Elevated Comfort Food Restaurant Plans New Chicago Location

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley appears to be working on a restaurant at the space formerly occupied by Katana.

Libby Allnatt
By Libby Allnatt Add a Comment
Photo: Official

A restaurant with outposts in several major metropolitan areas appears to be working on a new Chicago location.

A recent liquor license application indicates that Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is planned for 339 N Dearborn Street. The space was formerly occupied by Katana, a now-closed Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant.

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is currently located at 444 N Wabash Avenue, a location that opened in 2021. The concept first began in Dallas and has since expanded to Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Attorney Kevin Kelley founded the company in 2020 with a vision of serving comfort food in an elevated atmosphere.

The menu is inspired by Southern favorites and flavors, including fried chicken and catfish, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, pork chops and more, along with sides like cornbread, fried okra, candied yams and collard greens. Brunch is served on weekends.

That covers the “kitchen” part of the name. The restaurant is also known for an extensive beverage program, which includes a wide range of signature cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic options.

A recent job posting for a project called “Kitchen + Kocktails by KK Chicago – Dearborn” indicates that the restaurant is seeking a front of house manager.

As previously reported by What Now Boston, Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley appears to be targeting the Massachusetts city for expansion as well.

Current locations of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley:

  • Chicago: 444 N Wabash Avenue
  • Dallas: 1933 Elm Street
  • Washington, D.C.: 1300 I Street NW
  • Charlotte: 210 E Trade Street
  • Atlanta: 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE

Be the First to Know

From new restaurant openings to exciting retail launches and real estate insights, be the first to know what’s happening in Chicago

Share This Article
Follow:
Libby Allnatt is the Senior Editor and Reporter for What Now Atlanta. She has been a journalist since graduating from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, gathering experience in copy editing, writing and social media. With a passion for helping people find their new favorite places, Libby enjoys highlighting small businesses, trying new coffee shops and exploring a city's signature spots. Originally from Salt Lake City, she loves discovering all the Peach State has to offer.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *