Barrel Racing Barista

Jodi Petro is a barrel racer and barista, combining both passions into her dream business in New Palestine, Indiana.

Just 30 minutes outside Indianapolis, Jodi Petro made her dreams in and out of the arena a reality. With inspiration from the popular 1990’s and early 2000’s sitcom Friends, Petro loved the coffee shop culture and aspired to create that in her small town.

“I always dreamed of owning a coffee shop,” she said. “My favorite show growing up was Friends, and I loved the small community feel of Central Perk—the friendships, the connections, and the sense of belonging.”

Petro started behind the counter as a barista at Starbucks because she wasn’t sure having her own shop was ever a possibility.

“I also took a special coffee course,” Petro added. “I’m passionate about coffee—not just the taste but the way it brings people together. At first, I never thought owning a shop was possible, but God had plans bigger than I imagined, and I was able to open my own mobile coffee unit.”

Combining both her passions—barrel racing and coffee— Barrel Racing Baristas was born. The first year of business was spent in a mobile coffee trailer traveling to rodeos and barrel races, and has since expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop in New Palestine.

Jodi Petro created Barrel Racing Baristas after learning barista skills from working at Starbucks and taking coffee specific classes. Photo Courtesy of Jodi Petro.

“We have a cowgirl, country-style vibe even though we’re located in the middle of a small city,” Petro said. “When you walk in, you’ll see fresh green plants, a cozy Western atmosphere, and most importantly, photos of our customers and their barrel racing moments displayed on the walls.”

Their signature lattes are all named with a rodeo theme and the dirty soda names are inspired by country music songs.

The first year of business was spent in a mobile coffee trailer traveling to rodeos and barrel races, and has since expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop in New Palestine. Now, Petro uses the mobile trailer for catering special events. Photo Courtesy of Jodi Petro.

Barrel Racing Baristas currently has eight employees and a one-of-a-kind menu featuring unique drinks, as well as a mobile espresso bar which allows catering at weddings and special events.

“Not all of our baristas are barrel racers, but a few of them are,” she added. “My daughter barrel races and works for us, and a couple of our other employees do as well.”

“I love that we’re bringing barrel racing and country culture into our small town, introducing people to the sport and shining a spotlight on it,” Petro said. “We proudly display photos of local barrel racers all over our shop, along with other Western-themed décor.”

Petro also helps run Trinity Ranch, where she teaches kids to ride and compete through a competitive rodeo team and a 4-H team. Her daughter, Lexy, has begun to take over Trinity Ranch, offering horse boarding and lessons.

“She’s also an elementary education teacher and the founder of Trinity Ranch Rodeo School, where she teaches children both rodeo and academics in a classroom located in the loft of her barn,” Petro added about her daughter.

After pursuing entrepreneurship and building a brand, Barrel Racing Baristas allowed Petro to buy a horse of her own.

“I barrel race in my spare time on my amazing horse, Kiss, whom I was able to purchase from the profits of Barrel Racing Baristas,” Petro said. “I always made sure my kids had good horses first. It wasn’t until now that I finally got a horse of my own.”

Though busy, Petro credits her daughter to helping run the businesses and enjoy their love for horses.

A team of eight baristas work for Petro in both the coffee shop and mobile trailer. Photo Courtesy of Jodi Petro.

“Even though I’ve stepped back a bit [From Trinity Ranch], I’m still very involved with the lesson kids and competing because it’s something I’m so passionate about,” she said. “I’m also incredibly grateful for my wonderful baristas—they’ve learned everything I know, and they love Barrel Racing Baristas just as much as I do, so when I’m away at rodeos or horse shows, I can trust them to run the shop seamlessly.”

With hopes to franchise and open new coffee shop locations in other towns, cities and states, Petro knows their coffee and culture is something everyone will love.

“I love that we’re bringing barrel racing and country culture into our small town, introducing people to the sport and shining a spotlight on it,” she said. “We proudly display photos of local barrel racers all over our shop, along with other Western-themed décor.”