We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kevin Kenny. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kevin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My 4 sons, Benny, Kevin, Vincent and Giovanni. I think about them all day long and look forward to coming home to play sports and videogames and cook them dinner. They drive everything I do and keep me humble, providing a constant reminder that I need to set a good example.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kevin Kenny. I am the Chef at Cucina Colore in Cherry Creek, a company started by my family in the early nineties. Currently the only standing Colorado branch of our family business that formerly consisted of multiple pizzerias and restaurants. We’ve been family owned and operated for over 30 years in this specific location. Around October of 1995, I moved from New Jersey with my Mom, Dad, and brother to Denver, Colorado. My mom owned Pizzeria Colore downtown Denver, starting in 1996, before my brother and I took over around 2009. I learned most of my cooking skills there and decided to complete my culinary training with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Art from Johnson & Wales University’s Denver campus in 2016. We closed Pizzeria Colore right as the pandemic of 2020 was gaining momentum due to the passing of our mother, Caroline Momo, from causes unrelated to the Covid virus. Since then, I have been operating as the Chef and manager, having teamed up with my uncle Venanzio Momo, to continue brining Denver classic Italian and Italian American inspired cuisine.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My mother always had a great amount of trust and confidence in me. She never told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t do something but always encouraged me to try everything. Due to her guidance I developed a fearlessness and the understanding that I should always operate with my genuine best intentions and integrity in mind.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My mother passing was the most prolific “wound” of my life. When it first happened I felt a little bit lost, my compass was no longer visible to me. But as time goes on, although I don’t think losing someone important to you is ever healed, I do realize that all her guidance and teachings persist with me for the remainder of my life. All these things she gave me will become even more prominent and grow stronger as I teach my children to walk the same path.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I can’t not be me. That’s why this industry was so appealing to me my entire life. I’ve never had to change who I am. While not everyone will agree with me on everything, I suppose all that matters is that I’m authentically sharing with people the items that we can relate on, I’m lucky enough that food is that vehicle. I love to eat and I love feeding those that love to eat. Food is an incredible love language.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, there would be no purpose to build anything at all. Or the purpose would be to build everything. The only real available option would be to go with the flow, since you’d get around to everything eventually anyway. Who says its not real?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cucinacolore.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cucina.denver
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/pizzakev
Image Credits
Image Credits: Kevin A. Kenny, Alexandra Millerick, Zeke Gallegos
