In 2009, Ryan and Anna O’Donnell opened the doors to their first concept, Gemini, nestled in the heart of Chicago. They weren’t chasing trends or trying to be the next big thing. They just wanted to create the kind of place where people felt welcome. Where regulars were greeted by name. Where good food and real hospitality mattered. That one restaurant became the seed of something much bigger: Ballyhoo Hospitality.

Today, Founder & CEO Ryan O’Donnell and Partner/President Jon Farrer, a rising visionary in hospitality, lead Ballyhoo as partners, bringing their shared commitment to community, hospitality, and intentional growth.

Together, they are dedicated to preserving the values that made Ballyhoo a beloved part of the neighborhoods it serves while continuing to expand with purpose.

As Ballyhoo has grown, so has its vision—not just for food, but for community.

At the heart of every Ballyhoo concept is the same core belief: hospitality is personal. It's about more than menus and ambiance—it's about people. Staff who love what they do. Guests who feel like they're part of something. Neighborhoods that feel the impact of a business that cares.

That’s why Ballyhoo doesn’t just serve food—they serve communities. Through initiatives like Dine & Donate, they regularly partner with schools and nonprofits, giving back a portion of proceeds to the very neighborhoods that helped them grow. Because being local isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s a responsibility.

Now, with eyes on thoughtful expansion into places like Florida, Ballyhoo is growing—but not quickly. Carefully. Intentionally. “One or two restaurants a year,” as Ryan puts it. Growth that preserves what made them special to begin with. Growth with purpose.

This is who Ballyhoo is. Not a restaurant group, but a collection of community tables. Not just a business, but a hospitality family. From the very first guest to the newest hire, Ballyhoo invites everyone to take a seat, share a meal, and be part of something real. Because in the end, Ballyhoo stands for inspired dining, genuine hospitality, and the kind of connection that keeps people coming back—not just for the food, but for the feeling.