Kevin Barry

If you don’t already recognize Kevin Barry’s face, you’ve most certainly dined with him. Kevin, a Hermosa beach-resident, is the man behind a few of the South Bay’s most popular eateries.

He bought his first place, the legendary 12th Street Grill in Manhattan Beach, in 1991 and followed it up with Sangria Restaurant in Hermosa Beach (still going strong after 14 years).

“I got my first restaurant job as a cook in a cool little spot during high school in Pacific Palisades,” says Kevin about his start in the dining business. “After college, I worked in the entertainment industry, all the while working at restaurants.”

During summer vacations, Kevin’s heart was at the beach, where he became an LA County Lifeguard. “I kept with it and am proud to have just finished my 30th year as a seasonal employee of the LA County Fire Department.” Now he mostly devotes his time to working as a Junior Lifeguard instructor, teaching kids skills like first aid, CPR, swimming and surfing. “I rescued a kid years ago who became a lifeguard, and now he’s a doctor saving lives everyday.”

The ocean, salty air and great friends keep Kevin close to the South Bay. He recently opened his fifth restaurant in Manhattan Beach, Memphis at the Beach. When not competing in local golf or volleyball tournaments, he’s mentoring kids on beach sports as a board member of Dig for Kids Education Foundation and Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, to name a few.

For the holidays, Kevin, his wife Shelby and their one-year-old daughter, Brynn, plan to stay in California and hang with the family. But, the best gift will be coming a few months later. Shares Kevin, “We are having a sister for our baby to be born in March!”