Kevin Kelley, a litigation lawyer with over 20 years of experience and Haitian heritage, founded Kitchen + Kocktails in Dallas in August 2020. Inspired by early lessons in hospitality from his grandmother, Kelley leverages his legal expertise in business operations to drive the restaurant’s success. The brand serves Southern comfort food and signature cocktails, emphasizing excellent ownership and customer service, which Kelley maintains fully without outside investors to ensure quality and control.

Kitchen + Kocktails has grown into a multi-city venture, with locations in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Miami, New York City, and an upcoming spot in Boston. These establishments are part of Kevin Kelley Concepts, a broader portfolio that includes hospitality, entertainment, and a law firm, collectively employing over 1,200 people. Kelley attributes the company’s success to the dedication of employees and customers who share the values of care and respect.

On October 3, 2026, Kitchen + Kocktails opened its largest location yet in Times Square, New York City, marking a significant expansion after four years of searching for the right site. The Times Square location is initially led by corporate chefs to ensure consistent quality. The menu features Kelley’s personal favorite, blackened shrimp and grits, along with classic Southern sides and desserts such as mac and cheese, fried pickles, peach cobbler, and banana pudding.

Beyond business growth, Kelley emphasizes social responsibility, having donated several hundred thousand dollars to charitable causes and supporting over 50 scholarships annually through his company. He stresses the importance of community engagement and keeping communication open to make a positive impact wherever the business operates. For Kelley, the commitment to excellence extends beyond food, focusing equally on service and being conscientious citizens.