**Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley Opens on Broad Street, Becoming Philadelphia’s Largest Black-Owned Restaurant**
*By Tribune Photos/Kayla Brown*
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley officially opened its doors on Broad Street this past Saturday, taking over the former Del Frisco’s Grille location. At 7,200 square feet and seating up to 300 guests, it is now the largest Black-owned restaurant in Philadelphia.
Kevin Kelley, an attorney turned restaurateur, has grown his brand to six locations across the country, including Dallas, Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and now Philadelphia. The Philadelphia location is situated on the ground floor of the Cambria Hotel, employing more than 125 local hospitality professionals.
The restaurant offers a menu rich in Southern classics such as collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, Caribbean jerk lamb chops, blackened salmon, seafood gumbo, and fried green tomatoes. Kelley describes the menu as elevated comfort food, redefining familiar soul food dishes with enhanced flavor and presentation.
When asked about the inspiration behind Kitchen + Kocktails, Kelley shared, “I wanted to create a place where people can indulge in elevated comfort food, sip artfully crafted cocktails, and feel the pride and joy that inspired me back home.” His passion stems from his childhood experiences in Arkansas, where he was raised in part by his grandmother, whose exceptional cooking sparked his love for food.
The ambiance is an integral part of the dining experience. Guests are welcomed with a warm “Welcome Home” and dine under stunning chandeliers, surrounded by Instagram-worthy décor, including Kelley’s signature grand red rose wall. The restaurant features The Asset Lounge, a luxurious private event space housed in a reimagined bank vault, perfect for tastemaker dinners and special celebrations.
Kelley emphasizes that Kitchen + Kocktails is not fine dining but rather elevated dining. “We take food you would usually get in a paper box and serve it on fine plates with our logo-engraved cutlery in a beautifully designed space,” he explains. The centerpiece is a Blue Jade Onyx bar crafted from the highest grade exotic marble, bringing sophistication to the heart of the restaurant.
Cocktails also play a significant role in the experience. Kelley recommends the “Peach Dusse Frozen,” a frozen cocktail served in a glass Dusse bottle with a straw, which he describes as “to die for.” Another standout is the dramatic rum-based “fire drink” served tableside, ignited for a spectacular show that is unique to the brand.
Kelley’s journey to becoming a restaurateur was unconventional. While living in Paris, he missed the soul food of home, which inspired him to blend fine dining aesthetics with Southern flavors. When he faced challenges securing prime locations in Dallas, he purchased the historic Hart Building himself, demonstrating his commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
Philadelphia holds special meaning for Kelley. With two children attending Princeton University, he has visited the city frequently — sometimes up to 25 times per year. “Philadelphia is a city with incredible history, creativity, and heart. Being part of that is special,” he notes. Opening Kitchen + Kocktails on Broad Street sends a powerful message. “When minorities have businesses, we don’t have to hide in corners. Place us on front street and let us shine.”
Beyond expanding his business, Kelley sees Kitchen + Kocktails as a community-building hub — a place that uplifts, connects, and celebrates culture. “This isn’t just another restaurant opening,” he says. “We want to be a hotspot where locals gather, commemorate milestones, and celebrate the city’s wins. It’s about community and joy.”
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*About Kevin Kelley*
Kevin Kelley transitioned from a career in law to hospitality with a vision to redefine comfort food. Starting in Dallas in 2020, his brand now spans several major cities across the U.S. His dedication to elevating soul food and creating inclusive, vibrant dining spaces continues to fuel his success.
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*Note: This article has been carefully edited for clarity, readability, and formatting to enhance your reading experience.*
https://www.phillytrib.com/lifestyle/kitchen-kocktails-brings-a-little-southern-heat-to-broad-street/article_ed9cefe7-35a0-40fd-b348-942bc5b377ce.html
