaurant, in a historic Fort Worth Stockyards structure. Situated on Mule Alley, just around the corner from Hotel Drover, the tavern-concert venue combination delivers Texas comfort cuisine with a music scene that’s second to none, whether live or recorded. You’ll find everything here but clichés.
Love’s Caterina’s is a chic, old school Italian supper club with Midcentury influences, where jackets are required for gentleman and mobile devices frowned upon. House-made pastas, tableside preparations, exposed brick and leather banquettes set the scene for elevated dining. Love conceived of Caterina’s as a unique culinary destination in Fort Worth, where patrons could escape the demands of daily life. It “honors the simplicity and genuineness of Italy’s dining traditions—a setting where distractions disappear, luxurious dishes flourish, and time extends to appreciate moments with cherished companions.”
A legendary 1880s drinking establishment once owned by famed Western gunfighter Luke Short, White Elephant is Fort Worth’s oldest and most celebrated saloon, rich with history and cowboy heritage. Located in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the White Elephant has been featured in photography by David Yarrow and showcased in Yellowstone, making it a true icon. This is the spot to engage in the Wstern dancing known as “two-stepping,” with time out for some local craft beer, live entertainment, and a game of pool or two.
The legendary Panther City BBQ honoring Fort Worth’s nickname, once little more than a food truck, received recognition from the Michelin Guide, making it a destination for travelers and gourmets from all points. Michelin waxes poetic about its “central Texas-style barbecue featuring meat slowly prepared on offset smokers,” with traditional Texan classics served up alongside Tex-Mex favorites like brisket burritos, elote, and street tacos.”
Previously a working livestock corral, Fort Worth Stockyards now encompasses a walkable Wild West-inspired district of saloons, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, such as the Cowtown Coliseum, home to the world’s first indoor rodeo—as well as the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive, the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. A genuine tradition, not a recreation, authentic cowboys in traditional attire guide longhorns through the Stockyards in a sight not to be missed.
For more than three decades, Ariat has established the “New Breed of Boot” through it’s signature combination of tradition, comfort and performance. Their Fort Worth Stockyards brand shop is one of the world’s best places to buy and be fitted for the finest bench-made cowboy boots, which come in a variety of natural and exotic leathers, for both men and women. Then there’s the impeccable selection of western clothing and accessories to complete the look. Following your Ariat boot selection, visit Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall, home to the world’s first Boot Branding Station, to personalize your boots with a distinctive custom mark.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, The Modern Art Museum, the oldest museum in Texas, was recognized as the best-designed building in the state by Architectural Digest. Didn’t expect to find a statue by KAWS in the middle of Fort Worth? How about a world-class restaurant, the Cafe Modern, overseen by Wolfgang Puck alum chef Jett Mora? When you’ve had your fill of Warhols, Cafe Modern presents seasonal tasting experiences known for Mora’s artistic presentation and mindful ingredient selection—complete with a view of the KAWS.
International Leadership of Texas’ Grand Prairie elementary campus is one failing grade away from being forced to close.The school posted two consecutive F’s under the state’s academic accountability system. A third in 2026 would trigger mandatory closure of the public charter school under Texas law.Charter schools across Tarrant County face the same pressure as traditional public schools that are graded on how well they educate students, partly based on STAAR results. A Fort Worth Report analysis of recent A-...
International Leadership of Texas’ Grand Prairie elementary campus is one failing grade away from being forced to close.
The school posted two consecutive F’s under the state’s academic accountability system. A third in 2026 would trigger mandatory closure of the public charter school under Texas law.
Charter schools across Tarrant County face the same pressure as traditional public schools that are graded on how well they educate students, partly based on STAAR results. A Fort Worth Report analysis of recent A-F academic ratings found charters earned a higher share of A- and B-rated campuses than traditional districts — and fewer failing grades.
A charter is a publicly funded school run by private or nonprofit operators. Traditional districts can keep a struggling campus open after four F’s. After five, they face a forced closure of the school or a state takeover. Texas law requires charters to shut down a campus after three failing grades.
ILTexas officials recognize that danger.
“Any D or F campuses are unacceptable, and we are working diligently to ensure that there are no D or F campuses in the entire charter (system) next year,” ILTexas spokesperson Caitlin Madison said.
At ILTexas Grand Prairie, students who did not pass the state test last year moved from dual-language classes — where students are taught in English and Spanish — to English-only instruction and added double-blocked math and reading classes for struggling students, Madison said.
Across Tarrant County, 54.1% of all charter campuses earned an A or B rating. Among traditional public schools, 51.3% reached that mark.
John Romig, a former University of Texas at Arlington professor of special education now at Florida State University, said the approaches charters take in teaching — including what learning materials and lessons they use — can set them apart from districts.
“When it comes to reading, having a knowledge-rich curriculum can be really powerful for comprehension,” he said as an example. “In math, your choice of curriculum — whether step-by-step strategies or conceptual understanding — can lead to very different outcomes.”
Romig said charter schools, founded as alternatives to traditional districts, are often more willing to experiment.
Though not all differences can be explained by instruction, Romig said.
Parents who opt for charters often select campuses they believe have a strong reputation or where they feel confident their child will be successful, Romig noted. This, in turn, may contribute to charter schools’ higher ratings, he said.
Educators say accountability scores only show one part of their work.
Uplift Education, which operates multiple campuses in Tarrant County, highlighted its record of preparing students for life after high school. In Tarrant County, most Uplift campuses earned B ratings this year, but three received lower marks — including Uplift Ascend Prep Primary, which was rated an F.
“While there’s room to grow in areas like early literacy and math, our focus is on the whole child,” departing Uplift CEO Yasmin Bhatia said. “Uplift graduates leave as well-equipped young adults — college-ready, career-ready and life-ready — thriving as citizens who earn more, raise families and strengthen their communities.”
Romig said it’s important to examine performance trends over time. Because charter campuses are often smaller, they can show sharper swings from year to year.
“The trajectory matters. Are they consistently getting A’s, or is it a one-off year?” he said.
That volatility — and consistent failure — has played out here in Tarrant County.
Rocketship Texas and the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, both in Fort Worth, closed before this year’s ratings were released. Rocketship’s Dennis Dunkins Elementary posted three consecutive F’s, which would have forced closure under state law. AVPA had two straight F’s before shutting down.
Families can review ratings for every Tarrant County campus in the searchable tables below:
Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at or .
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Named in Honor of Festival Co-Founder, Russell Kirkpatrick, the Inaugural Grants of up to $5,000 Supporting Trailblazing Hospitality and Culinary Ideas – Applications Open Now (FWFWF), dedicated to championing and cultivating the region’s hospitality community, today announced the launch of the inaugural , with applications now open. The Fund will provide grants of up to $5,000 to culinary professionals, artisans, producers, and entrepreneurs across North Texas whose bold projects strength...
Named in Honor of Festival Co-Founder, Russell Kirkpatrick, the Inaugural Grants of up to $5,000 Supporting Trailblazing Hospitality and Culinary Ideas – Applications Open Now
(FWFWF), dedicated to championing and cultivating the region’s hospitality community, today announced the launch of the inaugural , with applications now open. The Fund will provide grants of up to $5,000 to culinary professionals, artisans, producers, and entrepreneurs across North Texas whose bold projects strengthen both their businesses and the broader hospitality community. Created in honor of the extraordinary vision and leadership of FWFWF co-founder and board chair emeritus Russell Kirkpatrick, the Fund celebrates his lasting impact on the Foundation and Fort Worth’s culinary community as a whole.
“Fort Worth is a city that thrives on vision, and I’ve been fortunate to see what happens when a community rallies behind its culinary talent,” said Festival Co-Founder Russell Kirkpatrick. “The Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund is about giving back to the very people who make this region such a dynamic place to eat, drink, and gather. It’s an honor to see this award carry my name, but more importantly, it’s about the next generation of trailblazers who will push us all forward.”
Known for his nearly two decades at Reata, his current role as Director of Operations at From Scratch Hospitality, and as one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, Russell Kirkpatrick has long been regarded as one of the most beloved figures in Fort Worth’s restaurant landscape. Inspired after seeing so much local talent showcased at the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, he championed the idea of creating a festival that celebrated Fort Worth’s own culinary community – a vision that grew into today’s marquee event welcoming more than 7,000 guests each spring. Throughout his career, Kirkpatrick has continually uplifted chefs, artisans, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that Fort Worth’s hospitality community has both a stage and the support to thrive.
Applications for the inaugural award cycle open September 1, 2025, and close October 31, 2025, with recipients to be notified by January 2026. Beginning in 2026, the award will follow an annual May–August cycle, ensuring ongoing support for projects that blend creativity, feasibility, and community impact. Each award will be chosen by a selection committee of North Texas business leaders. The inaugural committee is comprised of Marcelle LeBlanc (), Joey Turner (, Daymakers), Maurice Ahern (), Tina Howard (), and Hao Tran () — ensuring the process reflects the creativity, community-mindedness, and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of the program.
The Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund builds on Russell’s legacy by helping bring fresh ideas to life. Whether it’s launching a new product line, expanding a beloved neighborhood spot, reimagining a business model, or creating a program rooted in community, the Fund is designed to back the kind of projects that move both a business — and the North Texas culinary scene — forward.
“The Foundation was built on Russell’s vision: that Fort Worth’s culinary talent deserved a stage, and that the funds raised could go right back into growing that community,” said Julie Eastman, Executive Director of FWFWF. “This Fund is an extension of that same mission — to champion, cultivate, and celebrate the people shaping the future of the North Texas hospitality industry
To date, the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation has invested $613,000.00 back into the community through culinary scholarships, classroom grants, chef stipends, emergency relief funds, partnerships with organizations like Southern Smoke Foundation, and now, the Kirkpatrick Visionary Fund. This commitment underscores FWFWF’s mission: to champion and cultivate the region’s hospitality community while celebrating and sustaining Fort Worth’s distinctive food, beverage, and culinary traditions.
Applications and full program details are available now at.
A longtime Magnolia Avenue restaurant is closing its doors this month.FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth steakhouse - and one of the mainstays of a busy stretch of restaurants along Magnolia Avenue - is closing its doors.Cat City Grill, which opened in 2010, will have its last day of service on Sept. 28, the restaurant's owners, Martin and Denise Thompson, wrote in a letter on its website. The Thompsons said it was "the right time for us to turn the page.""After 15 wonderful years of serving the Fort W...
A longtime Magnolia Avenue restaurant is closing its doors this month.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth steakhouse - and one of the mainstays of a busy stretch of restaurants along Magnolia Avenue - is closing its doors.
Cat City Grill, which opened in 2010, will have its last day of service on Sept. 28, the restaurant's owners, Martin and Denise Thompson, wrote in a letter on its website. The Thompsons said it was "the right time for us to turn the page."
"After 15 wonderful years of serving the Fort Worth community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors," they wrote. "This journey has been filled with countless shared meals, laughter, celebrations, and friendships. We are deeply grateful for the loyalty and support you’ve shown us over the years — whether you joined us for a casual lunch, a special dinner, or became part of our extended Cat City Grill family."
Cat City Grill – a nod to Fort Worth's Panther City moniker – was acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in the city when it opened in 2010, earning top honors from Fort Worth Weekly in 2010 and 2011.
Martin Thompson, in an interview with the Star-Telegram, cited a changing industry, as well as the rising prices of beef, as a couple factors behind their closure.
“It’s all very casual now — burgers, mediocre food,” Thompson told the Star-Telegram. “People either go to a really casual restaurant, or they splurge and go to a really expensive one.”
It's not the first recent notable closure in the Magnolia area. Lili's Bistro closed earlier this year, and Brix Barbecue, located on the nearby South Main Street area, closed in August.
As Kennedy wrote, the closures of Cat City Grill and Lili's are part of a bigger turnover trend along Magnolia. While the vegan restaurant Maiden and a plant-based burger joint, Vice Burger, have also closed, there have also been new openings: Walloon's, Ko Thai, Cafecito, Pie Tap Pizza Workshop and Gustos Burger Bar.
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