After spending over two decades at Tsunami, Kevin Sullivan is preparing to open his own restaurant at The Ravine in the Edge District, located at 16 S. Lauderdale St.
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After working his way up from dishwasher to chef, Kevin Sullivan is ready to build a foundation for his empire, starting with Ki Kitchen. He plans to start this new fast-casual concept as a food truck that will be parked in The Ravine, and customers can sit in what will eventually be Memphis Made’s taproom, according to Memphis Business Journal. The food truck will then evolve into a brick-and-mortar at the back of the property. Before this happens, Sullivan is working on raising funds via GoFundMe.
“I’ve been working in some of the best kitchens in Memphis for 21 years now, I’ve met some wonderful people, and now I’m asking those people for help moving forward,” according to the GoFundMe. “Starting a restaurant is a big undertaking, but I’m certain that if I can get into a building and get started, I can make it a profitable business that not only provides for me and my family but for a few families. So today, I put aside my pride and humbly ask for your help in making a dream 21 years in the making come true.”
While the campaign has raised nearly $4,000 of its $25,000 goal, he plans to use the funds for equipment, furniture, and decor. Despite being early in the funding stage, Sullivan already has big plans for this venture and hopes to open the concept by the end of the year. The chef plans to rely on his background in Asian cuisine while adding a healthy twist of Southern fare, all while having a light hand and not overdoing it. Some potential dishes at Ki Kitchen include collard green kimchi and black-eyed pea hummus. Memphis Made and Ki Kitchen will operate separately but hope to benefit from each other mutually.
“I really want people to think of the both of us when it comes to The Ravine,” he said. “They’ll think, ‘Hey, I’m going to get some good food. I’m going to get some good beer. We’re going to hang out and have some fun.'”