Love, lattes and pit bulls: How Pit Coffee is fueling FWACC mission

Love, lattes and pit bulls: How Pit Coffee is fueling FWACC mission

Published on October 29, 2025

The warm, earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet cream filled the air at the Silcox Animal Shelter on Tuesday morning. A late October cold front made for a brisk start, and early-rising staff were soon greeted with a comforting surprise: free coffee to fuel their day of caring for Fort Worth's animals.

The morning treat came courtesy of Pit Coffee, a newly launched coffee shop inspired by owner Monica Matheny's love for pit bulls. She opened her shop in June inside a Texaco gas station with a mission close to her heart: to help dogs in need and inspire her four children.

The Matheny family owns two pits: Woo, the wild and rowdy one, who is also the face and spokesperson of the company. And Karma, who is mellow and sweet. A perfect balance.

"Our pets love people and are the friendliest," said Matheny. The family knows that pit bulls often face an unfair reputation, and they are determined to change that by showing the world how loving and loyal the breed can be. "We want to show the community how much joy pit bulls can bring into any family," she said. "That's how we landed on the name, Pit Coffee."

In just four months, Pit Coffee has introduced "pup-cups" to their menu. The whipped-up indulgence offers four-legged visitors a cheat meal to get them through the day. And, for human friends, more than a dozen flavors of brews.

During their visit to Silcox, the Matheny family set out to brighten the morning for the shelter's hardworking staff, the people who care for pit bulls and countless other animals every day. Matheny's 18-year-old daughter, Chasen, also happens to be the star barista at Pit Coffee. On Tuesday morning, she served more than two dozen specialty lattes, including pumpkin brown sugar, pecan pie and cinnamon roll flavors. The Mathenys understand the staff's dedication to giving each pet the best possible quality of life, and they showed their appreciation with a little sweetness.

"I really want to get involved and help the community," said Matheny. "People and pets seems like the way to do it. I've got a full-time job, I'm a single mom of four, but I love pit bulls and dedicating my time to my children and the city's homeless animals makes my time meaningful."

To further support the City's mission of improving the lives of people and pets, Pit Coffee displays QR codes in its shop that link directly to webpages where customers can help save more animal lives. The idea came from one of their customers, Dana Litt, co-founder of Cowtown Friends of FWACC.

After chatting over a tall cup of joe, Matheny and Litt realized they shared two passions, coffee and animals. "We bonded through our love for animals and wanting to improve their lives and outcomes after being in the shelter," said Litt.

That conversation sparked a partnership. Together, they decided to bring the Pit Coffee mobile cart to Silcox to show appreciation for the staff who dedicate their hearts to Fort Worth's homeless pets.

"The workers don't always get credit for all the effort they put in, so they deserve this," said Litt.

Pit Coffee has since teamed up with Cowtown Friends of FWACC to create an ongoing donation avenue supporting Fort Worth's homeless pets. "I'm a regular now, and so is my dog," joked Litt.

To visit Pit Coffee, stop by 2747 Eighth Ave., Fort Worth 76110. The Matheny family is already planning their next step, opening a new standalone location in Richland Hills.

Photo: Pit Coffee has teamed up with Cowtown Friends of FWACC to create an ongoing donation avenue supporting Fort Worth's homeless pets.

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