Times Square is known for its bright lights, Broadway shows and endless dining options. Now, a new restaurant is bringing Southern comfort food, colorful cocktails and a little down-home hospitality to the heart of Manhattan.
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley officially opened its doors on Oct. 3 at 7 Times Square, marking another milestone for the growing restaurant brand founded by attorney and entrepreneur Kevin Kelley.
The restaurant combines Southern-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere designed for everything from date nights and birthday celebrations to dinner with friends.
But beyond the food and eye-catching decor, Kelley says his mission is simple: make every guest feel welcome.
"Even though we're in New York, this is their restaurant," Kelley told Patch during an exclusive interview at the restaurant's pre-opening media brunch.
"We're humble to serve, we're happy to serve, and we want to do everything that we can so people can be happy when they dine."
Stepping inside Kitchen + Kocktails feels like entering a destination of its own. The restaurant features colorful floral installations, striking artwork, warm lighting and a lively bar area. A dramatic staircase surrounded by red roses and a vibrant Statue of Liberty mural are among the visual highlights.
The atmosphere is upscale without feeling overly formal, offering guests a space where they can dress up, celebrate or simply enjoy a good meal.
During the media preview, the restaurant's welcoming staff added to the experience, creating an environment that encouraged guests to relax and stay awhile.
The menu centers on Southern comfort food, with dishes including fried chicken, catfish, shrimp and grits, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens and other familiar favorites.
For guests visiting for the first time, Kelley has one particular recommendation.
"My personal favorite is the blackened shrimp and grits with fried lobster tail on the side," he said.
He also praised the restaurant's fried chicken and catfish, along with sides such as collard greens with turkey and black-eyed peas. And for those saving room for dessert, Kelley recommends the peach cobbler, banana pudding and chocolate cake.
The restaurant's cocktail offerings are equally colorful, featuring creative presentations and garnishes that complement the overall dining experience.
Kelley launched Kitchen + Kocktails in Dallas in 2020, developing a restaurant concept built around Southern cuisine, distinctive cocktails and hospitality. The brand has since expanded into several major cities, including Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Miami.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, Kelley is an attorney and founder of Kevin Kelley Concepts, a company involved in hospitality, entertainment and other business ventures.
His professional background may span multiple industries, but Kelley says the heart of his restaurant business is rooted in serving people. He also shared a tradition that has followed him throughout the brand's expansion.
After opening a restaurant, Kelley and his core team celebrate by gathering for catfish sandwiches served on white bread.
It's a simple tradition that reflects the Southern roots behind the growing hospitality brand.
When asked what he hopes people will remember about Kitchen + Kocktails a decade from now, Kelley didn't point to the food, the cocktails or the restaurant's design.
Instead, he focused on how guests are treated.
"I want them to remember our care," Kelley said.
"The food is one thing. You're going to eat the food one day, you're going to eat food another day, but if we make you feel good in the restaurant, I think that's something that can resonate for a longer time than that meal sitting before you."
Kelley explained that guests visit restaurants for many reasons. Some are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and engagements, while others may be navigating difficult personal circumstances.
He believes the restaurant experience should provide an opportunity for people to feel appreciated, respected and cared for, regardless of why they walked through the doors.
"I've designed my restaurants, Miami included, so that my staff understands that the customer is the star," he said.
"We're here for you."
That philosophy was evident during the pre-opening preview, where the staff's attentiveness and friendly service helped create a welcoming atmosphere.
With its Times Square location, Kitchen + Kocktails enters one of New York City's busiest dining markets. Kelley believes the restaurant's combination of Southern cuisine, creative drinks, atmosphere and customer service will offer something different to both residents and visitors.
"We understand that other people make Southern food too," he said. "But when you're talking the mix of the food, the drinks, the vibe, the building, 7 Times Square, our address, we're on OpenTable. It's different here."
Whether guests are planning a special celebration, looking for somewhere to dine before a Broadway show or simply craving Southern comfort food, Kelley hopes they'll give the restaurant a chance.
"We're worth trying. We're worth giving a shot," he said.
And his message to New Yorkers is one he repeated throughout the conversation.
"Welcome home."
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
Address: 7 Times Square, New York, NY
Cuisine: Southern comfort food, seafood and specialty cocktails
Reservations: Available through OpenTable
Website: www.kitchenkocktailsusa.com
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