Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Harris.
Hi Carrie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My Story: Legacy in Glass, Heart in Community
I’ve always been surrounded by art. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents encouraging me to create—handing me pencils, paper, and giving me the freedom to explore whatever sparked my imagination. My dad especially nurtured that passion, instilling in me a deep love for museums, design, and craftsmanship.
Art wasn’t just something we appreciated—it was our family’s legacy. My great-great-grandfather founded William Others and Sons Art Glass Company in 1880, laying the foundation for generations of stained glass artisans. In the early 1920s, he expanded with Unique Art Glass, further solidifying our family’s place in the American art glass tradition.
In 1976, my father opened Art Glass Unlimited in the Central West End of St. Louis. His work—like my great-great-grandfather’s—can be found all over the country, from homes and churches in Illinois and Missouri, to architectural gems in New York and beyond. Growing up, I was in awe of him—not just for his talent, but for his entrepreneurial spirit. He built something meaningful from scratch, and I watched him pour every ounce of himself into his craft. His guidance in both business and life has been a constant source of strength and inspiration.
That spirit of independence, creativity, and community-building runs in my blood. Over the years, I carved my own path—starting in design, then diving into nightlife and performance art while living in Tampa. I bartended, danced, produced shows… and learned what it meant to create unforgettable experiences. I eventually came back to St. Louis to work side-by-side with my father in the glass business. One of the first projects I completed from start to finish was for The Shaved Duck, and it remains one of my proudest moments—not just as a craftsperson, but as a daughter following in her father’s footsteps. We also worked with TRX Tattoos on Grand to create beautiful windows inspired by tattoo designs of artists throughout the country. That was a fun project combining body art with art glass.
Then came The Crack Fox—my own space, my own dream. For the past 15 years, it’s been a home for artists, weirdos, musicians, and misfits. A place where people come to be seen, to express themselves, to connect. Through all the highs and lows, I’ve stayed committed to that vision.
Now, I’m expanding into something even bigger with the launch of Odditeas, a café and creative retail space. It will include some of the very art glass panels that my father and ancestors made—pieces of my family’s story, living on in a space built for today’s creatives. Odditeas is more than just a café—it’s a place where local art, fashion, and community meet. A continuation of the work that began over a century ago.
This legacy, this fire—it’s never left me. And now, I get to pass it on.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Why I’m Opening a Café & Art Space: A New Chapter in Downtown St. Louis
Running a bar in downtown St. Louis for over 15 years has been equal parts rewarding and relentless. The Crack Fox has always been more than just a bar—it’s a community hub, a safe haven for artists, performers, musicians, and people who never quite fit the mold. We made something special in a city that doesn’t always make it easy.
But the truth is, downtown St. Louis has changed. A lot.
Even before the pandemic, it was a challenge keeping foot traffic alive outside of game days or conventions. Then COVID hit, and nightlife everywhere took a major blow. We made it through the worst of it, somehow. But the world didn’t bounce back the way we hoped. People just don’t drink the way they used to. Habits shifted—whether for health, cost, or mindset—and so did the social landscape.
So I started thinking… what else could I build that still carries the heart of what I love—art, community, creativity—but meets people where they are now?
That’s where Odditeas was born.
It’s more than a café. It’s a new space where people can gather without the pressure to drink. A space that honors my family’s legacy in stained glass, showcasing art passed down through generations. A space where local artists, designers, and makers can show and sell their work long-term. A space for inspiration, weirdness, and connection—all hours of the day, not just after dark.
I’m not leaving nightlife behind. The Crack Fox still thrives, still holds space for those who want it. But Odditeas is my way of evolving—of responding to the real shifts we’ve all been through, while staying rooted in everything I care about.
Downtown needs more creative spaces. More daylight. More places where people feel safe to be themselves. I’m building that, brick by brick, panel by panel, with a whole lot of heart.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For the past 15 years, I’ve poured my heart into The Crack Fox, building it into more than just a bar—it’s become a home for artists, musicians, performers, and creatives of all kinds. It started as a place where alternative culture could thrive, offering a mix of craft cocktails, underground entertainment, and an inclusive space where everyone could truly be themselves. Now, I’m thrilled to take the next step in its evolution.
We’re expanding beyond nightlife to create an all-day destination—a space where art, culture, and community come together in new ways. We are thrilled to bring you Odditeas at The Crack Fox, providing a new daytime spot for people to gather, work, and create. Vixen’s Elixers, our signature cocktails, house-made sodas, and non-alcoholic elixirs will be available to take home, so guests can enjoy a taste of The Crack Fox wherever they go.. An art gallery, showcasing the work of local artists, rotating exhibits will give St. Louis creatives a space to share their vision with the community along with a dedicated retail section, giving local vendors a platform to sell their work, supporting the artists who help make our city unique.
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how drinking culture is evolving. More people are looking for options beyond alcohol, and I want The Crack Fox to be a place where everyone feels welcome—whether they drink or not. That’s why we’re introducing more zero-proof cocktails, herbal elixirs, and non-alcoholic options alongside our signature craft cocktails.
This expansion is deeply personal to me. One of the most meaningful parts of this expansion is incorporating art glass elements into the new space, a personal tribute to my family’s rich history in St. Louis art glass dating back to 1880. With reclaimed glass panels from my father’s collection, we’re weaving that legacy into the very fabric of our venue, blending past and present into a truly unique space.
What I’m truly proud of is the community we’ve built. The Crack Fox has always been a place where people can express themselves, discover new music, connect with artists, and feel like they belong. This next chapter isn’t just about growing a business—it’s about strengthening that creative community and making it more accessible to even more people.
Downtown St. Louis is full of history, diversity, and creative energy, and I want The Crack Fox to be a place that tourists, locals, and artists alike are drawn to. Whether someone is visiting the city for the first time or has been coming here for years, I want them to experience something uniquely St. Louis—something real, something artistic, something different.
I’m incredibly excited about this expansion, not just for what it means for The Crack Fox, but for what it means for the community we serve. As we move forward, our mission remains the same: to create a space that inspires, connects, and celebrates the incredible talent that makes St. Louis so special.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. It forced us to rethink how we connect, create, and support one another.
For The Crack Fox, it was a wake-up call about the importance of versatility—not just relying on nightlife but creating a space that serves people in multiple ways. That’s why this expansion is so meaningful. It’s about offering more than just a bar—it’s about building a community hub where people can gather, whether they want a cocktail, a cup of tea, an art class, or a live performance.
We also saw a shift in drinking culture—many people started exploring non-alcoholic options, wellness-focused drinks, and more intentional social experiences. That’s why we’re expanding our menu to include house-made teas, juices, and non-alcoholic elixirs, making sure everyone feels welcome, no matter how they choose to enjoy their time with us.
Most importantly, the pandemic reminded us how much we need art, music, and shared experiences. People crave connection, and we want to continue being a space where that happens—whether it’s through a live show, a rotating art gallery, or a casual conversation over coffee.
In short, we learned that being flexible, prioritizing community, and embracing change is the key to not only surviving but thriving. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecrackfox.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackfoxstl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crackfoxbar
