The Philosophy Behind KO Crafted Kitchen
We view food as an experience designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Every gathering is approached with purpose, from the atmosphere and pacing of the evening to the ingredients selected for each course. The goal is never simply to impress, but to design dining experiences that feel personal, welcoming, and memorable.
Rooted in Southern hospitality and shaped by refined technique, we blend warmth, polished culinary execution, and genuine connection into every event.
Meet Chef Kevin Olson
For Chef Kevin, food has always been about connection.
Chef Kevin’s culinary journey began in Boone, North Carolina, working in a small sandwich shop before graduating from culinary school and building his career in professional kitchens across the state. Over the years, he refined his craft at respected destinations including Roosters: A Noble Grille, Chetola Resort, Pinehurst Golf Resort, and most recently as Executive Chef at The Montford Rooftop Bar in downtown Asheville.
His experience also includes participation at acclaimed culinary events such as Heritage Fire at The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville and Euphoria in Greenville, South Carolina. Kevin was a finalist in the Fire on the Rock culinary competition and has been featured in Winston-Salem Monthly magazine.
Years spent in high-performance kitchens shaped his technical foundation, creativity, and deep respect for hospitality; values that continue to guide his approach to private dining today.
But some of his earliest and most meaningful food memories began long before professional cooking. Sharing fried chicken at his grandfather’s gas station in rural Alabama, he saw firsthand how food could bring people together in simple but unforgettable ways.
That understanding still guides his approach today: food has the power to create comfort, conversation, and lasting memories around the table.
A Style That Feels Refined + Approachable
Kevin’s approach to cooking is all about designing the right balance of food that feels warm, inviting, and satisfying. Rather than overcomplicating a dish, he focuses on thoughtful preparation, layered flavor, and ingredients that speak for themselves.
His years spent in professional kitchens shaped his standards and discipline, while his Southern upbringing continues to influence the sense of comfort and hospitality present throughout his menus.
Why Private Dining
After all his experience in restaurants and large-scale hospitality environments, Chef Kevin found himself drawn to a more personal style of cooking that centered around people, connection, and meaningful experiences.
Private dining creates space for something restaurants often can’t: slower conversations, intentional gatherings, and menus designed entirely around the people sharing them.
For Chef Kevin, the most rewarding part of being a personal chef in Asheville is watching guests settle into the experience. The food becomes part of the atmosphere, and the occasion feels memorable long after the final course is served.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, retreat gathering, or milestone celebration, KO Crafted Kitchen can curate the perfect personalized dining experience, thoughtfully customized around your event and your guests.
“They created a memory we will talk about for years. It was unforgettable!”
—LOTES N., ASHEVILLE