If you bought tickets to a big movie opening in Fort Worth in the 1970s and ’80s, you likely had seats at the Ridglea Theater, which hosted openings for date night classics such as “The Godfather,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” and “American Graffiti” in grand style.
Now, if you have some spare change in the range of $10 million, you can purchase the midcentury theater with its iconic tower and adjacent event spaces along with the surrounding office and commercial space.
Transwestern is marketing the theater and the surrounding complex totaling about 83,131 square feet on 4 acres at 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd. The theater complex designed by architect A.C. Luther opened in 1950. Like other buildings in the area it has a Mediterranean design featuring a stone facade, tile roof and terrazzo floors in the lobby and public spaces, along with a massive 2,100-square-foot mural by artist Eugene Gilboe depicting the arrival of Spanish explorers in America.
“The Godfather” opening at the Ridglea Theater in 1972. (Courtesy photo | University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History)
Co-owner Amy Herrig makes clear she and her father, Jerry Shults, are in no rush to sell the property, but are interested in hearing offers and securing the future of the westside fixture they have owned since 2010.
It was that year when a bank considered purchasing the property, but the deal fell through and an effort began to list the property with the National Registry of Historic Places. Shults and Herrig purchased the building and refurbished it.
The building received its historic recognition and the Ridglea Theater reopened in 2012. The partnership has been operating the venue ever since, offering event spaces that have hosted everything from Addy awards programs to Cellar reunions to concerts and religious services.
“It’s a great space,” Herrig said.
The theater has a varied history, opening initially as a first-run movie house, part of the Interstate chain, then transforming into a dinner theater, followed by life as a special event concert venue hosting a variety of local and touring bands.
It recently hosted Fort Worth’s Four Day Weekend in the Ridglea Room Theater.
Trademark partnership
Fort Worth’s Trademark Property Co. has purchased Longview Mall in Longview in partnership with retailer Dillard’s.
Dillard’s is a current tenant of the mall. The partnership marks the first time Trademark and Dillard’s have teamed up on a retail acquisition, with Trademark leading operations and leasing for the 646,000-square-foot mall.
“Together with Dillard’s, we’ll bring capital to reinvest in the property and enhance its position as a community hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment,” said Terry Montesi, founder and CEO at Trademark, in a statement.
Dillard’s and Trademark plan to modernize the property and upgrade mall operations, said Daniel Goldware, senior vice president of leasing at Trademark.
A first for Fort Worth
Chicken chain Zaxbys is opening its first Fort Worth location, at 5384 Sycamore School Road. The Atlanta chain’s latest Texas location will be open for both a 3,000-square-foot dine-in facility and drive-thru service beginning Sept. 1.
“We are excited to introduce Zaxbys to the Fort Worth market and continue our efforts in delivering the sauce to Zaxbys fans,” said Brian Ellis, of BG Foods 621, the owner of the franchised location.
Zaxbys serves fresh, cooked-to-order chicken fingers and wings tossed in a variety of sauces. The new restaurant is expected to employ up to 50 workers.
Goodwill embraces AI
Goodwill North Central Texas has launched a Google AI Essentials training course. With support from Google.org, this innovative program is available online at no cost to interested learners.
“This support from Google.org reflects a shared commitment to fostering workplace readiness and opportunity,” said David Cox, president and CEO of Goodwill North Central Texas, in a statement. “Together, we are supporting individuals as they adapt, grow and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”
Google’s AI Essentials course aims to teach workers to use generative AI effectively in day-to-day work. The six-hour course provides practical, hands-on experience using generative AI to help with work tasks, through videos, readings and interactive exercises. The skills learned can be applied to a variety of roles across industries. After completing the course, participants will earn a certificate from Google to share with their network.
To register, use the 2025 Digital Career Accelerator’s Google AI Essentials Training Request form.
A book with style
Fort Worth-based Grace Mitchell, the interior designer, home renovator and designer on HGTV’s “One of a Kind,” is set to release her debut book, “Storied Style: The Book About YOU, Your Story, and How to Design Your Home with It,” with Harper Horizon in late October.
By considering seven essential questions, Mitchell demonstrates in the book how her design philosophy leads to a home reflective of the people living in it.
Do you have something for the Bob on Business column? Email Bob Francis, business editor for the Fort Worth Report, at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.
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