TESTIMONIALS

“I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Kelly since May of 2022. Like her, I was a transplant looking for a fresh opportunity in the restaurant world. Since then, she has become one of my closest and dearest friends. Kelly has been my leader, my manager, my teacher, my back up and support, my shoulder, and my heroine. She is always there ready to recognize her colleagues for their successes. She tries to make everyone feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Kelly and I have laughed together, cried together, we’ve pushed through tough shifts together, we’ve made miracles happen together, and we’ve had to say goodbye to each other once already. Though I will hate to say goodbye again, I know that the next “me” is out there waiting for her to come into his or her life. Kelly, as a person, is a gift.  

As a professional, Kelly embodies her mantra in every shift. She is enthusiastic and efficient, even on the toughest days. She strives for an impeccable service, a testament to her long and successful career. If there were something that could sum her up more aptly, I would say that she is a true Hospitalitarian. If she had a motto, it would be “Hospitalitatem Sectantes.” In English that is “pursuing hospitality.” I can think of no better phrasing to sum up her professional life. She is relentless in her pursuit of hospitality. She is relentless in teaching others how to be professional. She corrects others from a place of passion for the work we do. She truly loves this industry. There is no one I’d recommend more for your restaurant than Kelly O’ Connor. Cheers, my friend!”

Joshua Donescoss WSET II
Lead Server and Assistant Sommelier at The Quincy Exchange, Corning NY (2022-Present)

"We have known and worked with Kelly O'Connor for over twenty years. Back in 1996, we were planning and strategizing our first restaurant. We would frequent a place where Kelly worked. Her service was always impeccable and we knew we needed her to come work with our new staff and us. Kelly was a huge part of our success. Her role in our restaurant was always evolving because she was not just a fantastic server but also someone who takes great pride in the hospitality process. 

In 2000, we opened another restaurant The Madison Bar & Grill.  Kelly joined our management team in 2004. Under her watchful eye, we received stellar reviews due to our staff being well trained, informed and excited to create a fantastic dining experience.

Kelly went on to work with many different industry leaders and gain experience and "know how" to be a resource for whomever she worked with.  It was not surprising to us that Kelly started her own Consulting Company and began doing what Kelly does best. 

In 2015, we asked Kelly to come in and do some consulting for us and bring our staff up to speed on new industry trends and also good old fashioned hospitality.  She did just that.  She updated our Steps of Service Manuel, re-trained all employees and management, and injected a dose of quality into every aspect of our business. 

You cannot go wrong by choosing Kelly's Hospitality Consulting Company.  We did a few times and our business has always been the better for it!"

Dave and Kristian Carney
Owners of The Madison Bar and Grill
Hoboken, New Jersey

“Working with Kelly over the past four years has truly been a brilliant opportunity. Her wide array of experience in the hospitality industry and outside of it has shaped a wonderful platform for her new business, Kelly O’Connor Hospitality Consulting LLC. I was blessed to be part of a team with Kelly as one of the senior members. She helped shape my formative years, providing constant gentle pressure and encouraging perfection at every occasion. There were late nights resetting every table in the dining room to make the cloths matched perfectly, as well as words of encouragement along the way. As time goes on and my career develops, I can’t help but reflect of the fundamental practices she helped to hone in my own performance. Kelly’s attention to detail matched with her enormous personality will bring tremendous value to any business seeking an edge in Hospitality.”

Timothy McKevitt 
Former General Manager at Maialino, Union Square Hospitality Group

“Kelly was my hiring manager into the USHG family. She certainly exudes the warmth and enlightened hospitality that the company represents. In my time working alongside Kelly I found her attention to detail to be one of her greatest strengths. Paired alongside with the afore mentioned warm nature, and you certainly have a someone who has developed a great recipe for success in this industry!” 

Jeff Turok
Former Bar Manager at North End Grill & Talent Acquisition Manager for Union Square Hospitality Group

“I have known Kelly for over two years. What impressed me about her initially was her warmth, enthusiasm and the personal attention she offered me. As I came to know Kelly better I found those initial impressions held firm. She brings to the table a depth of experience drawn from her excellent work history as well as genuine sincerity, which is so often absent from professional relationships. Kelly has always backed her intentions with action; she follows through and delivers.”

Kira Bill
Former General Manager of Prime Meats
Former Server at Frankies Spuntino 570

“Kelly O’Connor is a consummate professional, loves what she does and is always eager to please; Her enthusiasm for her work and infectious smile doesn’t hurt either. It was my pleasure and privilege to be on the opening team of Maialino with Kelly who in no time became a “fan favorite”. Our guests would often ask if she was available to be their server or at the very least if she could stop by the table to say hi. Kelly made it an absolute priority to ensure that every guest had no choice but to return to Maialino.”

Roger Raines
Former Lead Maître’d
Maialino, Union Square Hospitality Group

“I was fortunate enough, in the beginning stages of starting my career, to have worked with Kelly O'Connor. I saw her talent front row and center when I came into Maialino to have dinner with my mom. Kelly truly embraces the craft of this industry by providing an excellent experience from the start of the meal to the very last moment. When I was promoted to server, the only person I wanted to train me was Kelly herself. She taught me ways to sell to the guests and how to overcome challenges that might arise through the service. Kelly embraces this industry by being a guest herself at restaurants around the city, a teacher, and a true professional in every way.”

Lauren Ambrosio
Former Colleague
Union Square Hospitality Group

“Working with Kelly O'Connor at Frankie's 570 had been such a rewarding experience, both on a professional and a personal scale. Kelly's hard working attitude and easy-going personality have been such an inspiration to me. While working together, she was able to address any sort of issue with the uttermost patience and professionalism. Her approach to the work environment was always positive, open-minded and punctual. What sets Kelly apart from anyone else you'll meet is not only her thorough knowledge and vast experience in this field, but also the dedication and love that she abundantly pours into her work. Choosing Kelly O'Connor's Hospitality Consulting company is making the right choice.”

Alessandra Lippolis
Former Host
Frankies Spuntino 570

“Kelly taught me the importance of providing the best possible service to patrons and it has helped me perform my job with the utmost confidence. Her process has benefited me with leveraging my overall income by increasing my tips. Her positive approach to taking care of customers is infallible, and her cheerful attitude is contagious. She teaches in a way that instructs her clients to provide the customer with a quality dining experience, relaxed and without being overbearing. I greatly appreciated my trainings with Kelly, and consider myself to be a better serving employee because of her sessions.”

Nick McGuiness
Former Server at Jack’s Cabin 
2014-15