Thursday, April 23rd’s Hometown Hero is Mark Fichtner, owner of Carson’s Food & Drink in Lexington.
Mark opened Carson’s Food & Drink on Main Street in late 2016. The elegant restaurant featuring old Kentucky elegance décor quickly became known for it’s craft bourbon drinks and new and exciting recipes featuring Kentucky Proud Products.
In March, the restaurant industry virtually came to a standstill across the country. Restaurants were forced to close their doors and many had to make the difficult choice to let employees go. Like other restaurants, Carson’s was forced to shut their doors to in-room dining and limit their services to curbside takeout. Unlike some other businesses, Mark kept all 80 of his employees on payroll and on a rotating work schedule. Employees that were parents had the option to stay home, with full pay. He also provides family meals to workers to make sure they are fed before they go home. In a recent Facebook post to Mark from his Carson’s family of employees, they said:
“No matter the position; dishwasher, server, cooks, hosts, etc., you have saved them all. You have given us hope in a time where it seems that there is little to be hopeful about. Being the strong leader that we need, every time you step into the building you bring yet another ray of hope that everything is going to be OK! You have been our backbone in all of this from the very moment the shutdown started. We just wanted to take a moment and thank you for not only doing everything that you have done for us but keeping us strong and united as a family! “
In response, Mark said, “Carson’s is my family and I feel the better we all do, the better we all do. Rising tides raise all ships. In regards to the dining community, it’s not just about selling food but creating memories. It takes a village to raise a child, and I have an amazing village around me.”
Carson’s currently remains open for curbside takeout daily from 11:30am – 9pm. Their full menu is still available, including brunch, lunch and dinner featuring family style dining options for 4 people, and Carson’s Cuts – steaks you can buy and grill at home! They also have ½ price bottles of wine, private barrel bourbons and some cocktails available with your order.
Brought to you by Republic Bank and Clark’s Pump N Shop!
