By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News
Steiner Ranch residents Jeff and Tabatha Conarko both knew they were tired of corporate America. Having traveled frequently to Europe, the couple — who were Dell Inc. employees — loved the Mediterranean diet and dreamed about opening their own specialty olive oil shop.
It was an illness that gave them the motivation they needed to make their dream a reality, as soon after they were married, Jeff was diagnosed with leukemia.
“It was devastating,” said Tabatha. “But we’re very lucky because the medication worked for him. We’re so thankful.”
Now in remission, Jeff still takes daily medication and travels to M.D. Anderson once a year, but that has not stopped the couple from opening Con Olio Oils & Vinegars.
Tabatha Conarko, owner of Con Olio Oils & Vinegars, opened their first store in 2009 in the Arboretum. Today the husband and wife team run three stores including the two other locations in the Second Street District and Bee Cave.
Photo by Cassie McKee
The Conarkos opened their first store in the Arboretum in November 2009. Jeff ran the business the first couple of years while Tabatha kept working at Dell. Then two years ago, she gave up her corporate job to focus on the business full-time.
They added two more locations, one in the Second Street District in downtown Austin and the other in Bee Cave. Tabatha said they never imagined having multiple stores.
“That wasn’t our intention,” she said. “Our intention was to work for ourselves, alleviate the stress in our lives, live a healthier lifestyle and spend more time with our children.”
Con Olio customers can sample the different varieties of olive oil before they buy one. There are robust to mild flavors as well as oils infused with such flavors as chipotle, wild mushroom or green chili.
