spring 2023

Jeff Kennedy

Founding Partner Moe’s Original BBQ

​Jeff Kennedy graduated from The University of Alabama in 1996 with a degree in marketing. In pursuit of a lifestyle focused on food, fun and adventure, he moved to Vail, Colorado. After working at various restaurants throughout the valley, he, along with partners, Ben Gilbert and Mike Fernandez, founded Moe’s Original BBQ. The brand, now at 54 locations, aspires to spread its Southern heritage and continue to grow at an aggressive but manageable pace.
Hospitality, and the desire to broaden its importance, have become Kennedy’s primary focus. He believes that hospitality “is all about creating a space and vibe, in all aspects of life, that almost forces comfort and inclusion.” Kennedy uses this thought process through a multitude of avenues to help inspire himself, his team and others to take hospitality, as well as personal and professional development, to another level.
A recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Vail Centre for Leadership, Kennedy is also on the Executive Board of the Vail Valley Partnership.
In his free time, you can find him with his wife, Meredith and two daughters, Gracen and Libba Jayne, somewhere outdoors – eating well, experiencing life together, and serving his community.