WOMEN TO WATCH

Tracy Cryder

Co-Owner
Southern Tail Brewing

I’m the co-owner of Southern Tail Brewing where we blend craft beer with elevated Southern hospitality. My path started with a love of gathering people and evolved into creating a space that feels welcoming, thoughtful and community-driven. Today, I focus on shaping experiences from menu to atmosphere that keep guests coming back.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

The moment I saw people linger — laughing, connecting, ordering one more round — I realized creating spaces for connection wasn’t just work, it was something I truly loved.

Best advice I ever received

Take care of your people and they’ll take care of everything else. That mindset has guided every decision I’ve made.

What I learned from my first job

Details matter, and how you make people feel lasts longer than anything else. Great service isn’t complicated. It’s thoughtful, consistent and genuine.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Hospitality is intentional. It’s not just food and drinks. It’s creating an experience where people feel genuinely welcomed, comfortable and excited to return. 

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Community Cats of Arkansas. Their volunteers, kitten program and medical rehabilitation are exceptional. Both of my “tripods” are Community Cat adoptions.

Biggest challenges in my career

Balancing creativity with consistency, making sure every guest experience feels special, even on the busiest days, while continuing to grow and evolve the business.

Best career moment so far

Seeing Southern Tail become a place people choose for celebrations, gatherings and everyday moments. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of those memories.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

I love to bake. Getting quiet, being alone and decorating a cake or inventing a new recipe helps me reset and recharge creatively.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Step back, simplify the problem and focus on the next right action instead of the whole picture.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The people, our team and our guests. No two days are the same, and there’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of so many meaningful moments.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

I’ve lived all over the world, but proud to call Little Rock home

I can’t start my day until

Coffee and a fun ringtone

Hobbies

Traveling with my husband Brent, baking, thrift shopping, hiking

Last good read

“Like Brothers” by Mark and Jay Duplass

Best recent local discovery

AMFA (the lounge is awesome to work from and be surrounded by beautiful artwork)

Latest splurge

An incredible olive oil harvested from a single grove

Most-used app

Weather (when you have the best patio in Little Rock, you’re an amateur meteorologist)

Dream vacation

Returning to Burgundy, France, or Sardinia

Binge watch

“Somebody Feed Phil”

Favorite meal in town

Tuna at Oyster Bar or pupusas from El Sur

SPONSORS