#United States #Fort Worth #Wilks Development #Fort Worth Market #Jenna Kinard

Wilks Development Teams Up with Chef Jenna Kinard

In a remarkable fusion of history and culinary excellence, Wilks Development has announced a partnership with celebrated Chef Jenna Kinard, her husband Micah Kinard, and Kansas City restaurateur Christian Moscoso. This collaboration aims to breathe new life into the iconic Fort Worth Public Market, introducing three innovative dining and beverage concepts within its historic walls this upcoming fall.

A Culinary Transformation

Renowned for her Southern-inspired cuisine, Chef Jenna Kinard has made her mark as an executive chef at distinguished establishments such as Max's Wine Dive and the Westin hotel’s 97 West. With this new venture, Kinard seeks to elevate the dining experience at Fort Worth’s Public Market with "Madrone," an upscale restaurant dedicated to showcasing a menu filled with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant will offer an exclusive chef's tasting menu, alongside private dining experiences that promise to be both refined and memorable.

Complementing Madrone will be "Willow," a sophisticated cocktail lounge aimed at curating an elite drinking experience. Here, guests can enjoy artisanal cocktails, premium liquors, and an ambiance that exudes style and sophistication. For those looking for a more casual environment, the "Public Market Café Goods" will serve as a community hub where locals can savor freshly baked goods, high-quality coffee, and artisanal products sourced from the regional community.

Cultivating the Past While Innovating the Future

The Kinards plan to not only provide exceptional dining options but also enhance the market experience by growing hydroponic produce on site, including herbs, microgreens, and tomatoes. This initiative pays homage to the Public Market’s rich history while integrating sustainable practices into their culinary offerings. “This partnership has been several years in the making—we’ve always known we wanted to collaborate with Jenna; we just needed the right space to match her vision and talent,” said Jess Green, the Senior Vice President at Wilks Development.

Kinard expressed her excitement about this endeavor, noting, “It’s an incredible honor to partner with Wilks Development and steward such a beloved Fort Worth landmark.” She emphasized the significance of this project, saying, “We see this not just as a culinary venture but as a calling—to bring people together through exceptional food, drinks, and hospitality while honoring the legacy of Fort Worth’s Public Market.” Her’s and Micah's shared vision aims not merely at providing a dining service but at rekindling the market’s past vibrancy by creating a place where stories and flavors converge.

A Historic Venue in the Making

The renovation of the Fort Worth Public Market, which commenced in June 2023, is expected to complete by early fall 2025. The substantial endeavor includes not only the revitalization of the market itself but also the adjacent active senior community known as The Harden. With such ambitious projects, Wilks Development is not merely reconstructing a venue; they are reviving a cornerstone of the Fort Worth community.

Wilks Development, founded by brothers Kyle and Josh Wilks alongside their cousin Jess Green, has established itself as an innovative leader in Texas real estate. With a commitment to enriching community spaces since 2012, the company’s portfolio reflects a dedication to sustainable growth and community-enhancing projects.

For more details or to stay updated on progress, you can visit Wilks Development’s website.

As the Fort Worth Public Market embarks on this exciting new chapter under Chef Jenna Kinard's culinary leadership, the combination of history, community, and innovative dining experiences promises to create a vibrant destination that captivates both locals and visitors alike.