We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Lancarte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.

Kelly , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

Joe T. Garcia’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the enduring strength of my family, Mexican heritage, and the legacy that’s been lovingly passed down through generations. It all began with my great-grandmother Mamasuez’s brave journey from Michoacán, Mexico, to Fort Worth in 1911. She carried a tireless work ethic and a profound love for her family, which would ultimately shape the destiny of Joe T.’s.

My great-grandparents embarked on a journey to build a life for their loved ones with dreams of a prosperous future. Little did they know that their humble beginnings would lay the foundation for an iconic restaurant that would become a cherished Fort Worth tradition. Their commitment to hard work and love for food, nurtured in the heart of their kitchen, was the birthplace of what Joe T. Garcia’s is today.

As the years have passed, the restaurant has evolved and grown, adapting to changing times and tastes. However, the essence of Joe T.’s remains firmly rooted in family values, authenticity, and a deep connection to Mexican heritage.

Each generation that has taken the reins at Joe T. Garcia’s has continued to honor this rich heritage while adding their unique contributions to the business. With every new generation, there’s an infusion of fresh ideas, innovations, and a commitment to maintaining the traditions that have made the restaurant so special.

At the heart of this family business lies a creative force that has been instrumental in its growth and success. My mother, Jody Lancarte, has played a pivotal role in shaping the business’s event department. Her innate creativity and passion for innovation have propelled us to new heights, captivating our customers and setting new industry standards.

From conceptualizing unique event themes to designing captivating decor, your mother’s creative vision has transformed ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. Her ability to think outside the box and infuse each event with a touch of magic has earned her a reputation as one of the most creative women in the industry.

The importance of each generation’s involvement in the business goes beyond just running a restaurant; it’s about preserving a family story and a piece of Mexican culture. It’s about passing down the torch and ensuring that the love of food and hard work instilled by Mamasuez and Joe T., continues to flourish. It will forever be a part of our family’s story and the story of Fort Worth itself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Joe T’s, our family business is not just a restaurant but a living testament to the remarkable journey of our ancestors and the values they instilled in us. As the great-granddaughter of Mamasuez and Joe T. Garcia, Joe T’s is not just a place of work but our cherished family home where generations have grown up and learned invaluable lessons.

In the heart of our kitchen, I watched my great-grandmother and grandmother as they prepared meals. Their dedication to their craft and unwavering passion for food left an indelible mark on my heart. They taught me that food is not just sustenance but a way to express love, culture, and heritage.

What sets us apart from others is not just the delicious food we serve but the deep-rooted values that permeate every aspect of our business. We honor our Mexican heritage by staying true to authentic flavors and culinary traditions, ensuring every dish tells a story. But beyond that, we embrace the spirit of family, warmth, and laughter passed down through generations.

The lessons I have learned from the remarkable women in my family have shaped our business and my personal journey. They have taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and the power of love in creating something truly extraordinary.

I admire and am grateful for the remarkable partnership between my parents within our family business. Their unwavering commitment to collaboration and shared vision have set them apart as a team.

At the heart of their partnership lies a deep appreciation for each other’s strengths and a genuine belief in the power of collaboration. While my mother’s creativity has undeniably been a driving force, it is equally important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of my father. Together, they have nurtured a culture of innovation that permeates every aspect of our business.

Their ability to seamlessly combine their individual talents and ideas has fostered a sense of unity within our family and propelled our business forward in an ever-changing market. Their skill sets and diverse perspectives have allowed them to tackle challenges with a multifaceted approach, consistently delivering exceptional results.

What truly sets my parents apart is their unwavering support for one another. They have created an environment where each family member feels empowered to contribute their unique talents and ideas. Their open-mindedness and willingness to listen to different viewpoints have fostered an atmosphere of trust and respect, enabling everyone to thrive.

Witnessing their partnership in action is truly inspiring. They lead by example, demonstrating the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and shared goals. Their ability to navigate through triumphs and setbacks with unwavering determination is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our family business.

Our story is a testament to the resilience of family-owned businesses, a reminder that we can face any challenge head-on with determination and a strong support system. The positive experiences that have shaped our family business continue to inspire us to live life to the fullest and to approach each day with passion, knowing that together, we can conquer anything that comes our way.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At Joe T’s, our love for our customers runs deep. We have designed our establishment to be more than just a restaurant – it’s a go-to escape where you can find comfort, familiarity, and a sense of belonging. When you walk through our doors, you can expect an experience beyond a mere plate of food.

We believe dining at Joe T’s is about creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Our tables and gardens provide the perfect setting to leave the chaos of life behind and be fully present in the company of those who matter most to you. It’s a place to unwind, connect, and savor the moments that truly matter.

We take pride in setting a magical table for our customers, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered. From the warm ambiance to the attentive service, we strive to create an atmosphere enveloping you with a sense of care and hospitality. Our goal is to make you feel like a part of our extended family, where you can relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

At Joe T’s, it’s not just about the food – it’s about the experience. We invite you to join us at our family table and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Come and let us take care of you, as we believe that every visit to Joe T’s should be a special occasion.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic brought about an unprecedented wave of challenges for businesses and communities across the globe. A simple but profound realization emerged as we navigated the turbulent waters of the pandemic: “We are in this together.” Our journey mirrored that of our ancestors, who ventured into new lands, facing unfamiliar circumstances, and built a legacy through resilience. Our great-grandparents’ stories of adaptability and tenacity were a beacon of hope during these trying times.

Our establishment, once a place where customers came to our family table, had to pivot. The pivot meant providing food to their family tables. Initially, this shift was met with challenges and uncertainties. However, this transformation revealed a deep sense of community loyalty in Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth community rallied behind us as they did for countless other local businesses. In adversity, we witnessed our neighbors’ unwavering support and loyalty. Customers became more than patrons; they became allies in our quest to endure and thrive.

We learned that the values of resilience and adaptability are rooted in our family history and shared by the entire Fort Worth community. Once tested by unprecedented circumstances, the spirit of togetherness emerged stronger than ever. The ties that bind our community proved unbreakable.

As we look back on this challenging period, we cherish the lessons learned and the renewed sense of community loyalty that emerged. We realized that our success is intricately intertwined with the support of our community. We understand that we are not alone in this journey; we are part of a larger tapestry of interconnected lives and stories like our great-grandparents.

The pandemic may have forced us to pivot, but it also illuminated the profound strength of our Fort Worth community. We remain committed to serving our community as a business and a symbol of the enduring spirit of togetherness. In Fort Worth, loyalty isn’t just a word; it’s our way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joetgarcias.com
• Instagram: kellylancarte
• Linkedin: kellylancarte

Image Credits
Sydnie Liska, Emily Jolliff