Chef Katrina Carpenter is the soulful force behind Carpenter’s Cafe & Catering — a beloved community-centered cafe serving up more than just good food. Inspired by her grandmother “Big Mama” and rooted in the rich traditions of her Lake Como upbringing in Fort Worth, Katrina’s culinary journey began in the church kitchen and family gatherings, where love was the secret ingredient in every dish.

 

Encouraged by friends and family who recognized her gift, Katrina turned her passion for hospitality and heritage into a business built to nourish both body and spirit. What began as a vision to honor her family’s legacy has blossomed into a powerful movement of food, faith, and fellowship.

 

Carpenter’s Cafe is known for its signature comfort food — from Texas chili and chicken and dumplins to the best sandwiches and fries in Fort Worth — but it’s the why behind the menu that sets it apart. Katrina creates space where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Through curated events like gospel brunches, entrepreneurial showcases, and community dinners, she feeds more than hunger — she feeds the soul.

 

With 12 years of experience and accolades including the inaugural Downtown Fort Worth Rotary Minority Business Award and multiple “Best of Fort Worth” titles, Katrina’s leadership is marked by quiet strength, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to community.

 

Whether you’re walking into her cafe for lunch, booking a private event, or attending one of her purpose-driven gatherings, one thing’s for sure — Katrina Carpenter and the Carpenter Cafe family will make you feel like family. Because at Carpenter’s Cafe, it’s not just from our hands to your hearts… it’s from her legacy to your table.