Update: Congratulations to Julie Speelhoffer for winning the 100th issue survey gift card. Thanks for reading in style!
Southlake Style magazinebrmade its debut in the early months of 2006, created in an effort to offerbrSouthlake residents an opportunity to share their enthusiasm for the city. Inbrthe past eight years, the publication has made it a priority to deliver contentbrthat both serves and inspires, from Carroll ISD news and city updates tobrprofiles on local personalities and fun articles about food, fashion and fancybrcars. To highlight the always-impressive achievements of Southlake Carrollbrathletes, the first Dragon Pride was publishedbrin 2006 and has since acted as a means to chronicle years of sports successbrwith two issues annually. On the following pages, we survey readers on theirbrfavorite moments and take a look back at a few highlights that still resonatebrafter 100 issues.
Most Impactful CoverbrStories
March/April 2006
The inaugural issue celebrated the grand opening of GrandbrAvenue, a district that includes Apple, Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble, J.brCrew, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscan Grille and Truluck’s. It alsobrfeatured an interview with then-mayor Andy Wambsganss and Art in the Square’sbr2006 Artist of the Year, Kathy Kromer.
January 2008
In the earlier years, contributors wrote much of Southlake Style’s editorial content, andbrthis month’s cover feature introduced them and their writing to readers. MikebrMills penned a financial solutions column, Brad McCullom provided golf tips,brCruise Holidays of Southlake wrote about travel, and Karry Millette discussedbrthe importance of fitness. Additionally, the one-and-only Roxann Taylor had herbrown real estate column, Dr. Eric Benzick wrote about family health, Jami andbrBob Zimmerman chatted about interior design, and Dr. David Faltys broke news onbrall things Carroll ISD.
October 2008
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this issue of Southlake Style incorporated a ThinkbrPink! theme and donated 10 percent of its proceeds to the Susan G. Komen forbrthe Cure of Tarrant County. Article topics included breast cancer survivorbrstories and breast cancer facts straight from physicians, among others. FormerbrDragon volleyball player Amy Moan also shed light on Pink Out games — SouthlakebrCarroll athletic events that raise money through ticket sales for breast cancerbrresearch. Amy’s volleyball event was the first, and they continue to bebrsuccessful for many other sports.
August 2009
As the 2009-2010 school year kicked off, this cover featurebrexplored the advances in classroom technology. “Gone are the overheadbrprojectors and pull-down screens of the past,” the article reads. “They havebrbeen replaced by document cameras and interactive white boards.” In 2013, CISDbrintroduced its latest technological achievement — Mobile Dragon, a freebrsmartphone app that allows parents and students to view campus maps, athleticsbrschedules, a school calendar and more.
May 2011
In March of 2011, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake — the fifthbrlargest in the world since 1900 — hit the northeast coast of Japan andbrtriggered a devastating tsunami. Although Southlake's sister city, Tome, isbrlocated 70 miles from the quake's epicenter, it was still affected. At the timebrof this issue's publication, one person was reported dead, 12 were missing andbr42 were injured. Additionally, more than 1,000 buildings — mostly homes —brsuffered extensive damages. Then Southlake city councilman, Jeff Wang, wasbrinstrumental in promoting efforts like Southlake4Japan that raised money forbrdisaster relief.
April 2012
Southlake resident Jon Daniels, general manager for thebrTexas Rangers, graced this month’s cover. He became the GM in 2005 at just 28bryears old (the youngest in MLB history) and completely restructured thebrRangers’ approach to scouting. “We had to reassess how we did everything. Therebrwas no foundation to what we did, no scouting structure,” he said. “Ibrchallenged all scouts to come up with a ‘gut-feel’ guy. Find your guy, and dobrthe extra homework on him.” Now 36, Daniels made news last year when he tradedbrIan Kinsler to the Detroit Tigers for Prince Fielder.
March 2013
This issue's cover feature, “Kids in Crisis,” discussed thebrteen tragedies that plagued the city of Southlake between 2010 and March 2013.brIn that time period, 47 suicide attempts were reported, eight of which resultedbrin death. Teenagers between 15 and 19 years old made 14 of the attempts, andbrthree of those resulted in death. Laura Hill, founder of Southlake ParentsbrAgainst Risks to our Kids (SPARK), said at the time, “Kids are desperatelybrlooking for ways to express sadness and deal with stress.”
April 2014
Southlake Style’sbrfirst Style Issue recapped the Southlake National Charity League’s annualbrfashion show and profiled eight locals who contribute to the community and lookbrgood doing it. It also featured Southlake Carroll freshman Abby Williamson onbrthe cover. An up-and-coming high fashion model signed with Dallas-basedbrWallflower Management and New York-based IMG Models, Abby has only just begunbrto show the world her talents.
Memorable Milestones
2006: AwardedbrSouthlake’s Small Business of the Year
2006: First Dragon Pride issue
September/Octoberbr2006: Celebrating 50 years of the city of Southlake
2008: Southlake Style goes monthly
March 2011: Fivebryears of Southlake Style and Dragon Pride
Dragon Pride Fall 2011: Championship issue honoring the statebrchampion Dragon football team and coaches
March 2014: Coverbrfeature celebrating 15 years of Southlake Town Square and introduction of thebrmagazine’s redesign
Community ImpactbrAward winners
Brian Stebbins (2009)
The inaugural award was presented to Brian Stebbins for hisbrextraordinary vision for Southlake Town Square, which has dramatically enhancedbrthe landscape of the city. Stebbins, who passed away in October of 2012, willbralways be remembered as the father, friend and leader who put his heart andbrsoul into transforming the town square into the wonderful dining, retail andbrresidential community it is today.
Brad Bradley (2010)
As the founder of nearly 30 nonprofits that have improvedbrthe quality of life in and around Southlake, Brad Bradley was selected for thebr2010 award. One the most recognizable children's charities is Summer Santa,brwhich Bradley cofounded with Dave Lieber, now a columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Bradley, also abrjudge, established the first law office in Southlake after settling in the areabrin 1983.
Southlake Women'sbrClub (2011)
The faces behind Southlake's annual Art in the Squarebrfestival were honored for making the event a time-honored tradition.brEstablished in 1999, Art in the Square draws approximately 150 artists andbrthousands of art lovers to Southlake each year. Proceeds from the three-daybrweekend are donated to area charities.
Jack D. Johnsonbr(2012)
Known as the founder of Dragon Nation, Jack D. Johnson wasbrawarded in 2012 for his role as the first superintendent of Carroll ISD —bra position he held for 28 years. Sadly, Johnson passed away in early Januarybr2013, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of Dragons everywhere.
Martin Schellingbr(2013)
Recent winner Martin Schelling is at the heart of Southlakebrsafety, having held some of the most esteemed positions in Southlake. He servedbron the SPIN committee, co-created Southlake’s Crime Control and PreventionbrDistrict and currently serves on city council.
Magazine Contests
Engaging readers is always one of the magazine's topbrpriorities. Over the years, SouthlakebrStyle has had the pleasure of reaching out to residents of Southlake andbrthe surrounding areas for participation in various contests, including coverbrcontests and the annual Best Mom contest.
October 2009: AlannahbrBruce, winner of the Taste of Autumn cover contest
It's been almost five years since this talent was selectedbrto appear on the cover of Southlake Style.brAlannah, who will turn 11 this July, has made a name for herself as an actressbrin film, television, on stage and in print. Managed by Dallas-based The HornebrAgency, Alannah has appeared in campaigns for Michaels, Visionworks, Chuck E.brCheese and Academy Sports & Outdoors. She was recently cast in two featurebrfilms: “A Miracle for Haven,” set to release this coming Christmas, and “Dancerbrand the Dame,” starring Billy Gardell and Eva LaRue.
August 2013: Zoe,brwinner of the Dog Days of Summer cover contest
The large but loveable Bernese mountain dog posed with modelbrErin Robinson on the cover, but in real life, she belongs to Lance and LaurabrMcKoy (pictured here). Zoe, now 5 years old, was chosen from a sizeable numberbrof adorable entries.
Best Mom EssaybrContest
For nine years and counting, Southlake Style has asked elementary school students what makesbrtheir moms the best in Southlake. It’s always hard to select just one essay forbrpublication in each May issue, especially when the kids describe Mom as “superbrmom,” “angel in disguise” and “my best friend.” To quote 2011 winner EricbrHoutman, “A mom isn’t just someone who raises you. She helps you in school,brgoes to all your sports games and doesn’t get mad when you’re having fun andbryou beat her in checkers.”
Fun Facts
The first issue of SouthlakebrStyle was 32 pages. December 2013’s Best Of issue reached 112, and thebrmagazine now continues to print each month at 96 pages.
When Armend's was named Best Pizza in the March 2009 issue,brword spread so fast that the restaurant ran out of dough trying to servebrcustomers. Armend’s was once again selected as the best pizza restaurant in thebrarea in the February 2014 issue. A poll distributed to readers in Southlake andbrsurrounding communities confirmed that the family-friendly, BYOB restaurant isbrtheir go-to for good food and a good time.
Kenny Hill, Riley Dodge, Roxann Taylor, Mayor John Terrellbrand Santa Claus have each graced a DragonbrPride or Southlake Style coverbrmore than once.
Where Are They Now?
Catching up with some of Southlake's famous faces
Sidney Fullmer
The “An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky” star graced thebrJuly 2013 cover of Southlake Style.brAn exclusive event in partnership with Forest Park Medical Center and HarkinsbrTheatres Southlake 14 was held in early July — it allowed ticket holders tobrview the movie before it was released. Sidney, who turns 14 next month and willbrenter her first year of high school in August, recently wrapped filming onbr“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” The film, whichbralso stars Jennifer Garner and Steve Carell, is expected to be released inbrtheaters in October.
Cade Foster
The football star has been a cover star twice, once for Southlake Style’s February 2014 issue andbrpreviously for Dragon Pride’s Fall 2009brissue. The strong-legged kicker, who won two national championships while atbrthe University of Alabama, will receive his master’s degree in August andbrintends to declare for the 2014 NFL draft. “I will be going out for the draft,brbut my focus is on pursuing a JD or MBA degree from Alabama,” Foster said lastbrmonth.
Russell Maryland
The former University of Miami defensive tackle, who wentbrpro with the Dallas Cowboys and helped lead them to three Super Bowlbrchampionships, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011. ThebrSouthlake resident is currently a player engagement assistant for the ClevelandbrBrowns.
Go to the Polls
While compiling some of the most memorable moments from thebrpast 99 issues of Southlake Style andbrDragon Pride, we decided to reach outbrto our readers to discover their thoughts on our content.
Southlake Style’s first issue was published in March 2006. How longbrhave you been a reader?
71% — 5 years or more
15% — 1-3 years
Tracy E.: “Southlake Style started in the month webrmoved to Southlake. It has graced our coffee table every month since. Webreagerly anticipate its arrival.”
Julie S.: “Love Southlake Style! Has great articles,brfabulous photos and is a wonderful source for finding out what’s going onbraround town.”
How long do youbrgenerally keep an issue of SouthlakebrStyle?
55% — 1 month or longer
Wendy A.: “I havebrmany copies saved as keepsakes for my children.”
Karla C.: “Love to have them as abrtabletop read for out-of-town guests who want to know what our city is about.brThey love the magazine.”
Favorite Issues
Katie A.: “Ibrenjoyed the issue featuring Peter Max. I kept that issue a long time.”
Favorite Story
“Kenny Do it Again?” Dragon Pride Fall 2012
“Major League Miracles,” The Miracle League breaks ground inbrSouthlake’s Bicentennial Park, June 2013
“The Making of a Star,” Sidney Fullmer brings American GirlbrSaige Copeland to life, July 2013
Where in the world isbrSouthlake Style?
Since the beginning, readers have taken the magazine with thembron trips and vacations all over the globe, and Southlake Style has documented these travels on itsbrTravel With Style page. Check out some of the most exotic locales, like MachubrPicchu, Italy, Ecuador and Peru, seen here, and visit SouthlakeStyle.com for a full image library.
Gabriel and Sandy Wong in Machu Picchu.
The Noon family in Pisa, Italy.
Gina and Blake Bunnell at the Equator in Ecuador.
The Essary family at Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman in Cuzco,brPeru. The complex is made of huge polished stones placed together tightlybrwithout mortar.
Loyal Advertisers Sincebr2006
Thanks forbrbeing there every step of the way!
Roxann Taylor
A decade ago, Ibrmet the Tesorieros as they got settled in Southlake. In the years that ensued,brthey shared their passion with me about wanting to have a publication thatbrconnected everyone in the community. Of course, I said I would be theirbrfirst advertiser, and the rest is history.
Cruise Holidays, Mikebr& Gloria Currie
Thanks, Mike,brfor supporting creative yet thoughtfully selective writing. Thanks, Nicole, forbralways looking at our business from a variety of sales and marketingbrperspectives with sound business coaching. Together, your passions for life,brfamily and travel are most refreshing and always with style.
Elite Suites, Davebr& Jenny Shackelford
Feedstore BBQ, ThebrLaFavers
Tommy Pennington
Watermere
Staff Picks: Favorite Editorial Topics
Mike Tesoriero,brPublisher & Editor
“I've enjoyedbrso many features over the years, but one that stands out above the rest wasbrinterviewing former Cowboy great Russell Maryland (February 2011). Hearingbrfirsthand about his Super Bowl winning days with the Cowboys was a treat forbrany fan. Even better was watching him interact with his family — it was easy tobrsee he was an All-Pro dad as well. He's all personality, and it shinesbrthrough his family.”
Nicole Tesoriero,brAdvertising Director
“Our secondbrissue is near and dear to me because I loved Mike's letter from the editor. Ibralso loved our interview with Brian Stebbins from our first issue. Otherbrfavorites have been Sidney Fullmer, the American Girl from the July 2013 issuebrand our October 2013 story on Grapevine Craft Brewery.”
Linden Wilson,brAssistant Editor
“I have many favorites, from the the Sidney Fullmer storybr(July 2013) to the Grapevine Craft Brewery feature (October 2013). I also lovedbrinterviewing the CEO of Del Frisco's Grille (November 2013), Cade Fosterbr(February 2014) and Abby Williamson (April 2014) — all such down-to-earthbrpeople.”
Christina Mlynski,brOnline Assistant Editor
“My favoritebrissue was the Best Of 2013 issue, which highlighted the top moments and storiesbrof the year. You get a sense of fulfillment when you get a chance to honor andbrlook back at the highlights that took place throughout the year. It's abrmilestone as a publication to give yourself a pat on the back for all thebrwonderful endeavors taken on in the span of a year.”
Bruce Sons, ArtbrDirector
“I like the story about Cade Foster, the former kicker forbrAlabama (February 2014). It was a well-written, well-photographed, timelybrarticle that was definitely noteworthy for Southlake.”
Dustin Vyers, SeniorbrDesigner
“The Style Issue (April 2014) was my favorite because mybrbackground as a photographer is in fashion — pulling clothes and working onbrphoto shoots.”
Dia Moraru, CommunitybrLiaison
“I loved thebrcover and the story, ‘The Perks of Being Abby' (April 2014). I think youngbrtalents need as much support from the local press as possible.”
Food For Thought
It's no secret that Southlake loves food. From burgers atbrBottlecap Alley and pasta at Patrizio's to pizza at Coal Vine's and steak andbrseafood at Truluck's, there's no shortage of dining destinations that offerbrdelectable dishes. To accommodate the city's expanding restaurant scene, Southlake Style expanded its LocalbrFlavor department to include reviews, a wine column and timely restaurant news.brJames Reid, partner at the Grapevine-based Buzzbomb Creative, came on as Southlake Style’s Foodie Fellow inbrJanuary 2014. Reid dines in restaurants throughout Dallas-Fort Worth in orderbrto inform Southlake area residents about must-try eateries like Off-Site Kitchenbr(Dallas) and AF+B (Fort Worth, see page 82).
Did You Know?
Johnny B.'s shows its Dragon pride by serving up the Dragonbrburger, a triple cheeseburger topped with jalapenos and chili.
Dave and Mary Garner, owners of Wildwood Grill, acquiredbrownership of Southlake's Fish City Grill in December of 2013. The Garners alsobrown a Fish City Grill located in the Garland area.
SouthlakebrStyle’s September 2012 issue profiled Dave Garner,brJohn Finlayson (Johnny B.’s) and Bill Lafavers (Feedstore BBQ) as three restaurantbrowners who have the savvy to maintain business in a downtrodden economy.brFeedstore has been in operation since 2001; Johnny B.’s since 2004 and WildwoodbrGrill since late 2009. Additionally, each establishment is truly a familybrbusiness, making family-friendly Southlake the best place to set up shop.