Kevin Kelley wastes neither phrases nor time.
As a litigation legal professional for over 20 years and proprietor/associate of Kelley Legislation Agency, PC, he will get to the purpose, clearly, concisely and with conviction. A proud graduate of HBCU Paul Quinn Faculty in Dallas, Texas, Kelley wasn’t content material to only apply legislation, though he was extraordinarily profitable at it. A real visionary, through the peak of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Kelley harnessed his entrepreneurial instincts and added entrepreneurial instincts to his already spectacular resume.
Kevin Kelley’s Kitchen + Kocktails grew to become a actuality in August 2020 within the coronary heart of Downtown Dallas. Kelly boldly determined to supply elevated updates of acquainted classics in a contemporary, subtle and chic setting, with memorable cocktails to accompany. In six quick years, the daddy of two sons has opened six further Kitchen + Cocktails areas in main cities: Chicago, Washington, DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami. All are 100% owned by Kelley; with out giant company or different buyers. This sort of property is extraordinarily uncommon.
The menu consists of Southern consolation meals like hen and waffles, mac and cheese, fried inexperienced tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and crowd favourite desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler, all with an elevated twist. A variety of family names, from Bishop TD Jakes and Angel Reese to 50 Cent to Megan Thee Stallion and Phylicia Rashad, have all dined at Kitchen + Kocktails.
Kitchen + Kocktails’ speedy development is fueled not solely by Kelley’s enterprise acumen, but additionally by his old school Southern upbringing. “After I was little, each Friday was catfish and one other day of the week we all the time had fried hen after which we had issues like squash and potatoes. My grandmother additionally made us caramel truffles,” Kelley remembers with a fond smile. An unapologetic nation boy with modest household values, Kelley attributes a lot of his success to his late maternal grandmother, Mrs. Gussie, who acknowledged her grandson’s ambition early on. “My grandmother gave me $1,000 once I began my legislation agency, and I by no means forgot it. Household means lots. Grandmothers imply lots.”
And now, the distinguished member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is increasing its presence as soon as once more, this time venturing into the Huge Apple. And never simply wherever in New York, however within the coronary heart of Occasions Sq.. The newest restaurant Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley opens at 7 Occasions Sq. in New York on Saturday, October 3. “To me, New York is the capital of the world,” Kelley says of his exceptional growth within the Empire State. Now New Yorkers and vacationers alike have a 100% Black-owned institution to dine in for a scrumptious Southern meal, flavorful drinks, a classy ambiance and impeccable customer support. These are all issues Kelley takes significantly.
“We imagine that our workers, our clients, should be provided restaurant alternatives which are Black-owned, have a menu that serves Black individuals, and are positioned in prime actual property,” says Kelley. He continues, “I’ve all the time cherished Southern meals, however the actuality is once I eat Southern meals, it is the very best, particularly in Texas, I’ve to go someplace. [that isn’t necessarily safe]. I wish to create eating places that serve dishes with a greater style profile, positioned in higher premises and with higher hospitality. This magical combination works effectively.
This magical mix truly works effectively and we’re thrilled to have it in such an simply accessible location in New York. I dined at Charlotte within the Queen Metropolis’s Uptown neighborhood and was excited to strive the brand new place earlier than the official opening. I used to be instantly impressed. The distinction of vibrant pink roses towards Okay+Okay’s signature matte black furnishings meets me on the door. The cool R&B tunes taking part in (at simply the suitable quantity) had been a vibe. The general ambiance was horny and stylish, a welcoming departure from the outside simply throughout the doorway.
The meals was scrumptious. I loved the fried hen, particularly since regardless that I opted for chicken, it was juicy and never dry, which regularly occurs with these cuts. The peach cobbler was divine. The ratio of peaches to crust was… chef’s kiss. Oh, and salmon bites are the right hearty starter to prep your palette for a giant, expertly ready meal. They even have non-meat eaters coated in a well-seasoned vegan bowl. And the cocktails? 10 out of 10. Tried the fruity blackberry margarita and the intense lemon drop. Each drinks had been additionally creatively garnished; best for many who like to indicate their morale on TikTok.
As for Kelley’s favourite menu objects, he sticks to no matter they make. “I will not put something on the menu that I do not personally approve of. That is what retains issues genuine for my visitors. Typically my chef will say, Hey, I would like that on the menu. They will assume it is good. But when I do not prefer it, I am unable to give it to my visitors, as a result of I’ve to imagine in that menu.” However when pressed, he reveals among the objects he tends to order probably the most. “My favourite is the Shrimp and Grits with a fried lobster tail on the aspect. I truly begin with my Peach D’usse Frozé, and my trio of starters are the Lamb Chops, my Dream (Deviled) Eggs with Blackened Shrimp, and our Crab Cake. For dessert, it is Peach Cobbler. I am a dessert lover. I can eat dessert 3 instances a day.”
Arriving on the newest Occasions Sq. Kitchen + Kocktails, visitors are greeted with a heat smile and the phrases “Welcome Dwelling.”
Effectively, Mr. Kelley, congratulations brother. And sure, “Welcome house!»