CT Provisions, located in downtown McKinney at 205 W. Louisiana St., has defied odds since opening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that the National Restaurant Association estimates a 30% failure rate in the restaurant industry, that means one in three restaurants won’t survive their first year. CT Provisions has not only been surviving, but its team is also thriving.
“Despite all the reasons why we should not be, here we are,” says Steven Terry, CT Provisions owner and general manager. “We did not receive any PPP or COVID assistance money, we do not have a wealthy financial backer, although Jeff Taylor, proprietor, has stood behind us every step of the way. We have survived and succeeded on a nickel and dime budget, and a lot of luck, sweat and hard work.”
As the nation emerges from the pandemic, there are new obstacles facing restaurants. It's estimated that restaurants with a price point between $25 and $35 business are down 35%. Steven equates shifting business to face this new hurdle to being in a band. “CT Provisions is like my little band that can. I am always having to be creative and think of different ways to make things work. Sometimes you just have to go out there and keep playing your song over and over until someone hears it,” he says.
Hard work has paid off. CT Provisions recently was given love by Eater Magazine, being listed as one of the 38 Essential Restaurants in the Dallas area and 11 Essential McKinney Restaurants. Culture Maps listed CT Provisions as a place to go in the 18 most livable cities in the United States.
From its décor to its menu, everything at CT Provisions is handcrafted. The menu is inspired by the idea of simple and honest cooking where guests will enjoy a dining experience featuring fresh and sustainable ingredients. Each dish is mouthwatering and unforgettable, giving guests a dining experience like no other. Guests come from all over the Metroplex to eat the restaurant’s PEI (Prince Edward Island Seafood) oysters.
Equal to the food, CT Provisions is also making a name for itself for its creative vision behind the bar, headed by bar manager and owner Matt Walker. From Japanese whiskey and fine wine to carefully crafted drinks that complement each dish, the menu behind the bar is incredible.
“Matt Walker is like a walking encyclopedia behind the bar,” says Steven. “Everything he crafts will knock your socks off.”
CT Provisions highlights an aperitif and oyster hour Tuesday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m., in addition to a Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Three nights a week the restaurant has special bar offerings from open to close. Each Tuesday is $8 classic cocktails and first responder night. Whiskey Wednesdays give $5 off any whiskey, and Thursdays are half-priced bottle wine night. Each Friday and Saturday night features a special dinner menu option, not on the regular menu.
469.631.0707
CTProvisions.com
