ABOUT KO

Throughout his life Kevin O’Donnell has perfected and acquired many talents, but in the end it all comes back to hosting guests and providing a place where people can relax and unwind among friends. O’Donnell originally got his start in the hospitality industry co-owning restaurant/bar, McNear’s with his brother in Petaluma, Calif. While operating McNear’s, O’Donnell earned his gaming license and coordinated competitive poker games in the area, complimenting his passion for the game.

O’Donnell’s adventures lead him to Hawaii in the early 1980s where he bartended, making key contacts along the way. As a movie lover and connoisseur, O’Donnell worked with the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) for the annual Show West convention in Las Vegas pre-screening major motion pictures, serving as a key critic for directors and writers.

By 1990 O’Donnell was recruited by Paul Fleming to hold a position with the opening team for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Scottsdale. O’Donnell relocated to Arizona and spent a few years with the Fleming family before he recognized the potential for growth in the area and turned his focus to real estate. In an effort to spend more time with his daughter, O’Donnell started working in the mortgage business.

With his daughter grown and attending high school, O’Donnell had time to return to his passion of playing poker at competitive levels, which resulted in his participation and impressive placements in international tournaments. Most notably O’Donnell participated in the 37th Annual World Series of Poker No Limit Hold’em Championship, playing in 10 events with six cashes, earning just under $1 million. His current winnings in poker total $1,263,900. In 2005 O’Donnell took his passions for poker, sports and good friends and opened KO’s to Valley neighbors. As the owner, O’Donnell adds personal touches to the restaurant hosting Monday Night Football, weekly poker tournaments and regular weekend breakfasts just to name a few.