Katrina Carpenter on the Definition of Success

The food business is not for the faint of heart. With an estimated 60% of operations closing within the first year, diners everywhere should be especially grateful for those favorite neighborhood spots that refuse to become a statistic. But maybe there’s more to restaurant’s success than just its menu.

Katrina Carpenter, owner of Carpenter’s Café and Catering in the Near Southside, considers herself to be in the people business first. And it’s this attitude that is the not-so-secret ingredient in Carpenter’s success in establishing herself and her business as fixtures in the community.

We first interviewed you back in 2020. It was the year Carpenter’s Cafe opened its brick-and-mortar and the same year the pandemic hit. How have you grown since then, both as a business and as a business owner?

Since opening our brick-and-mortar, Carpenter’s has collaborated with 15 other local businesses and entrepreneurs in many facets. Carpenter’s acquired a food truck that was first launched summer 2021 in partnership with the Magnolia Wine Bar. We’ve gone from subleasing [our location] to full acquisition and fulfilling expansion plans. As a business owner, I’ve discovered growth in fully accepting the influence I’ve had among other small businesses and owners. I’ve embraced opportunities to lend a voice by joining committees such as the Small Business Task force for the City of Fort Worth.

You intentionally started Carpenter’s without loans or investors. Why was that important to you?

Carpenter’s was birthed from a Big Idea that tapped on the heart strings of many. It was important for us to stay grounded in our faith and lean into what we could do on our own without taking on any debt. Now three years in, having accomplished so much, we are positioned to accept the capital to further scale and grow our business.

Right now, the cafe is operating at minimal capacity while you enhance the space. When can we expect the big reveal?

We are hoping for late summer [or] early fall at the latest for full completion. However, in the coming weeks, customers will be able to order take out and access online ordering platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats once again.

Carpenter’s is centered around community. What responsibility do you feel you have to your city?

To continue to be the pioneer and change agent that I am. Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered that so many people in my city, all over my city, have kept up with Carpenter’s journey. I love that I can be an inspiration to others just by being who I am. I owe it to my community to stand ground and to continue to advocate in spaces that matter.

What is the best business advice you have received since starting this journey?

Build a solid network! Be strategic in your thinking and movement. Do not be afraid of change. In fact, embrace change. And lastly, create the grandest vision possible for you and your business because you become what you believe.

How do you define success?

The ability to triumph and genuinely making a difference in the lives of others while doing what you love to do wholeheartedly.

What’s next for you?

My philanthropic soul has motivated me to launch a foundation titled “A Collective Hand.” I’m excited to join forces with other brilliant and like-minded community leaders and advocates who are on the move and have a heart for real equitable change. I believe change starts with meaningful relationship building, grounded in purpose-built communication. I’ve also been working on a Community Merch Corner that will feature some new merch items from the Carps Cafe brand along with a few other offerings from local makers.