Kelly’s in the Community

In business for almost 30 years, Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern has been a staunch supporter of the Outer Banks community not only as a successful business but as a mainstay at many Outer Banks events.   Whether for fun or a good cause, Kelly’s insists on giving back to the community that has been so welcoming and good to the business.

A Good Time on the Outer Banks

Probably one of our biggest claims to fame outside the restaurant itself is our involvement in two of the OBX’s major annual events – Taste of the Beach and the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend’s activities.  Taste of the Beach is a huge event that pulls visitors from all over North Carolina and surrounding states to sample locally prepared fares from various Outer Banks restaurants.  We host tasting events and dinners over the weekend as well as enter into the “friendly” restaurant competition.  Over the past few years, our desserts (all made in house) take home the trophy for best dessert while our restaurant as a whole is always a finalist.  Taste of the Beach takes a lot of work but we love participating and attracting new patrons of our restaurant while, at the same time, catering to our dedicated clientele who return weekly for lunch, dinner and drinks at the Tavern.  Being able to hang with our restaurant compadrés is an added bonus.

Over the same weekend (St. Patrick’s Day weekend), we also host the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the entire state of North Carolina), the Running of the Leprechaun 8K Race, and the St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza, a huge traditional Irish dinner with corn beef and cabbage, soda bread and Guinness of course.  “As an Irish family, this holiday is near and dear to our hearts and we cannot imagine not being in the foreground of the entire weekend.   It is who we are,” says Mike Kelly, owner of Kelly’s Restaurant.

A Good Cause for the Outer Banks

On top of all the fun we try to bring to many Outer Banks events, we also know that it is important to give back to our beloved barrier islands.  We are partial to participating and sponsoring OBX events that benefit local organizations. Many times, for major events, we partner with our sister restaurants to sponsor and host events.  One such event is the Annual Charity Golf Tournament which we raise money for the Outer Banks Community Foundation.  Over the years, we have helped (through the golf tournament and other events) raise almost $300,000.

Another event where we are front and center is the Annual OBX Marathon weekend Fun Run on Saturday mornings.  While the proceeds from the weekend’s events go to different charities, we love being part of such a major weekend by sponsoring this event.

Lastly, another way we help local causes is by opening our facility up to in house events, luncheons and dinners.  Couture by the Shore is a luncheon and fashion show benefitting the OBX Relief Foundation.  Events such as this need a venue and Kelly’s is always ready to step up and offer our services to help make it a success.

It is All about Community

Mike Kelly believes in the importance of the community.  “It is all about community,” he says.  “If we did not have the community behind us, we would not be where we are today.  It all comes full circle.”

When you come into Kelly’s for dinner, know that we are here to provide you with an excellent dinner and even a night of live music and dancing if you decide to head over to the Tavern.  But we also want you to remember that we work hard to be an integral part of the community.  We love the Outer Banks and its people.  We just hope they love us as much.

Oh, and by the way, we have sweet potato biscuits waiting for you!