A Dallas restaurant chain’s cryptic announcement spurred rumors that it would soon be shuttering. But it appears it was a classic bait-and-switch: Kitchen + Kocktails isn’t closing at all. Instead, it’s expanding to the biggest stage in the U.S.
When Kitchen + Kocktails owner Kevin Kelley teased an announcement regarding the future of the elevated Southern concept, many were quick to assume it was a “soft launch” of its permanent exit.
“Just say you’re closing,” one top comment read. Another person added, “Y’all made an announcement stating that y’all are going to make an announcement.” Others pointed to the brand’s marketing outreach, with one follower writing: “They definitely closing the way they been spam texting prior guests to come there.”
When the countdown hit zero, Kitchen + Kocktails revealed the news: It was expanding to its largest location yet. The newest location will be at Times Square in New York City. An official opening date hasn’t been announced but the chain will be bringing its soul food staples to the 10,000-square-foot space inside the former home of Pink Taco at 7 Times Sq., also known as Times Square Tower.
“Every city we’ve opened in has become home. New York is where the world watches,” Kelley said. “Opening at Times Square isn’t just an expansion—it’s a statement. We built our way here, one city at a time, on our own terms. We can’t wait to humbly welcome New York home.”
Kelley opened Kitchen + Kocktails at 1933 Elm St. in August 2020. Inspired by the recipes he learned as child from his grandmother, his restaurant’s menu is “anchored by soul food traditions elevated with refined technique and bold, uncompromising flavor” like crispy fried chicken and waffles, blackened shrimp and grits with lobster tail, and Jamaican jerk lamb chops, along with its handcrafted “kocktails.” Since then, Kelley has taken the brand beyond Dallas to Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. A new Boston location is also opening this summer.