The Heart of Fort Worth

The Kincaid Evolution: A Journey from Grocery Store to Hamburger Heaven

The Kincaid Evolution: A Journey from Grocery Store to Hamburger Heaven

by | Aug 14, 2024

Tucked away in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, a modest grocery store embarked on a remarkable journey that would transform it into a burger sensation, cherished by locals and celebrated nationwide. The story of Kincaid’s Hamburgers is a tale of metamorphosis, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality that has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the community. From its humble beginnings as a small grocery store, Kincaid’s Hamburgers has evolved into a beloved establishment known for its delicious burgers and welcoming atmosphere. With each juicy patty cooked to perfection and every customer greeted with a smile, Kincaid’s continues to uphold its legacy as a true Texas treasure.

It all began in 1946 with Charles Kincaid’s Grocery and Market, the first in the area to feature specialty departments, including a full-service meat market led by the visionary O.R. Gentry. Gentry’s innovative decision in 1964 to grill burgers right there on a small griddle, using only the finest cuts of meat and the freshest vegetables, marked the start of a new era. Customers were drawn to the savory magic happening in Kincaid’s, leading to an intentional transformation of the grocery layout to accommodate the burgeoning demand. Shelves were lowered, grocery items made way for tables, and thus, Kincaid’s took its first steps from being a local grocery store to becoming a heralded hamburger institution.

This metamorphosis was punctuated in 1982 when Kincaid’s was crowned with the title of “Best Burger in America”, heralding the beginning of its burger fame. The story of Kincaid’s is not just about serving burgers but about creating an experience that feels like home, keeping the spirit of quality and community alive through every serving. This commitment led to the expansion beyond the original location on Camp Bowie Blvd. In 2005, propelled by the legacy of O.R. Gentry and the passion of his successors, Kincaid’s opened a second location in Southlake, Texas. Today, there are five Kincaid locations, each echoing the dedication to quality, community, and that unmistakable taste that began over 70 years ago.

Over the years, Kincaid’s has garnered accolades and recognition from esteemed publications such as Fort Worth, Texas Magazine, Texas Monthly, and USA Today, an acknowledgment not just of the exceptional burgers but of the tradition and community Kincaid’s continues to nurture. This isn’t only a tale of a grocery store turned burger heaven; it’s a heartwarming chronicle of how a local spot can touch the hearts (and stomachs) of people far and wide, maintaining quality, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere.

As Kincaid’s continues to serve its community and visitors alike, it stands as a testament to what dedication, quality ingredients, and a little innovation can achieve—transforming a simple grocery into a hamburger haven. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Kincaid’s Hamburgers invites you to embark on a mouthwatering journey, where the flavors of the past and the promise of the future blend seamlessly, creating an unforgettable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.