Rising Stars: Meet Kevin Kidd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Kidd.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised outside of Boston and moved to Boulder in 2000 to attend the University of Colorado. I put myself through school working in a variety of local restaurants until one day I realized the Culinary arts were my passion. I had the opportunity to study under several great Chefs and work in some of the best restaurants in the country. After 21 years working in the industry I wanted nothing more than to open my own place.  In 2015, 24 Carrot Bistro was launched by Bianca Retzloff and I. We had met earlier on in our culinary careers in Boulder and worked alongside each other at several local restaurants. After relocating to east county, Bianca and I stumbled across the old historic building in downtown Erie.  At the time, Erie was a quiet sleepy town, with very limited options. We introduced east county to a farm-to-table, casual fine dining experience that the area desperately needed. Taking my french classical technique and fusing it with Bianca’s family’s commitment to local sustainable agriculture, we opened to so much positivity and fanfare.

Over the next several years we continued to grow with our community. We went from being the new kids on the block to becoming an Erie staple. We steered through many difficult times such as the COVID shutdowns, labor shortages, and the trials and tribulations of operating in the 3rd oldest building in town. We find ourselves now in 2022, having celebrated seven years in business, and still going strong. With some luck, we hope to continue the success of 24 Carrot Bistro for years to come.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This would be both Bianca and I’s first time in the role of “restaurant owner”, although both of us had experience running restaurants for other people. Getting the money together, securing a bank loan, and all the small details you don’t normally think about were challenging at first, but we did it.

Throughout our seven years in business, the age of our building has consistently proved challenging. Leaky roofs, bad pipes, and 120-year-old bricks don’t care if you have a full dining room on a Friday night. After five years we thought we had the restaurant game down…. and then COVID-19 hit and the game changed. We navigated the storm through closures, new regulations, and adapting to boxing our food to-go. Now we’re two years removed from the initial closure, and we’re fighting rising costs and labor shortages, however, our community continues to come out and support us every day. We are busier than ever, and show no signs of slowing down.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are a New American, Farm to Table Restaurant. Our approach to food is simple; farm to table, fresh, seasonal, and local. We believe in using the highest quality ingredients sourced and grown sustainably. We offer a broad menu of chef-inspired appetizers, small plates, and entrees in a refined, casual atmosphere.With outstanding quality, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry. At 24 Carrot Bistro, we are passionate about sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms all over Colorado. From organic heirloom tomatoes to sustainably raised pork belly, we are committed to serving food of the highest quality. Our menu changes with the seasons, depending on what the local farmers have available. We’re known for our bistro-style menu, craft cocktails, and great ambiance. What sets us apart is the day to day, hands-on approach by both owners. We are 24 Carrot Bistro!

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to us is the positive influence we’ve had on our community by creating a warm and friendly place where people can gather to have a delicious meal and a great cocktail with family and friends. It’s important to us that we continue to lead the way in the hospitality industry in East County, through our business practices, service standards, and commitment to good, clean, fair, and sustainable food for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.24carrotbistro.com
• Instagram: @24carrotbistro
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/24carrotbistro
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/24-carrot-bistro-Erie
• Other: www.exploretock.com/24carrotbistro  

Image Credits
Western Pine Photography