Last Thursday evening, magic filled the air at The British Emporium in Grapevine as wizards, witches, and magical creatures gathered for a spellbinding Harry Potter-themed cosplay event. The enchanting evening, held in partnership with FAN EXPO Dallas, welcomed fans of all ages to don their robes, raise their wands, and step into the Wizarding World for a night of trivia, tea leaves, and photo ops.

A crowd of Potterheads lined up outside the iconic British specialty store, transformed for the evening into Diagon Alley’s Texan twin. Guests were greeted by Dumbledore, Newt Scamander, and other fan-favorite characters brought to life by costumed staff and volunteers. The evening featured a Harry Potter trivia contest hosted by emcee Jeff Herndon, costumed in full wizarding regalia, as well as butterbeer tastings, a tea leaf reader, and fortune telling—all adding to the magical ambiance.

“We were thrilled to see so many families, friends, and fans from across DFW show up and show off their Hogwarts pride,” said Dana Cobb, organizer of the event. “It was a fantastic preview of the fandom celebration awaiting fans at FAN EXPO Dallas.”

The British Emporium’s longstanding ties to British pop culture and FAN EXPO Dallas’ dedication to fandom made for a perfect partnership. Expecto excitement!

For more information about upcoming events or FAN EXPO Dallas, visit www.fanexpodallas.com or www.britishemporium.com.

ABOUT THE BRITISH EMPORIUM: The British Emporium has provided British groceries and gifts and hosted community-related events such as royal celebrations, Doctor Who parties, and meet-and-greets with VIP visitors from Great Britain for more than 30 years. More information about The British Emporium can be found at www.british-emporium.com.

Recommended by D Magazine

“Best of British Award” – UK Telegraph Newspaper

2021 Dallas Morning News Best in DFW Best Multicultural Grocery Store

2021 Dallas Observer Best of Dallas Best British Store

ABOUT FAN EXPO DALLAS :  FAN EXPO Dallas is the ultimate fan destination for everyone looking to celebrate everything big in pop culture! As the largest fan gathering in Texas, this three-day event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center from May 30 to June 1, 2025, offers a citywide extravaganza featuring family-friendly attractions, world-renowned celebrities, and an ultimate playground for Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, and Gaming enthusiasts. Don't miss out on the epic experience – secure your tickets now at www.fanexpodallas.com!

Dallas Agency Recognized at 2025 Telly and Viddy Awards for Standout Campaigns in Automotive, Nonprofit, B2B, and More

The Barber Shop Marketing, a full-service advertising and marketing agency based in Dallas, has garnered top national recognition for its creative work in video, brand storytelling, and campaign strategy—earning a combined ten awards from the 2025 Telly Awards and 2025 Viddy Awards. The agency’s wins showcase its ability to develop high-impact, emotionally resonant, and results-driven content across industries and platforms.

At the 46th Annual Telly Awards, which received over 13,000 global entries, The Barber Shop Marketing stood alongside world-renowned winners such as Pixar, ESPN, NASA, MTV, and LinkedIn. The agency’s recognized work includes:

• Gold Telly – Automotive: Bill Dickason Chevrolet’s Hero Ad
• Silver Telly – B2B: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Internal Customer Service Video
• Bronze Telly – Promotional: Baker Brothers’ Campaign with the Texas Rangers
• Bronze Telly – Branding: Lawn South Promotional Video Featuring Their 2024 Award-Winning Work

“The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to spotlight how brands are blending classic storytelling with emerging technologies to reach audiences across screens,” said Amanda Needham, Managing Director of the Telly Awards.

“Hopefully, our work exemplifies that creativity, purpose, and performance can—and should—go hand in hand,” said Amy Hall, President of The Barber Shop Marketing.

In addition, The Barber Shop Marketing was honored with six Viddy Awards, further cementing its reputation for excellence in video production:

• Platinum – Nonprofit: The Warren Center’s 31st Annual Fantasy Football Draft Night Honored Family Video
• Platinum – Automotive: Bill Dickason Chevrolet’s Hero Ad
• Gold – Culture / Lifestyle: Gateway to the Globe 2024 Promotional Video
• Gold – Ad Campaign: Baker Brothers’ Partnership with the Texas Rangers
• Honorable Mention – Corporate Image: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Internal Video
• Honorable Mention – Products & Services: Lawn South 2024 Promotional Video

The Viddy Awards, established in 1994 as the Videographer Awards, have evolved into one of the most respected competitions honoring excellence in video for digital and broadcast platforms. Entries are judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), which also oversees the MarCom and Hermes Creative Awards.

“Viddy Award recipients represent the best of the best in modern visual storytelling,” said Ed Dalheim, Executive Director of AMCP.

“Our portfolio stood out for its clarity of message, high production values, and genuine audience engagement. These awards reflect the power of storytelling, strategic execution, and the strong partnerships we’ve built with our clients,” said Hall. “Each campaign is a collaborative effort, and it’s deeply gratifying to see that work resonate with industry leaders and audiences alike.”

 For more information about The Barber Shop Marketing and their award-winning work, visit www.thebarbershopmarketing.com.

Celebration of Memer’s 104th Birthday Includes Complimentary Slices of Her Signature Buttermilk Pie at All Locations

 Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a staple of North Texas for more than 50 years, will commemorate the life and legacy of family matriarch Mary Alice ‘Memer’ Hallett with a heartfelt tribute on what would have been her 104th birthday, May 20, 2025. In honor of Memer’s enduring influence on the Soulman’s menu and mission, the first 101 guests at each of the 20 Soulman’s Bar-B-Que locations will receive a complimentary slice of her famous buttermilk pie with their dine-in meal, while supplies last.

Mary Alice Hallett, affectionately known as "Memer" by family and friends, was the heart of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que when it first opened its doors in Pleasant Grove on October 19, 1974. Her homemade recipes helped shape the foundation of the beloved barbecue brand. From side dishes to desserts, Memer’s Southern culinary flair has been a central part of the Soulman’s story for generations.

"Memer wasn’t just a wonderful cook—she was the soul behind Soulman’s,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “Her signature buttermilk pie is more than just a dessert. It’s a symbol of the love, tradition, and comfort that Soulman’s brings to the table. We’re proud to honor her memory in a way that connects with so many of our loyal guests, some of whom have been dining with us since the beginning."

Guests visiting any Soulman’s location on May 20 are encouraged to share their own stories and memories of family, food, and tradition using the hashtag #SliceOfMemer on social media. The company will also feature vintage photos and a special tribute video on its digital platforms to celebrate Memer’s life and legacy.

“This day is about more than free pie—it’s about the power of family recipes and the stories they carry,” added Randle. “We hope our guests will take a moment to savor the past while creating new memories with loved ones at Soulman’s.”

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

This Mother’s Day, trade the traditional for the truly magical with a family adventure at The Smurf Experience USA, now open at Esports Stadium Arlington. From May 7–11, every ticket purchased includes a special Smurf-themed goodie bag, making this already unforgettable celebration even sweeter.

Perfect for families looking to do something different, The Smurf Experience invites guests into a 13,000-square-foot indoor playground where kids and parents alike transform into honorary Smurfs. Together, you embark on an interactive mission to save the planet from the evil wizard Gargamel, traveling through Smurf Village, the Enchanted Forest and beyond.

Families can celebrate Mother's Day laughing through scavenger hunts, conquering obstacle courses, exploring virtual reality zones and snapping selfies with iconic characters like Papa Smurf and Smurfette — who’s set to take center stage in the upcoming Smurfs movie starring Rihanna this July.

To make the experience even more special, The Smurf Experience USA is offering complimentary themed goodie bags for every guest who attends between May 7 and May 11— while supplies last. The experience runs through August 10, 2025, but this Mother’s Day week is a limited opportunity to enjoy extra perks. Tickets are available now at www.SmurfExperienceUSA.com.

Celebrate Mom with a day of magic, laughter and a little blue adventure — only at The Smurf Experience in Arlington.

Celebrating a Time-Honored Texas Tradition with Bold Flavors and Southern Flair

As the aroma of smoked meat begins to fill the Texas air, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is kicking off National Bar-B-Que Month with a savory celebration of the time-honored tradition that’s been at the heart of their menu—and their mission—for more than 50 years.

May marks the official start of barbecue season in the Lone Star State, and for North Texans, that means returning to a family favorite known for its legendary low-and-slow smoked meats and homestyle sides. From brisket to ribs, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que continues to deliver the comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors that have made them a go-to destination for generations.

“At Soulman’s, barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life,” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “As a family-owned business, we’ve always believed in honoring the traditions of great Texas barbecue while continuing to evolve to serve our guests better. Whether it’s feeding a family of four or catering a backyard bash for 40, our team is passionate about sharing quality smoked meat and made-from-scratch sides that bring people together.”

Soulman’s is continuing to push the boundaries of convenience and customer experience, with new innovations to match their classic flavors including the Soulman’s mobile app, which streamlines the ordering process for busy customers and makes it easier than ever to enjoy Texas barbecue on the go. Whether through in-store pickup, delivery, or custom catering, Soulman’s is committed to bringing the ‘cue to wherever hungry Texans are gathering.

“As much as we love the smoke and the sizzle, we’re just as proud of how we serve our community,” adds Randle. “From family-friendly dining in each of our North Texas locations to our unbeatable takeout and catering options, we’re doing everything we can to bring a seamless, satisfying Soulman’s experience to every guest.” The Soulman’s Bar-B-Que app is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information, menus, catering options, and locations, visit soulmans.com.

Recognized as one of the Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America and frequently named Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout and Delivery, Soulman’s shows no signs of slowing down.

This May—and all summer long—barbecue lovers are invited to celebrate with Soulman’s and taste the difference that decades of dedication makes.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.