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

Hi LeeAnn, how do you think about risk?
It was a definitely a risk to be the very first charcuterie focused business in the Cedar Creek Lake area, but I believe that every goal in life comes with some level of risk. You can look for opportunities to fill a need in your area or you can look for obstacles. You will find exactly what you choose to look for. I’ve always seen the opportunity everywhere I look. I’m a dreamer, I want to be a part of what makes the world beautiful. Food is an essential part of life and by making edible works of art, what I create brings added joy to the special moments in people’s lives. It’s like spreading edible happiness and I just think that’s a beautiful dream.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m constantly learning, improving and working towards my next step. I stay ahead of the trends and always find ways to offer something unique and highly desirable.

I look at my creations as art and unless I’m creating teacher appreciation boxes, corporate boxes, wedding grazing cups or similar large event orders, no two charcuterie boards are the same. Everything is created in the moment and comes to me like a true art form.

I’m proud of how far this has come from such simple beginnings and ideas. What started as simply taking foods to family potlucks, creating thank you gifts for teachers and other professionals that I appreciate has blossomed into a serendipitous career that I love. The growth this past year has been phenomenal and I’ve decided to expand by opening a market. My husband and I are currently remodeling a 111 year old historic building in downtown Eustace Square. In The Market With LeeAnn will be opening this summer and will offer individual charcuteries, sandwiches, salads, take & bake meals, artisanal meats & cheeses and many other convenient food selections.

I’ve gotten to where I am today by constantly staying focused on my goals and my daily habits to achieve them. I’m always actively looking for ways to show my appreciation and support for my own community & small businesses. I guess I could say that by having a giving soul, it seems to come back in my direction tenfold. One of the keys to my success has been my amazing husband, he’s always been very supportive of my business goals and his daily help has been an integral part of keeping our day-to-day flowing so that we can balance the work and home life for our kids. We will be working as a husband and wife team in the new market to continue growing this small business together. Team work makes the dream work, right?

I have faced quite a few challenges throughout the growth of this business. It isn’t always easy because sometimes the exhaustion can be overwhelming. Since you are your own boss, you have to be disciplined and hold your own self accountable to work even when you’d rather take the day off. Everything from being a busy working mom with kids, to consistent food & supply shortages, to suddenly outgrowing my prep space and everything in between, presents new challenges and the need for consistent solution seeking.

I’ve learned that when you look for opportunities, you will find them. Sometimes what you enjoy the most is where you will find your success. It’s not easy at times, challenges will always find you. By being consistent, and not giving up when things are tough, you can accomplish great things and be happy while having a career that you enjoy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1.) start with an early breakfast at The Roost in Eustace, their Bulldog breakfast is a must. Head to Ft Worth Zoo. Spend a few hours there then make our way down to the Ft Worth Stockyards to watch the Cattle drive in the late afternoon. Followed by some delicious BBQ deviled eggs & filet at Coopers Steakhouse. (Make sure you make a reservation)
Day 2.) Relax in the morning and head to Dallas to grab a #5 burger with chili cheese tots from Kellers Drive In off Northwest Highway. Then make our way over to the Perot Museum to check out all of the natural history from the area. Dinner is a must at the margarita capital of Texas Esparzas Restaurante Mexicano in Grapevine!

Day 3.) Head to Deep Ellum for lunch at Deep Ellum Taproom then checking out the cute shopping venues around Deep Ellum, the boutiques, grab a slice of pie at Emporium Pies. After a long day of shopping, then end the day taking in the view at dinner in the iconic Dallas ball.

Day 4.) (If its the beginning of the month) Grab some breakfast tacos at El Sombrero in Canton and head to opening day of First Monday in Canton. You can literally spend the entire day (or days) shopping in all of the amazing boutiques and home decor. You must grab a fried pie from the Pie Place in the food court. The pecan fried pie is my absolute favorite! After a long day of shopping the worlds largest flea market, head over to Ole West Bean & Burger for a delicious chicken fried steak & bean/salad bar!

Day. 5) Wind down with a Spa day at Corinthian Wellness in Southlake, followed by local shopping. Grab some mexican food at Hugo’s Invitados in Los Colinas and then take a Gondola Ride.

Day. 6) Get an early start and head to the Dallas Farmers market to browse local favorites, then lunch at Pecan Lodge. Head home and relax for a bit before heading out to catch some live music at Silver Saloon in Terrell.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a 4th generation in the restaurant & hospitality industry, I’d have to recognize much of my success to the efforts & mentorship from my family, starting from my father and going way back to my great grandparents. My great grandparents started with an incredibly dedicated work ethic almost 100 years ago. They sacrificed for 10 years to accomplish their goal of opening what is now known as the oldest steakhouse in Florida. I was born into it, it comes naturally to strive to achieve my goals and I guess it’s just in my blood.

Storefront location opening this summer: 215 E Front Street, Eustace TX 75124

Website: https://inthekitchenwithleeann.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthekitchenwithleeann/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inthekitchenwithleeannb/

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