Meet Francesca Lawrence

We had the good fortune of connecting with Francesca Lawrence and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesca, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
A key factor to our success is our team. While I may be in charge of managing the tasting room, I definitely cannot take sole credit for this project. The original idea came from my boss, Ron, and his daughter Madison, who are always dreaming up new and creative ventures. I was just lucky enough to be invited in!

When Madison first approached me about joining the project in 2022, I had no idea what to expect. But knowing the amazing work ethic and vision her family puts into everything they do, I knew it was something I’d regret not being a part of. Coming from a background in healthcare, I had zero experience in project management, construction, or business operations. But Ron has a way of inspiring entrepreneurship in everyone around him—especially his kids—and he didn’t hesitate to give me this incredible opportunity to help build and grow his business.

At the heart of Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co. is the team. The people I’ve hired work hard every day to create the best possible experience for our guests. Being a small company, we’re tight-knit—our team dynamic encourages constant communication and collaboration, from barbacks to bartenders, from management to ownership. That closeness and shared passion are what truly set us apart.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m incredibly excited about the endless opportunities my current position offers. Right now, we’re in the process of building our second location—our sister experience, Saddlerock Vineyards and Safari—out in Brock, TX. It’s such an exciting time! The diversity of my role means that no two days are the same. With so many different aspects to the job, there’s always something new to learn or experience, and I find myself constantly growing both personally and professionally.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t always been easy, but having a supportive and passionate team has made all the difference. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way is to say “yes” to opportunities, even if you don’t feel 100% qualified. Pushing yourself to take on something new can lead to incredible growth. I’ve also learned how important it is to allow your support system to actually support you. It’s easy to take on too much, but learning how to find a balance between work and fun is essential for long-term success and happiness.

One of the biggest turning points in my career was realizing how much management can influence your love for what you do. I originally went to school for something I thought I’d be doing for the rest of my life. But poor management in that field led me to burn out quickly. It wasn’t until I joined this team that I truly understood the phrase, “Liking the people you work with is just as important as liking the job itself.” That has made all the difference for me.

What I want people to know about me and about Saddlerock Wine & Beer Co. is that we’re building more than just a venue—we’re building a community. Our space is meant to feel like a home away from home. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and can find something they enjoy. As the brand grows, we want our community to grow with us. We build these experiences for them, and we want them to be a part of every step forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many amazing options in the area—it’s honestly hard to choose! But if my best friend were visiting for a long weekend, I’d make sure they got to experience a little bit of everything that makes Fort Worth so special.

Thursday:
We’d kick things off with a cozy stay at Bowie House—it’s a stunning hotel with amazing vibes. For dinner, we’d grab food to go from Spice on Magnolia and head out to Saddlerock for Trivia Night, where we could enjoy great drinks, beautiful scenery, and a little friendly competition.

Friday:
We’d start the day with a peaceful walk through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, followed by lunch at Press Café—perfect for patio dining with a view. That evening, we’d enjoy a cocktail at the Bar at Bowie House, then have dinner at Le Margot for an incredible French dining experience. We’d wrap the night up with some fun in the Stockyards—live music and dancing!

Saturday:
This would be a classic Fort Worth summer day—poolside relaxation, soaking up the sun and catching up. Dinner would be at Walloons, one of my favorite spots, before heading to the rodeo or catching a concert at Billy Bob’s, It’s always a blast!

Sunday:
We’d slow it down with a matcha from Marché Bleu in Clearfork and then enjoy a leisurely brunch at B&B Butchers. To wrap up the trip, we’d find a hammock in the park and just relax, soaking in the last moments of the weekend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are definitely a few people who deserve a big shoutout for where I am today.

Aside from Ron, who gave me the opportunity to step into this role and encouraged me to grow beyond what I thought I was capable of, I’d love to give a direct shoutout to Madison. From the very beginning, she has been an essential part of my success here. She’s been incredibly patient, supportive, and encouraging, always making space for me to ask questions and learn as I go. Having grown up in the family business, she brings a wealth of experience, and I’ve learned so much from her—both as a mentor and as a teammate. I also really value the balance we’ve built between professionalism and friendship, which makes working together not only productive but genuinely fun.

Outside of work, I have to shout out my parents—especially my mom. She is the director of learning services for a large company, and her insight into constructive team management was incredibly helpful when I was first putting my own team together. Her feedback and guidance helped shape the way I lead today.

I truly wouldn’t be where I am without the support, mentorship, and belief of the people around me.

Website: https://www.drinksaddlerock.com/

Instagram: @drinksaddlerockfw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Saddlerock-Wine-Beer-Co-61557417874961/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/saddlerock-wine-and-beer-fort-worth