Public Market Announces Three New Concepts

The owner of Public Market has been hard at work restoring the downtown landmark. Wilks Development is wrapping Fort Worth’s Public Market building with The Harden, which will be an active senior apartment community. It is located at 1400 Henderson Street. We now know that Public Market will house three new concepts ― a fine dining restaurant, a craft cocktail bar, and a market-style café by this fall.

Public Market welcomes chef Jenna Kinard, her husband, Micah Kinard, and Kansas City restaurateur Christian Moscoso to the project. The three are joining forces to bring all three new concepts to life. News of new downtown openings is adding to the area’s allure.

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

The beloved 1930s era Spanish Colonial Revival building has a  fascinating corner entry, stained glass elements, and a red tile roof. Construction on The Harden and restoration of Public Market began in 2023, and it is expected to be completed by fall of 2025. Architecture and interior design provided by BOKAPowell Architects.

Kinard has been a fixture in the local culinary scene for a long time. She was the executive chef at the former Max’s Wine Dive, and she concepted and launched Hotel Drover’s 97 West. Most recently, Jenna Kinard did the same at Jellico, the signature restaurant inside the Westin Southlake, bringing her Southern flair to the fore.

Details Of Three New Concepts Inside the Public Market

“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, senior vice president at Wilks Development. “The Kinard’s 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.”

The three new concepts will make the most of Public Market’s 15,000-square-foot space.

The fine dining element will be Madrone, which is described as “an upscale dining destination featuring chef’s tasting menus and private dining experiences with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.”

A sophisticated cocktail bar and lounge will add to the atmosphere. Willow will serve “elevated craft beverages, a VIP experience, and a premium liquor locker program,” according to a release.

Finally, Public Market Café & Goods is planned to be a “welcoming café and community hub featuring freshly baked treats, coffee, and locally made products.” Since Public Market began its life as a farmer’s market, “the Kinards also plan to grow hydroponic produce on-site —  including microgreens, herbs, and tomatoes — while curating goods from regional farmers and makers.”

“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, Jenna Kinard says.”