Our Story
EST. 2009
The Beginning of Ballyhoo
Back in 2009, Ryan and Anna O’Donnell opened Gemini in Chicago with a simple but powerful idea: to create a place where people didn’t just come to eat, but where they truly felt at home. It wasn’t about following trends — it was about greeting regulars by name, serving honest food, and delivering real hospitality that made every guest feel welcome. That humble beginning planted the seed for what would become Ballyhoo Hospitality.
Today, Ryan and his partner Jon Farrer carry that same spirit forward. Their shared passion for community, genuine connection, and thoughtful growth has shaped Ballyhoo into more than just a group of restaurants.
At the heart of Ballyhoo is a belief that hospitality is deeply personal — it’s about people. It’s the staff who bring their love of the craft every day, the guests who feel like neighbors, and the neighborhoods that know the business truly cares. Our team is the beating heart of Ballyhoo, creating the warmth and care that keeps people coming back.
Ballyhoo isn’t just serving food; it’s nurturing communities. Through initiatives like Dine & Donate, they give back to the places that have supported them from the start. Being local isn’t a marketing line — it’s a responsibility they live by.
Growth at Ballyhoo doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a careful, intentional journey. As Ryan puts it, “One or two restaurants a year,” always ensuring what makes each place special never gets lost.
This is Ballyhoo — a family of community tables, where meals are shared, moments are made, and people come back again and again, not just for the food, but for the connection.