CARSON’S FOOD & DRINK

LEADER IN :

American Casual Dining

“I’ve thought about this a lot: What sets us apart?” reflected Mark Fichtner, the owner of Carson’s Food & Drink.

It’s clear that Carson’s stands out in Lexington’s culinary scene as a favorite among locals and visitors alike, but what has been its secret recipe for such success? Fichtner has concluded that it’s been his team’s ability to evolve and continuously meet the needs of diners.

“I think it’s our adaptability,” he said. “There is comfort in refusing to move the needle on who you are, but being not only willing but eager to adapt to the market you’re in often leads to greater and greater success. It’s our willingness to adapt — adapting to the guests and the ever-changing restaurant ecosystem — that has kept us where we are, has elevated us to new heights and has so humbled our outlook on who we are.”

That ability to evolve has been central in Carson’s resilience in withstanding the impact of COVID-19 and emerging from the other side better than ever, and it has served the business well throughout many other new and unforeseen challenges. But throughout those changes, Carson’s has always stuck to some foundational principles for guidance, represented by a special memento ingrained in the restaurant itself.

“Two feet below our main entrance is my family’s Bible,” explained Fichtner. “It was passed down from generation to generation and I wanted to immortalize that book and the memories and lessons it has shared with my family. I am reminded every day when I enter this building what the foundation is built on, literally, and with God’s strength, we will continue to succeed and prosper.”

Fichtner’s leadership is very much guided by that family legacy — he names his mother and childhood pastor as his biggest role models for the lesson they passed to him that he could be anything he wanted to be and do anything he wanted to do provided he was willing to work for it. That outlook has culminated in his role today, a job he calls the “greatest in the world.”

“Carson’s has become a staple of the restaurant scene in Lexington,” he said. “We serve great food and drinks, but it is our employees and their service that sets us apart. Starting the restaurant was the hard part, but now with my team in place, I am able to guide Carson’s onto bigger and better things.”

859-309-3039 | carsonsfoodanddrink.com 362 East Main St, Lexington KY