Chef Kelly G. Mullarney
Critically-Acclaimed Chef
International Concept Advisor
Bruxie Co-Founder
Ironman Triathlete
Kelly G. Mullarney, the founder and principal of Chef Innovations, Inc., is a sought-after culinary business advisor who leverages his 40+ years of award-winning restaurant-industry experience to launch successful concepts and operations worldwide.
Restauranteurs, chains, and franchise groups trust Kelly to create culturally-attuned menus, service models, and dining experiences around the world. Kelly’s creativity combined with his ability to translate vision into reality has consistently resulted in profitable ventures.
“As a chef and businessperson, Kelly provided the perfect fit to our organization. He is well-organized, thoughtful, well-spoken, and efficient and communicated well with all the stakeholders. It would be my great pleasure to work with him again.”
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Gerald Cigliano, Former President
Santa Monica Seafood
“Chef Kelly’s ability to develop systems and plans makes him invaluable in any start-up situation. I would not make a move in the food business without bringing Kelly in for assistance and advice.”
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Bill Marinelli, Owner
Marinelli Shellfish
“Kelly has been involved with every aspect of our food and beverage operations…He is extremely meticulous in his ability to teach and providing the materials for his trainees and existing kitchen staff to follow.”
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Rick DiRienzo, Founder
Rockin' Baja Lobster
Kelly successfully guides restaurants through initial development and all aspects of operations–from a neighborhood chicken & waffle stand to an international premier steakhouse.
At Bruxie, home of the original fried chicken & waffle sandwich, Kelly is the brand visionary and serves as the company’s chef. USA Today called Bruxie one of the "Best Fried Chicken Places in America" and Food & Wine raved "Best New Sandwich Recipe in the U.S."
At Shanahan’s on the Green in Dublin, Kelly partnered with Irish farmers and the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association to design a feeding, tracing, selection, and aging process to ensure optimum marbling, tenderness, and concentrated beef flavor for the highest quality meat offered to guests.
Kelly served as the GM and wine director at Michael Jordan's One Sixtyblue during its first year of operation, attaining the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and a four-star rating.
As the director of operations for Chicago's House of Blues, Kelly oversaw the main- and small-stage events serviced by a satellite kitchen, a fine-dining restaurant, and the famed weekly gospel brunches.
When he was the executive chef and director of food and beverage at Harris Ranch, Kelly was selected to cook at the James Beard House in NYC, inviting his team to join him for an unforgettable shared career milestone.
Kelly was the executive chef and partner of the LA-based King Seafood Company restaurants when his team was recognized as "Restaurateurs of the Year" by the California Restaurant Association and his cioppino recipe was awarded first place by the Los Angeles Times.
Kelly graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Restaurant Clients & Partners
Kelly is a specialist at modifying the menus and operations of American concepts to appeal to international palates and accommodate local customs.
Kelly has completed projects in:
• Canada
• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Philippines
• Russia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• United States
Kelly connects authentically with hosts and audiences during press promotions.
Kelly is frequently featured in international, national, local, business, and industry press, including Bloomberg, CNBC, the Nation's Restaurant News, QSR, and The Washington Post. He has appeared on the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" and the Cooking Channel's "Junk Food Flip," and has been interviewed live and in-studio to promote restaurant openings and special events.
KTLA Los Angeles Morning News
Travel Channel’s Man v. Food
Contact
Chef Kelly Mullarney understands what is important - where to spend, where to save, and how to improve the bottom line.
Contact Kelly to learn more about advisory services, speaking engagements, and 1:1 video consultations.