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Photo by Sylvia Elzafon

Dallas’ partying young professionals swarmed the patio at Fearing’s Restaurant on October 3 for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition. The happy hour honored the Dallas winners — Adam Kraus, Hunter Pond, Jon Alsup, Nick Marino Jr., and Matt Alexander — in our first-ever Top Texans Under 30, in which we celebrate the twentysomething trailblazers making stuff happen across the state and, in some cases, the world.

Upon arrival, guests checked in and grabbed their drinks of choice. There were plenty of options — from a signature cinnamon apple Moscow mule at the main bar and an interactive drink station from sponsor Patron tequila, to two beers from Deep Ellum Brewing and a sampling station with more.

Bites were provided by celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s team and included everything from passed hors d’oeuvre like lobster nachos to a food station with a variety of tacos and some of the tastiest elotes that we’ve had yet. For dessert, guests nibbled on brownie bites (dark chocolate and sea salt were our favs) from Miss Naughty Brownie, paired with a Patron XO liqueur of your choice, either Cafe (coffee) or Incendio (spicy).

In typical CultureMap fashion, there were also plenty of fun activities, including a photo booth from My Event Is the Bomb, tarot card readings by Megan Benanti of Tarot Dallas, and a build-your-own succulent bar by Jade & Clover. At the succulent station, owner Giselle Ruggeberg herself was on hand to help guests build their terrariums, offering tips and guidance as guests chose between an array of options, including colored sand, crystals, moss, and floral accents.

After a brief announcement highlighting Dallas’ five Top Texans by editor in chief Jennifer Chininis, guests were treated to a surprise pop-up performance by Red Bull Flying Bach, who delighted with dance moves that at times defied gravity. Throughout the entire evening, DJ Feezy kept the beats flowing.

As the party wound down, guests — including Top Texans Under 30 judges Trey Bowles and Bryan DeLuca, Linda Snorina, Nnamdi Anozie, Choni James, Kelle Knight, Chris Lussier, Rebecca Quinto, Christian Gudino, and Brittany Stovall — grabbed their swag bags, full of goodies from Foot Cardigan, Jack Black Skin Care, Plum Yoga, Read Between the Lines, and SusieCakes.

Sweetest of all, though, is the fact that all ticket sales from the event went to charities selected by our Top Texans Under 30:

  • Alzheimer’s Association, selected by Matt Alexander
  • Behind Every Door, selected by Hunter Pond
  • Dallas Autumn Ball, selected by Adam Kraus
  • Project Ladybug, selected by Jon Alsup
  • Union Coffee, selected by Nick Marino Jr.

We will honor the remaining Top Texans Under 30 at CultureMap Socials in Austin and Houston.

Nnamdi Anozie, Choni James

Nnamdi Anozie, Choni James
Photo by Sylvia Elzafon
Nnamdi Anozie, Choni James
Photo courtesy of Edition Collective

Dallas enables young Brit to satisfy curiosity for design and technology

Mover and Shaker

Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Matt Alexander.

Fascinated by design, technology, and the written word, Matt Alexander, 28, is the current darling of the Dallas startup scene. He was born and raised outside of London but came here in 2006 to attend SMU. He had intended to return to the UK after graduation, but Dallas had other plans for him.

While working for Southwest Airlines in 2010, Alexander started his blog OneThirtySeven, which provided an outlet for his passions. In just a few months, the blog’s popularity provided the impetus to segue out of the corporate world and enter the startup realm.

Alexander’s entrepreneurial attitude led to Edition Collective, founded in 2013, a company dedicated to unique and sustainable e-commerce concepts. Edition Collective’s portfolio includes Imprint, a men’s lifestyle publication, and Foremost, a small-batch American-made clothing brand for men and women.

The innovator — and a finalist in our 2014 Stylemaker Awards — recently gave us a glimpse into his world.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Matt Alexander: Honestly, I think I’m most driven by the knowledge that I wouldn’t be particularly useful doing anything else. I enjoy building things and exploring creative solutions to a lot of different problems. If I was in a corporate job, I doubt I’d be able to properly express that side of my personality.

In terms of actual inspiration, rather than what essentially amounts to a survival technique, I’m inspired by people who are able to — out of nowhere — contribute to conversations much larger than themselves. Technology has democratized access to a tremendous amount of information to help you build something great. And just knowing that anyone — from all manner of circumstances — can have an idea, and through sheer force of will, turn it into something, is amazing.

CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans trying to make a difference by innovating?

MA: Texas is one of the best places in the country — if not the world — to start a company. There are great investors, entrepreneurs, and communities of like-minded people here.

So, if you’re in Texas, and you’re looking to build something, I’d encourage you just to meet people. Try not to have lunch by yourself. Punch above your weight and get meetings with people who inspire you. More succinctly, tap into the community around you. There’s a lot you’ll find.

CM: Sum up Texas in three words.

MA: Not like England.

CM: What’s one thing people may not know about you?

MA: When I was 9 or 10, I had a small part in an independently produced skate movie, Wheels: An Inline Story, in the mid- to late ’90s. It was the first skate movie, apparently, to have a narrative plot. And, most importantly, its soundtrack was made exclusively by Hanson.

It’s worth noting that the existence of this film became public knowledge a while back, and I tried to buy up as many copies as possible. From a quick glance at Amazon, it appears I’ve been unsuccessful.

CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”

MA: It’s a good day when I forget to look at my email inbox.

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RSVP now for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition, October 3 at Fearing’s, to celebrate Alexander and his fellow Dallas winners.

Photo by Desiree Espada

5 solid reasons Dallasites should attend the next CultureMap Social

Social Planner

Our CultureMap Social series returns Monday, October 3, and we agree, it’s been too long since we’ve hosted a young professionals happy hour. This one takes place at Fearing’s, and ours is one of the first events to be held at the Ritz-Carlton restaurant since its refresh. Exciting.

Tickets are normally $25, but if you use the code SOCIAL5, you can save $5. Read on for five more reasons to attend the CultureMap Social.

1. You get to meet the Top Texans Under 30.
This is the first year for our Top Texans Under 30 program, in which we celebrate the twentysomething trailblazers making stuff happen across the state — and, in some cases, the world. We can’t wait to introduce you to Dallasites Adam Kraus, Hunter Pond, Jon Alsup, Nick Marino Jr., and Matt Alexander — five of the 26 winners. Worth noting: You don’t have to be under 30 to attend this shindig. Which is a good thing, because I’m not.

2. You can partake in fancy food and drink.
In addition to bites provided by celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s team, there is an interactive drink station from sponsor Patron tequila, as well as two beers from Deep Ellum Brewing at the main bar, and a sampling station with more. This would be enough, but we did not stop there. For dessert, there are pairings of Patron XO liqueur — Cafe (coffee) and Incendio (spicy) — and treats from Miss Naughty Brownie.

3. You get to experience our famous party tricks.
We could just dial it in, serve some good food and drink, and call it an evening. But that is not our style. We like to keep our guests entertained and engaged. This round, that means a succulent bar from Jade & Clover, tarot card readings, and a pop-up performance by Red Bull Flying Bach.

4. You could take home some serious swag.
We also have become kind of famous for our swag bags. This time, the first 50 attendees get their pick from loot by Foot Cardigan, Jack Black Skin Care, Plum Yoga, Read Between The Lines, and Susie Cakes. Please, people. Keep it civilized.

5. You contribute to charity just by attending.
All ticket sales go to charities selected by our Top Texans Under 30. So you get all of the above, and the following nonprofits reap the rewards:

  • Alzheimer’s Association, selected by Matt Alexander
  • Behind Every Door, selected by Hunter Pond
  • Dallas Autumn Ball, selected by Adam Kraus
  • Project Ladybug, selected by Jon Alsup
  • Union Coffee, selected by Nick Marino Jr.

Round up your friends, and RSVP now. We’ll see you there.

Courtesy photo

Engergetic young Dallasite feeds soul through social change

Hero Alert

Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Nick Marino Jr.

There are movers and shakers, and there are social changers. Nick Marino Jr. is all three: a marketing junkie, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He’s the director of social change at TangoTab, an app that helps fight hunger. When used from your smartphone, the app is similar to the Toms one-for-one model. You eat at a participating restaurant, and TangoTab donates the cost of a meal to a local food charity. Marino’s job is to spread the word about this awesome app.

It’s a laudable position by itself, but the enterprising 28-year-old University of North Texas graduate has funneled his passion for marketing, business, and philanthropy into building both the media firm Revolving Mind Media and Mission’d, a company that helps raise money for mission trips.

He claims to be the most energetic man you’ll ever meet, and he might be right. The Dallasite also has served on the Mayor’s Star Council, is a Guinness World Record holder, travels the country speaking to groups large and small, and is working on his first book.

Marino took some time out of his full schedule to chat about his sources of inspiration.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Nick Marino Jr: First, it is my faith. Second, it is my family. I am who I am because of the person my parents raised me to be. Third, it is my community.

I love seeing change for the better, and I know that I can’t make a difference if I am just sitting back and watching.

CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans trying to make a difference?

NM: It’s great to have an idea, but you have to take action on it. So many people say they want to do something; not many people do it.

Sometimes you may have to sacrifice one thing to make this happen. Sometimes you have to lose a little sleep. Every time it will be worth it, because whether you succeed or fail at it, you will always know that you tried it.

CM: Sum up Texas in three words.

NM: Never stops growing.

CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?

NM: I’m a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation Texan.

CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”

NM: I wake up and am able to do what I love!

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RSVP now for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition, October 3 at Fearing’s, to celebrate Marino and his fellow Dallas winners.

Photo courtesy of Jon Alsup

Passion for travel inspired this humble young Dallasite to change the industry

All Keyed Up

Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Jon Alsup.

Travel, economics, and technology fascinate 25-year-old Jon Alsup. Since sixth grade — when he sold well-written book reviews to his peers — the Dallasite has been building companies and exploring new ways to do things.

As the vice president of product development at OpenKey, the well-rounded, well-traveled Alsup has helped build the innovative hospitality company that changes the way people experience hotel stays. When guests arrive at their hotel, OpenKey allows them to access their rooms without stopping by the front desk first — or getting a new key if they lose theirs while out on the town. Users can check-in virtually from the app, and even contact the front desk should they need something.

A bilingual graduate of West Texas A&M University, Alsup is said to be the youngest ever executive in the hospitality technology industry, and he completed a multimillion-dollar acquisition before he turned 22. He may be passionate about technology, but he’s also an artist in his free time and makes a hobby out of adding stamps to his passport, having traveled to 10 countries so far. As if that weren’t enough, he also is a founding partner at Nuckols Real Estate.

We chatted with Alsup to find out more about his work and what gets him out of bed in the morning.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Jon Alsup: My childhood inspires me the most. I didn’t grow up in the nicest of neighborhoods or with a ton of material possessions. I remember the feelings of seeing my family struggle, and I never want to be in that position again. Regardless, every day I wake up and I want to make my life 10 times better than the day before.

CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans starting a business?

JA: Texas has always been a land of entrepreneurs, from the time the oil barons built up West Texas to the multibillion-dollar tech deals now. Well, it might seem you have big footprints to fill when starting a business, but my biggest advice is to step into your boots and make your own footprints. Do not follow anyone else.

CM: Sum up Texas in three words:

JA: Beer, business, family.

CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?

JA: I have a ridiculous shoe addiction, with over 80 pairs of sneakers. I’m out of space; otherwise, I’d have more!

CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”

JA: It’s a good day when my to-do list is less than one page long!

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RSVP now for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition, October 3 at Fearing’s, to celebrate Alsup and his fellow Dallas winners.

Photo by Joy Zhang

Young Dallasite’s appetite for a better sandwich leads to an empire

Delicious Entrepreneurship

Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Hunter Pond.

For some people, their profession evolves, developing into something unexpected but utterly fulfilling. That’s true for 29-year-old Hunter Pond, founder and CEO of East Hampton Sandwich Co.

The Dallas native graduated from Texas Tech, where he studied entrepreneurship, and even attended St. Mary’s Law School before realizing that most of this projects involved the restaurant industry. When Pond discovered that just about every sandwich restaurant followed the same formula — bread is baked in-house, while meat and sauces are outsourced — he saw a gap in the industry he could fill.

Pond began writing business plans that focused on flipping the model — outsourcing the bread making, preparing the meat and sauces in-house — and he describes the planning stages for East Hampton as something akin to an addiction. When the first location opened at Snider Plaza in 2012, it was clear the model was a hit: fresh sandwiches, filled with handmade sauces and meats without hormones or fillers.

Pond has received loads of recognition — he has been included on Zagat’s and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists — and there are now six East Hampton locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.

We relished the chance to pick his brain about doing business in Texas.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Hunter Pond: Knowing that East Hampton provides a product that is unmatched in quality is what keeps me inspired on a daily basis. Watching customers’ eyes bulge as they bite into one of our sandwiches really gets me pumped and motivated.

CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans starting a business?

HP: Be very picky when taking on partners. There is plenty of money out there if the idea is solid and your product is top of its category. Dig deep and figure out what kind of people they are, if their morals align with yours, if their goals are the same as yours. I’ve been incredibly fortunate in this area recently, and it’s transformed our company.

CM: Sum up Texas in three words:

HP: Queso. Business. Proud.

CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?

HP: I’m a diehard Seinfeld fan. Our parent company is named Vandelay Hospitality Group.

CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”

HP: The weather is nice, we’re breaking sales records, and the Cowboys are above .500.

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RSVP now for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition, October 3 at Fearing’s, to celebrate Pond and his fellow Dallas winners.

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Dallas-Fort Worth arrives at surprising spot among top summer travel destinations

SUMMERTIME blues

Dallas-Fort Worth recently racked up more than a dozen accolades at the 2023 Texas Travel Awards. But a new survey reveals it's not necessarily such a hot travel destination this summer.

DFW comes in at a middle-of-the-road No. 45 in WalletHub's recent 2023 Best Summer Travel Destinations report.

The report compared 100 of the largest metro areas in America across 41 metrics, including number of attractions.

DFW scored an overall rating of 52.56 out of 100. Broken down by category, the Metroplex ranked 86th in "Travel Costs & Hassles;" 32nd in "Local Costs;" 20th in "Attractions;" 41st in "Weather;" 27th in "Activities;" and 50th in "Safety."

Taking the top spot in Texas was San Antonio, at No. 11, with Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown at No. 14. Behind Austin and San Antonio in the 2023 rankings is El Paso (No. 18), then Houston (No. 38). After 45th ranked DFW came Corpus Christi (No. 62), and McAllen (No. 86).

Dr. Susan Weidmann, assistant professor in the department of recreational management and physical education at Appalachian State University, said in the report that summer 2023 is going to be a “good season for travel” despite recent economic downturns that have many worried about a recession.

“Coming out of Covid, I think many people have taken these last few years to really evaluate what they want out of life, and for those that love travel, I think they have probably put it at the top of their list of things to do,” she said. “As far as economics are concerned, many may have saved their traveling money from the last multiple years, so will have money to spend. That being said, after the airline chaos of last year, many people may be thinking about domestic travel over the long-haul, just to alleviate many of the concerns that airlines, especially in Europe, are still grappling with, such as reduced staffing leading to flight cancellations.”

Weidmann predicts the time period between July and early August will be the most popular season for National Parks, like Texas’ Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains.

Despite none of them being in Texas, the top 10 destinations in WalletHub’s report are all popular cities worth a glance in sun-friendly states like Hawaii, New York, and Florida.

The top 10 best summer destinations are:

  • No. 1 – Atlanta
  • No. 2 – Honolulu, Hawaii
  • No. 3 – Washington, D.C.
  • No. 4 – Wichita, Kansas
  • No. 5 – New York City
  • No. 6 – Chicago
  • No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
  • No. 8 – Orlando, Florida
  • No. 9 – Richmond, Virginia
  • No. 10 – Springfield, Missouri

Score a hole in one at these 10 top public golf courses in Dallas-Fort Worth

Tee Time

North Texas recently popped the cork for the new $520 million Omni PGA Frisco Resort, which opened in May and features its own entertainment district, full-service spa and salon, four swimming pools, 500 guest rooms and suites, 10 private ranch houses, and 13 unique dining options.

But as the name hints, the resort is very much about the golf. With Father's Day around the corner, we're revisiting Dallas-Fort Worth's best public courses, including the two newest ones found in Frisco and their alternative ways to play.

Load up the clubs and hit the green with this list:

Fields Ranch
Frisco
Omni PGA Frisco Resort boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, collectively known as Fields Ranch. Fields Ranch East was designed by Gil Hanse, and Fields Ranch West by Beau Welling.

Registered hotel guests can book tee times 120 days in advance of their stay to play Fields Ranch, which will be home to 26 major championships starting in May and continuing through 2034.

Not ready for the full 18-hole experience? Take a few practice swings at the Fields Ranch Practice Facility, then head to The Swing, a lighted 10-hole, par-3 short course, or The Dance Floor, a two-acre putting course and entertainment area.

This will also be the site of Frisco's first Lounge by Topgolf and PGA of America's new headquarters.

Take advantage of all that expertise at the PGA Coaching Center, which offers a high-tech, data-driven club-fitting and instruction experience.

Cowboys Golf Club
Grapevine
If you're a die-hard fan of both the 'Boys and the links, here's where your passions combine. The par-72, 6,553-yard course is as swanky as you'd expect from Jerry Jones, with years of Cowboys history scattered throughout. Of course, with all this top-of-the-line design comes a rather hefty price tag for the green fees, but you do definitely get your money's worth.

Meadowbrook Golf Course
Fort Worth
The 18-hole regulation facility is considered one of the top in Texas, with a par 71 that covers the most rolling terrain in the city. It's also a popular course, with a golf association of more than 200 members who play regularly.

Stevens Park Golf Course
Oak Cliff
All 18 holes of this par-70 course were completely redesigned in 2011, including new tee boxes, fairways, greens, and bunkers. Even the carts boast newly installed TekGPS units that track yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green (and help keep play moving). Appreciate mature oaks, dramatic elevation changes, and great views of downtown Dallas while you traverse the course, which is also affectionately known as "Little Augusta."

Pecan Valley
Fort Worth
Originally designed by golf course architect Ralph Plummer in 1963, Pecan Valley is actually two 18-hole golf courses separated by the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. The "River" course is considered one of the top municipal courses in Texas, while the "Hills" course is approximately 150 yards shorter. Several hundred trees were semi-recently planted and are just beginning to mature, which only bodes well for playing conditions in the years to come.

Texas Star Golf Course
Euless
The accolades come rolling in for this course, which has been recognized for its beauty and serene atmosphere by Golf Digest and Golf Weekly, among others. Unlike most public courses, which back up to private homes or run along busy streets, this par-71, 6,529-yard course is truly secluded, surrounded only by ponds, waterfalls, woodlands, and fairways. Reasonable green fees are a bonus, with residents of Euless receiving a 15 percent discount with proof of residence.

Tierra Verde Golf Club
Arlington
As the first municipal course in the world to be certified as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary, Tierra Verde offers breathtaking natural scenery to go along with its challenging holes. The par-72 6,085-yard layout boasts some of the most uniquely designed holes in DFW, and was named the top course in DFW in 2012 by Avid Golfer.

The Tribute Golf Club
The Colony
Not had the chance to play Hogan's Alley at Carnoustie, Nos. 1 and 18 from St. Andrews, or the fifth from Royal Troon? Then you can experience the next best thing here in Texas, without having to fly across the pond. This par-72, 7,000-yard course is brilliantly designed while replicating the best links-style courses from the United Kingdom.

Waterchase Golf Club
Fort Worth
Like its name implies, Waterchase does indeed boast a cascading waterfall, found between the ninth and eighteenth greens. From tree-lined doglegs to split fairways, the risk and reward opportunities are abundant for the six sets of tees on the par-72 course. The club even received a nomination to Golf Digest's best new courses and promises to be "a round you'll remember."

Dallas steakhouse famous for big carrot opens location in McKinney

Steak News

McKinney gets its own location of an epic Dallas steakhouse: We're talking about Bob's Steak & Chop House, which is opening a location in District 121, the mixed-use development at the northeast corner of State Highway 121 and Alma Road, adjacent to Craig Ranch. It's opening on June 2.

According to a release, the expansion to McKinney represents a milestone for founder Bob Sambol, with roots that trace back to the original location on Lemmon Avenue since its inception in 1993.

The concept now has locations in Austin, downtown Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, and San Antonio, among others.

The McKinney location will have the same menu of steaks accompanied by baked potato and the restaurant's signature oversized carrot, plus a la carte sides, desserts, and seafood, as well.

The interior features a dining and bar area and cigar lounge done in jewel tones, and attentive staff, leather-bound host stand, custom green wallcovering, floor-to-ceiling fireplace made of calacatta marble, and sconces that resemble jewelry, which are said to cast a gentle glow upon the bar.

The grand opening of Bob's Steak & Chop House in District 121 has been in the works for more than a year. The restaurant is but one of many that are opening at the McKinney complex. Others include Mi Cocina, Common Table, 400 Gradi, the upscale Italian restaurant with Neapolitan pizza, and Zero Gradi, the dessert offshoot of 400 Gradi.