PHILADELPHIA, PA — Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, the Dallas-based upscale Southern soul food restaurant, is set to open its highly anticipated Philadelphia location in mid-October at 225 South Broad Street, bringing a mix of elevated cuisine, bold design, and vibrant energy to the Avenue of the Arts.
The 7,200-square-foot venue, located on the ground floor of the Cambria Hotel, will be the largest Black-owned restaurant in Philadelphia and is expected to employ more than 125 local hospitality professionals. The two-story space offers seating for up to 300 guests and features striking design elements, including soaring ceilings, a dramatic balcony, and a signature flower wall covered with hundreds of red roses. A private dining space, The Asset Lounge, reimagined from the building’s original bank vault, will accommodate up to 40 guests for upscale events and celebrations.
The menu boasts more than 50 scratch-made Southern comfort dishes, blending classic flavors with elevated presentation. Highlights include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops, Seafood Gumbo, Southern Fried Catfish, Blackened Salmon, Candied Yams, and Fried Green Tomatoes. Appetizers begin at $13, while entrees start at $21. Guests can also expect an expansive beverage program featuring an ultra-premium spirits selection and craft cocktails.
Founder and CEO Kevin Kelley, an attorney-turned-restaurateur, said the Philadelphia expansion fulfills a long-standing goal. “I chose Philly because I love this city and the fantastic, hard-working people who live in and around the City of Brotherly Love, as they are incredibly passionate about their city and their food scene,” Kelley said. “Expanding into Philly is truly a dream come true.”
Since launching the brand in Dallas in 2020, Kelley has opened locations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, and Atlanta. Philadelphia marks the sixth location for the fast-growing concept.
Kelley, who frequently visits the region as his two children attend Princeton University, said joining Philadelphia’s renowned culinary community is especially meaningful. “This isn’t just another restaurant opening,” he said. “We’re looking very forward to becoming a hotspot where locals gather, dine with friends and loved ones, commemorate milestones, and celebrate the city’s wins.”
Reservations open September 19, 2025, and the restaurant is expected to become one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations this fall.
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