Fort Worth-based Wilks Development is partnering with one of the city’s top chefs, Jenna Kinard, her husband, Micah Kinard, and Kansas City restaurateur Christian Moscoso, to bring three food and beverage concepts and an artisanal market to the historic Fort Worth Public Market.

Jenna Kinard

“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,” Jess Green, SVP at Wilks Development, said in a statement. “The Kinards’ deep appreciation for the Public Market’s history and thoughtful approach to honoring its legacy made them the perfect fit. We can’t wait to see their concepts breathe new life into this iconic Fort Worth landmark.”

Wilks said that Jenna Kinard, celebrated for her Southern-influenced cuisine and past roles as executive chef at Max’s Wine Dive, Hotel Drover’s 97 West, and Jellico’s at the Westin Southlake, will bring a refined Texas flair to Madrone, an upscale dining destination featuring chef’s tasting menus and private dining experiences with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Complementing the restaurant, Wilks said that Willow will serve as a sophisticated cocktail bar and lounge offering elevated craft beverages, a VIP experience, and a premium liquor locker program.

Lastly, Public Market Café & Goods will be a “welcoming café and community hub” featuring freshly baked treats, coffee, and locally made products, Wilks said.

Honoring the past while helping to ‘carry the story forward’

Aerial rendering of the Fort Worth Public Market [Image: Fort Worth Public Market]

Paying tribute to the building’s origins, the Kinards said they plan to grow hydroponic produce on-site—including microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes—while curating goods from regional farmers and makers.

“It’s an incredible honor to partner with Wilks Development and steward such a beloved Fort Worth landmark, being part of its next chapter,” Jenna Kinard said in a statement. “This city has shaped me personally and professionally—and now, alongside my husband Micah, it continues to shape how we dream and create together.”

She also noted the legacy of the Public Market.

“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,” Jenna Kinard said. “The Public Market was once a vibrant home for countless local vendors and voices, each with a story to tell—and it brings us great joy to help carry that story forward. Above all, we’re grateful to God for the opportunity and the chance to serve this community. We’re humbled and full of anticipation for what’s ahead.”

Renovation of the Public Market building and the adjacent active senior apartment community, The Harden, began in June 2023. Wilks said the project is on track for completion in the early fall.

Founded in 2012 by brothers and third-generation masons Kyle and Josh Wilks along with their cousin Jess Green, Wilks Development has built a diverse portfolio that includes sturdy stone storefronts, vibrant multi-family communities, sleek commercial offices, and thriving, walkable neighborhoods.

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