As daily news headlines increasingly mimic the plot of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, it’s inarguably a rough time to be a woman in this country. But if you zoom in to the local level, it actually is a pretty great time to be a female patron of the Fort Worth bar scene.
More and more bars, it seems, now offer a full slate of events that get people in the doors for reasons other than to just sit and drink. And while these events might not be solely aimed at the “girlies” (that’s me trying my hand at modern parlance) and all their friends, events like book swaps, Taylor Swift nights, and craft nights do typically draw in more women. (That’s not to say everyone else on the gender spectrum isn’t welcome at these events too, of course.) In a world of distrust and uncertainty, it’s nice, as a woman, to have a list of “safe” spaces to let loose. So, I reached out to four local businesswomen whose bars have earned their reputation for being a safe and inviting environment for single gals and girl gangs alike to gather.
Dena Shaskan has spent the better part of two decades introducing us to interesting food and wines, including as head chef of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s in-house restaurant from 2004 to 2015. She now owns and operates Wines From a Broad, 2024’s Best Of “Place To Buy Wine” winner, in Sundance Square, where she offers wines from primarily women-owned or women-directed wineries. Deanna Stuart is the third woman to own Near Southside favorite and past Best Wine Bar winner WineHaus, having purchased it from the previous owner Robyn Davis late last year. Tyler Stevens, along with her husband John Stevens, owns the music venue The Cicada, a multiple Best Of award winner, including Best Entertainment Spot. And Autumn Brackeen is something of an elder stateswoman in the Funkytown bar scene, having operated 2024 Best Bar Bar winner (and perennial favorite) The Boiled Owl Tavern for over a decade along with 2024 Best Host winner Tarantula Tiki Lounge. All four took the time to share some of their experiences, unique perspectives, and words of wisdom for ladies who share their entrepreneurial spirit.
Is there anything about your experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry that’s given you a perspective that may differ from that of your male peers?
Dena Shaskan: Coming up in the restaurant industry as a chef, I had to fight for my space in kitchens where women weren’t always taken seriously. That experience gave me a strong sense of resilience and a different approach to leadership. I also think women bring a different sensibility to hospitality. We create spaces with warmth, inclusivity, and an attention to detail that goes beyond just what’s on the plate or in the glass. I did want to create a place where a woman can walk in alone, sit at the bar, and enjoy a glass of wine without feeling uncomfortable or out of place. That was a huge factor in how we designed the space — intimate but not isolating, welcoming but not overwhelming. It’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and at ease.
Deanna Stuart: Because WineHaus had two previous female owners, I haven’t really thought of the bar industry as being male-dominated, but it probably is. I think the unique perspective that I bring — as a woman — is the want to nurture and provide a “home” to our WineHaus customers for relaxation and renewal while building community.
Autumn Brackeen: I do think I have a different perspective as a woman, but that applies to every aspect of life, not just bars. Women inherently have safety in the back of our minds in almost any situation. I’m someone who has always enjoyed going out for dinner or a cocktail by myself. There are bars you immediately walk into and get kind of an icky vibe, like you know you’re going to have to be on alert. That made me very conscious of exactly what I wanted to provide as far as a space that’s social and fun but also safe. Being able to get out of an awkward or intimidating situation by making eye contact with a bartender you trust, or seeing friends just a few tables away, is so important to people and not just women. Everyone deserves to be able to go out and put the shit show of reality away for a few hours and just enjoy themselves.
Tyler Stevens: I think being a woman in this industry naturally makes me more aware of the details that create a safe and comfortable atmosphere, especially for women coming in alone or in small groups. It’s something I think about constantly, everything from the way the space is laid out to how my staff interacts with customers. The goal is to have an environment where no one feels on edge, where people can relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about whether they’ll be harassed or ignored. I also think women in this industry have to work harder to be taken seriously, which just means we get really good at what we do.
Deanna and Tyler, you both offer a lot of events that seem targeted toward groups of women specifically. What’s driving your decision to have these types of events, and have you seen them grow in popularity the longer you’ve offered them?
Stuart: I am a big fan of women supporting women, and if we can provide a comfortable space for them to gather, I am thrilled by that.
Stevens: I love hosting events that give people a reason to come out that isn’t just about drinking. Craft nights, our new spoken word evenings, and BYOC (bring your own craft) all create an atmosphere where people can show up, engage with something creative, and leave with an experience they actually remember. I don’t necessarily plan them just for women, but it makes sense that a lot of women gravitate toward them because they’re fun, low pressure, and social in a way that doesn’t revolve around a typical bar scene. I’ve watched a few new friendships form over crafting, and it’s exactly why we do what we do.
What are some of the aspects of your business that you’re most proud of?
Shaskan: First and foremost, I’m proud of the wine list. Every bottle has been thoughtfully researched and selected to highlight women doing incredible things in the industry. I love seeing customers discover new favorites and knowing they’re supporting female winemakers with every pour.
Stuart: I am most proud that this is really a family-owned and -operated business. We are all learning and growing, plus there’s collaboration with other local businesses: JuJu Knits (Sip & Stitch, the first Tuesday of every month) and Urban Yoga (Wine Down Wednesday, the second Wednesday of every month).
Brackeen: I’m really proud of the fact that I have a staff that puts safety at the top of their priorities. They know what to look out for, they know when to step in to intervene, and they know when someone needs to be walked to their car or called an Uber. I’m also proud of the fact that the women of Fort Worth stick together and have created different avenues to communicate if there’s an issue with a member of our community.
Stevens: I’m proud that The Cicada has become a space where people genuinely feel comfortable and welcome. It’s not just a bar. It’s a place where people connect, create, and feel a sense of community. Winning Best Music Venue [in the 2023 Weekly Music Awards] was a huge honor, but even more than that, I love seeing regulars who’ve made this their go-to spot, new friendships forming over a drink, and people getting excited about the weird and wonderful events we put on.
Photo by Juan R. Govea
Do you have any advice for female entrepreneurs who may be interested in this line of work?
Shaskan: Trust your vision, but be flexible. The path to owning a business is never linear, and you have to be willing to pivot when needed. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Stuart: Dream big. Trust your instincts. Be an advocate for yourself and your vision. Also — know your numbers!
Brackeen: Surround yourself with the right people. When the inevitable problems come, you know that you have people that will get your back and help you through the tough times as a team.
Stevens: Be ready to work harder than you ever have in your life. It’s rewarding, but there’s no shortcut. Also, don’t wait until you feel like you have it all figured out. Start where you are, adapt as you go, and trust your gut. Most importantly, build a space that you would want to spend time in. If you wouldn’t want to be a regular at your own bar, why would anyone else?
The Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-920-9616), Tarantula Tiki Lounge (117 S Main St, Fort Worth,
817-920-9616) • The Cicada (1002 S Main St, Fort Worth, 817-882-9504) • WineHaus (1628 Park Place Av, Fort Worth,
817-887-9101) • Wines From a Broad
(317 Houston St, Fort Worth, 682-224-0056)
Rooftop Cinema Club is celebrating influential women in TV and film. Read about it in Dinner & Dames Downtown in Screen.
