Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Reale. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Chris Reale Owner-operator
Paris Coffee Shop & Roy Pope Grocery
Raised in Fort Worth, Chris grew up with a strong affinity for scratch-cooking from the heart. Weekly gathering with lots of relatives, all of whom would tend to the stoves, imbued Chris with a deep level of appreciation for food and its bonding properties. Immersing himself in the food and beverage industry starting at age 16 at the venerable Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Chris counts among his mentors from that time Martin Thompson (owner today of Cat City Grill) and Anthony Felli (chef at Waters today). Along the way, Chris worked at a local wine bar and cooked at Lambert’s, beginning his long association with Lou Lambert. While in an extended stint of running the bar at Grace and also earning his bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition at TCU, Grace owner Adam Jones graciously bestowed on Chris great knowledge of hospitality and successful operations practices. All the while, Chris continued working with Lou on live-fire cooking classes and events, caterings from Texas to California, and special parties under their Hunt and Fish Social Club brand. Roy Pope and Paris Coffee Shop, two legacies within Fort Worth’s food and beverage scene, are the latest projects under Reale’s belt. With these latest ventures, Reale has aspirations to lead these historic projects to a place they haven’t been before create a unifying culture that connects Paris Coffee Shop and Roy Pope with the surrounding neighborhoods.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like in most new business struggles are expected. Taking over two of the oldest legacies in Fort Worth only amplified that. We made the choice to purchase the existing businesses right after Covid, which made receiving products very difficult due to so many supply chain issues. The combination of the shortage of labor and mandated restrictions made it seem like a perfect storm. The road wasn’t smooth but over the past two years, I feel like we have given the historic Roy Pope and Paris Coffee Shop the respect they both deserved with the revamp.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My background originates in the culinary world. At a young age, I was set on being a chef, and once I actually got into the business, I strived for more. I specialize in simple cuizines that are native to Texas while also applying culinary technique. I love cooking with smoke and fire and focusing on bringing out the natural flavors of the food. I have had multiple publications talking about my BBQ; I have also been known for whole-animal cooking. Fire roasting entire hogs as well as a whole steers. I would say I am most proud of my consistency and ability to keep my food very straightforward while still elevating to a high level. What sets me apart from others is my heavy use of live-fire cooking methods. We have custom grills that we have designed and built ourselves.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Fort Worth is a truly an incredible city. It is often viewed as a big city with a small-town feel. We are known for our hospitality as well as livability of the city. It is one of the friendliest and most welcoming cities one could visit. I love the fact that we have tradition and history here; it often feels like we are one big family. There isn’t anything the I dislike about this city; I’m where I need to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pariscoffeeshopfw.com and https://www.roypopegroceryfw.com/
- Instagram: therealechristopher
- Facebook: Chris4Reale
