1962 - Richard opened the doors to the Tombs and the 1789 Restaurants in Georgetown and played host to families, friends, Hollywood celebrities (Audrey Hepburn was Richard's favorite) and U.S. Presidents and World Leaders in addition to the neighbors, students, faculty, staff, and business locals, he was there to serve. 1966 - Richard was the (very proud) recipient of the Georgetown University Alumni Association's John Carroll Award in San Francisco, California.. "The John Carroll Award is named for Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in North America and founder of Georgetown University. Established in 1951, this award is conferred upon alumni whose achievements and record of service exemplify the ideals and traditions of Georgetown and its founder. Eligible candidates for the John Carroll Award exclude those solely with an Honorary Degree from Georgetown University. A maximum of six awards may be bestowed annually." -www.Alumni.Georgetown.edu 1985 - Richard shook hands with the great John Laytham and sold his prized landmarks, the 1789, Tombs and F. Scott's restaurants to Clyde’s Restaurant Group. So began Persona Studios. Karen prepared for her transfer to the Washington, DC branch of Smith Barney from her office on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center in New York City. |
1986 - Richard and Karen met, appropriately, in the Tombs,
1990 - and they were married in their parish, Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown. 1994 - Karen left her career as a Financial Adviser and joined Persona Studios full-time. What began with Richard working with the Clyde's Design Team, as the visionary-owners Laytham and Davidson expanded Clydes, grew into Persona Studios designing restaurants all across the U.S. and the world. 1997 - The Persona Studios team added fine art publishing to its list of accomplishments with the Georgetown University Millennium Edition offset lithograph limited edition print. 2014 - We lose Richard McCooey, but not his influence, not his spirit, not his legacy. 2014 - Karen launches www.RichardMcCooey.org, raising awareness and funds for causes and people they love 2017 - Karen launches www.KarenMcCooey.com - art, framing, and design consulting to homes, offices, restaurants, hotels & resorts |