Brian McCarthy
President
Kelly’s Roast Beef
John “Brian” McCarthy, President of Kelly’s Roast Beef, has been inducted as a charter member into the Food Industry Hall of Fame. His selection reflects the 55 years of quality food service and customer friendly atmosphere personified by Kelly’s restaurants started under his father and continued, expanded, and improved under his leadership. Kelly’s today is a New England tradition with a range of venues and a varied menu of top quality food.
Mr. McCarthy started with Kelly’s on Revere Beach when he was 13 years old taking the train from Dorchester, Mass. on weekends during the summer months, and during school vacation. Brian returned to the family business following his service with the Navy Seabees in Vietnam.
Brian said, “My proudest accomplishment is not screwing up my father’s and his partner’s business. When my dad had a stroke in 1982, he was unable to explain all the details of the business, and I had to learn by trial and error.”
Brian has frequently noted that his dad, Frank McCarthy, knew what customers wanted in a time when food quality wasn’t that important. “In my father’s mind, every customer was the most important person to him, and he excelled in food quality and portions. He always believed that if you gave them enough good product, they would return…. and so they have!”
