David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan started Ri Ra when they opened their first Ri Ra pub in Charlotte, NC in March 1997. The two grew up together in Dublin, Ireland and emigrated separately to America, one to pursue a career in design the other in Guinness marketing. As the business grew the two befriended and became partners with Jay Luther, an experienced multi unit operator who now runs Ri Ra Holdings, LLC.

Ri Ra Irish Pub & Restaurant strives to create the ultimate dining and entertainment experience. The Ri Ra goal is to deliver the quintessential Irish Pub experience. Ri Ra is meticulous in pursuit of this goal, from sourcing authentic and often famous old pubs in Ireland such as the Olympia Theatre, which first opened in Dublin in 1879. Once restored and shipped to the US, Ri Ra follows through with a sizable investment in its most valuable resource, people. The R R values; RESPECT, INTEGRITY, RESULTS and ACHIEVEMENT are prevalent throughout the staff training process and carried out in our daily consumer interaction. Our overall goal is not only to exceed our guests dining, drinking and entertainment expectations, but to create an environment that in terms of "welcoming" is second to none.