LogoLogo
Sign in
Get discovered It has never been easier to reach clients.
Username
Email
Password
Confirm password
I'm already a member
Username
Password
I'm not a member
Username
I want to login
  • All Listings
  • Summer Camps
  • Magazine
  • Blog
  • Team
  • Advertise
  • Contact
by Hannah Bush / April 27, 2023
Fort Worth Food, Fort Worth People, Fort Worth Traditions, Worthy Conversations

Worthy Convos: Gigi Howell on the Spirit of Margie’s

Next post

There isn’t a love quite like the love a small community has for a local spot. Especially if that spot has been feeding hungry families authentic, home-style Italian cooking for as long as most people can remember. Margie’s Original Italian Kitchen is that local spot for residents of Westland, and for Gigi Howell and Bourke Harvey. As the partners behind the aptly named Westland Restaurant Group, which owns JD’s Hamburgers, the two are excited to continue the “spirit of Margie’s” as its new owners, which Howell expects to reopen in December.

From classic American hamburgers to authentic, home-style Italian, how did you decide it was time for Westland Restaurant Group to take on something new?

Truth is, we have been wanting to do both. We just got our hands on the burger real estate before the Italian spot. Margie’s has been a big part of the families of Westland Restaurant Group and this has been a dream of ours for a long time.

Westland is a small but hungry community. What else do you have in store for this area?

I don’t want to give it all away…but aside from JDs, Margie’s and a couple of other concepts not yet being discussed with others, we will definitely bring some Mexican food to the area!

Ironically, you are renovating two restaurants at once. JD’s was hit by a storm and Margie’s is getting a face lift. How do you manage the chaos?

Chaos is exactly right. Having incredible partners and the unwavering loyalty of an amazing staff makes this time in our development extremely more manageable than it should be. Is it a balancing act? Sure. But we have a lot of spotters.

You talk about maintaining the spirit of Margie’s. How will you do that?

I grew up in Margie’s Italian Gardens… when Tina, Margie’s mother, and Margie owned it. Margie was a part of our family. So much so, I thought I was Italian until I was about ten.

My mother, my aunt and my uncle all had their first jobs working directly for Margie. I know what it felt like to be there one to two times a week. I want to make sure everyone feels the way I did when growing up there. You were simply a guest who was made to feel at home. And you got fed well while settled in.

How will operating an Italian kitchen differ from operating an American kitchen?

Not much different at all! Love and care in every dish.

When will Margie’s reopen its doors?

We are probably looking at closer to Christmas. Buon Natale!

How did Westland Restaurant Group start?

Bourke and I met 25 years or so ago when my mom worked for him. We knew then we would work together someday. And we knew it would be a restaurant. Our dreams grew together and here we are!

Gigi HowellMargie's Original Italian KitchenWorthy Convos

Leave your comment Cancel reply

Featured Listings
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    7301 Dutch Branch Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA817-370-1191
    Fort Worth Academy

    We empower young people to think critically, lead with empathy, and collaborate effectively in a diverse environment to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow. Our students graduate as self-aware, self-driven, courageous, confident, and creative Trailblazers through our advanced academics, creative fine arts, robust athletics and signature E.L.I. (entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation) Initiative.

    Education and Child Care Services
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    13801 Walsh Ave, Aledo, TX 76008, USA: 817.870.5030
    Walsh

    When it comes to deciding where to live, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise. Walsh is the neighborhood where you won’t have to. Thoughtfully designed neighborhood services, beautiful homes, ample green space, and a top-rated school district come together on historic ranch land. It’s an all-encompassing living experience only 12 minutes from the heart of Fort Worth. Our award-winning local and national builders offer a variety of beautifully designed, architecturally diverse new homes from the $400s to $1.5M+. Visit walshtx.com to learn more.

    Home & Garden
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    5656 Edwards Ranch Rd #202, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA(817) 731-5330
    Matthew H. Steele, M.D.

    Many patients in the DFW area seek out Dr. Steele because of his calming bedside manner, eye for aesthetic detail, and excellent results. Dr. Steele is one of the few plastic surgeons in Fort Worth to be board certified in both Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT). Our goal is to help our patients restore balance between their image within and their outer appearance.  Whether he is rebuilding the nose after a skin cancer excision, reversing the signs of pregnancy and aging, or restoring a woman’s self-confidence after cancer has taken her breasts, Dr. Steele uses the latest pioneering techniques to create effortless, natural results.  With Dr. Steele, you will find the right combination of technology and talent necessary to achieve your cosmetic goals.  Dr. Steele and his highly trained staff will take the time to build a trusting, collaborative relationship with each patient.  Because… Beauty is in the details. Dr. Matthew H. Steele is a highly regarded and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery at his office in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Steele is board certified by both The American Board of Plastic surgery and The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT). He is a cosmetic surgery specialist with a focus on breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. Patients have traveled from as far as Florida and South Dakota to seek out his expertise. Dr. Steele serves the areas surrounding Fort Worth including Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, Aledo, Weatherford, Granbury, Arlington, Irving, Plano, Frisco, and Dallas.

    Botox + Injectables
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    900 E Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA817-334-0361
    The Mattress Factory

    A Fort Worth Original Since 1896! Harry Keeton, Sr., began selling mattress supplies in Fort Worth, Texas, back in 1896. Little did he know that this was the beginning of what was later to become the fastest growing chain of factory direct sleep stores. His two sons, Harry and Frank took over the business and expanded into Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and California; shipping furniture and mattress supplies all over the world. Four generations later, Peter Duncan, Jr., realized that there was a need for Factory Direct Marketing and began selling his products directly to the consumer at wholesale prices. This concept has spread like wildfire. Public acceptance has been overwhelming. This great demand has caused the Mattress Factory to become a leader in the industry. Our production exceeds 10000 pieces manufactured each year. Our buying power, along with the "no middleman" concept give maximum savings, which are passed along to the customer... you! When you purchase from the Original Mattress Factory you save 50% off the purchase price at a retail store. Mention Tanglewood Moms and receive 10% off! 800-211-7378 toll free 817-334-0361 (local Fort Worth)

    Home
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    3550 Hulen St Suite C, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA817-732-9341
    North Texas Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

    At our office we are passionate about creating Texas’ best pediatric dental care and experience in an energetic, fun and child-friendly atmosphere. Recognizing that each patient is special and invaluable, we celebrate them. It is both an honor and privilege to provide Fort Worth’s youth the highest quality of dental care in the best possible environment. We love what we do, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your smile team!

    Dentist
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    6400 Mira Vista Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76132, USA817-988-7955
    Adrianne Huff Holland Real Estate with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

    Fort Worth Is Home! Adrianne Holland with Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s offers the personalized service you need, over a decade of real estate experience and knowledge of Fort Worth Real Estate. Thinking of making a move? Curious what your home is worth? Let me prepare a personalized Real Estate Review of your home, and discuss your best options in making a move. When it comes to deciding where to live, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise. As your local Walsh Ranch specialist, I can guide you in your Walsh Ranch purchase in every facet from custom home lots to existing homes. Walsh Ranch lots range from $95K to $375K or let me help guide you in selecting new homes from the $300s to $1.5M+.

    Real Estate Services
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    5016 Cockrell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76133, USA817-886-3386
    Shawn M Cowdin Construction, LLC

    SMCC prides itself on bringing a client-centered approach to every project. We will work with you on design options and product selections to bring your vision, not ours, to life. Though we happily build new houses, our true passion is renovation. Remodeling existing homes is never dull. Whether it’s the challenge of making an add-on look like part of the original structure, unearthing unexpected or even unsafe issues behind the walls of older homes, or taking over a project when the client parted ways with another contractor, SMCC loves working with you to accomplish your goals for your home and add value to one of your biggest investments.

    Home
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    300 Throckmorton St Suite 1650, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA817-900-3220
    Varghese Summersett Family Law Group

    Varghese Summersett Family Law Group helps individuals and families navigate emotionally charged family law matters. We handle divorce, mediation, child custody disputes, child support, property and asset division, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, and post-divorce modifications. Our goal is to make this time as painless as possible while achieving optimal results. Whether it's through negotiation or aggressive litigation, we'll find the best strategy for you. Call 817-900-3220 for more information.  

    Family Law
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    7200 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116, USA817-377-0910
    The Mercantile

    Through the vision of its founder, the distinguished Fort Worth businessman and philanthropist Holt Hickman, the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile opened its doors in March 2007 as a traditional antique mall with over 100 local dealers selling antiques and art to the Fort Worth community. Known simply as “The Mercantile,” today we are proud to offer a carefully curated marketplace of 200+ dealer booths that connect the past with the present through an impressive collection of gifts, home décor, antiques, fashion, furniture, and so much more! We offer customers the diversity of a traditional, open-air marketplace with local dealers and merchandise housed year-round under one very large roof. Our customers can shop with multiple dealers and enjoy the ease of a centralized checkout process, convenient payment options (including layaway), loyalty discounts, and special events throughout the year that celebrate customers and benefit local causes.

    Apparel and Accessories
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    4901 Briarhaven Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA817-737-7272
    Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

    We Are Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs throughout north and west Texas and the Oklahoma panhandle, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gs-top.org.

    Groups and Clubs
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    501 Carroll St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA214-354-9011
    Chicken Salad Chick

    Chicken Salad Chick is THE place for chicken salad lovers to rejoice! We’ve taken this Southern favorite to a whole new level with 13 flavors of chicken salad made by hand every morning. Beyond chicken salad, our fans rave about our fresh side items (especially our grape salad and broccoli salad!), our homemade pimento cheese, gourmet soups & seasonal desserts. We offer dine-in, curbside/takeout, or Quick Chick containers to-go for easy meals for the whole family! Our Catering options are also a beautiful & delicious option for gatherings of any size. The local owners, John & Meggie Schissler, love to live, work & play in Fort Worth, and look forward to serving this amazing community for many years to come! Now serving 2 locations: 6124 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 7616 | (817) 769-6572 and 501 Carroll Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107 | (817) 857-8509

    Catering
  • Premium
    You have to be logged in to favorite, click here to login
    4812 Bryant Irvin Ct, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA(817) 731-9291
    Clear Fork Healthy Dental Care

    Holistic, Cosmetic, and Quality Restorative Dentistry in Fort Worth At Clear Fork Healthy Dental Care, we are proud to be a truly unique dental office in Fort Worth. Not only do we practice holistic and health-minded dentistry, we offer advanced technology and spa therapies to make your visit comfortable with a combination of patient-first services, safe and gentle oral health remedies, and relaxation techniques. Our dentists and team stand out for their commitment to providing the best dental care available in the West Fort Worth, TX area. We would love to show you the difference that a comfortable and family-centered approach to dentistry can make. Contact our office today for your consultation! Providing Patients with the Very Best: Education, Technology, and Advanced Services Dr. Cole and Dr. Shelby are devoted to learning about the latest technologies and treatment methods available. We stay ahead of the curve and put your wellness at the forefront of your treatment plan to ensure your health and satisfaction.  Visit Clear Fork Dental for the following services, among many others: General Dentistry Permanent Dentures TMJ Treatment and Appliances Sleep Apnea Therapy Dental Implants including All-on-4 Holistic Dental Care Laser Treatment for Pediatric/Adult Lip and Tongue Ties You can count on our Fort Worth dentists and team to provide treatment from highly trained backgrounds, with special attention to creating a friendly and welcoming environment. We cater to patients with sensitivities and special concerns, such as those who require biocompatible care for medical issues, or who are interested in cosmetic procedures, comprehensive restorations, and dental procedures to improve their overall well-being.

    Dentist

About Tanglewood Moms

Tanglewood Moms helps you discover everything Fort Worth has to offer.

© COPYRIGHT 2017 Tanglewood Moms, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED