Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s Expands in Dallas — and I Declare Which Agent Made the Best Chili

When Candy had a scheduling conflict for Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s annual chili cook-off, I jumped in as the guest celebrity judge — and got an up-close look at the brokerage’s office digs. As a chili fanatic, I take these duties very seriously, and I was ready to give it my all.

Angela Thornhill, VP of Sales, dressed as Annie Hall, was there to give me the lay of the land of their Turtle Creek office as I navigated nine impressive chilis ranging from brisket and white chili to black bean and even pineapple chili. Each entry was judged on Taste, Creativity, Visual Appeal, and Spice Level, with awards for People’s Choice and my own Judge’s Choice. I went a little overboard, creating bonus categories for what chilis would make the best combined chili — and yes, I came prepared with Tupperware, because I wasn’t here to play. My scorecard was serious business; careful time and attention went into every point.

Between bites, I found myself thinking about space. Not the space in my belly — though that was certainly happily full — but the physical space these agents occupy. Their offices aren’t just backdrops for chili contests and holiday fun; they’re home base for staff and a comfortable landing pad for on-the-go agents.

The Turtle Creek office at 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd., where the cook-off takes place, remains a flagship. Nestled on the 4th and 5th floors of an iconic International Style building along the creek, it offers agents a two-floor layout that balances meeting space, client visits, and collaborative areas. High ceilings, glass walls, and polished finishes make it a space that feels both professional and welcoming — perfect for judging chili and conducting business alike.

And now, Briggs’ editorial director Rob Brinkley tells us the brokerage has added another strategic location in University Park. The new office at 6801 Snider Plaza, Suite 200, occupies about 5,000 square feet of loft-like space above retail.

With vaulted ceilings, timber trusses, and glass-walled offices, it’s built for meetings, networking, and events. It also has an executive space for their CEO Russ Anderson, a large residential kitchen, and a central great room that feels like a New York loft, Brinkley says. Located in the Park Cities, this new office roots Briggs Freeman back in the community where it began in 1960. The Turtle Creek and Snyder Plaza offices house about 190 agents combined.

Briggs Freeman’s other Dallas locations include Lakewood, at 6130 La Vista, Suite 150, a first-floor suite in a contemporary brick building that puts agents within easy reach of White Rock Lake and booming neighborhoods. Beyond Dallas, the firm also has offices in Fort Worth, Fort Worth West, Southlake, and Plano, but those aren’t located near the chili. I mean, priorities, right?

After tasting nine incredible chilis — from brisket to pineapple — I was ready to crown the champion.

I tallied my final scores and awarded Judge’s Choice to Will Stokes’ perfectly traditional chili con carne — a subtly tomato-based stew that went easy on the beans. Just like a well-balanced chili, an office needs the right mix of ingredients — space for collaboration, a style that reinforces the brand, and a welcoming vibe for chili judges clients and agents alike.

And yes, I left with my tupperware full. Because let’s be honest: someone has to take these things home and Will told me plainly to empty the Crockpot. He didn’t want to bring home leftovers. Consider it a public service.