TIMELINE
1962
A few years after graduating from Georgetown University, where he served as President of the Yard, Richard McCooey envisions, designs, owns, and operates The Tombs and the 1789 Restaurants, located a block from Georgetown University. He creates spaces that become gathering places for families, friends, celebrities (Audrey Hepburn was his favorite), U.S. Presidents, world leaders, neighbors, students, faculty, staff, and the broader business community. Richard dedicates his life to serving others.
1966
Richard is the 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 shakes hands with the legendary John Laytham, key owner of Clyde's Restaurant Group, and sells his landmark restaurants, The Tombs, 1789, and F. Scott’s. Persona Studios, a Georgetown-based restaurant design firm, is born. That same year, Karen prepares to transfer from Smith Barney’s New York City office on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center to its Washington, DC branch.
A few years after graduating from Georgetown University, where he served as President of the Yard, Richard McCooey envisions, designs, owns, and operates The Tombs and the 1789 Restaurants, located a block from Georgetown University. He creates spaces that become gathering places for families, friends, celebrities (Audrey Hepburn was his favorite), U.S. Presidents, world leaders, neighbors, students, faculty, staff, and the broader business community. Richard dedicates his life to serving others.
1966
Richard is the 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 shakes hands with the legendary John Laytham, key owner of Clyde's Restaurant Group, and sells his landmark restaurants, The Tombs, 1789, and F. Scott’s. Persona Studios, a Georgetown-based restaurant design firm, is born. That same year, Karen prepares to transfer from Smith Barney’s New York City office on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center to its Washington, DC branch.
1986
Karen moves to Washington, DC, and meets Richard at The Tombs through a family introduction, initially intended as an emergency contact. Karen’s parents knew Richard’s twin brother, who worked at Henderson Brothers, her great-grandfather’s Wall Street specialist firm.
1990
Richard and Karen are married in their parish, Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown.
1994
Karen leaves her decade-long career as a Financial Advisor to join Persona Studios full-time. What began with Richard collaborating closely with, and often leading, the Clyde’s design team, grows into Persona Studios designing restaurants across the United States and internationally.
1997
Persona Studios expands into fine art publishing with the Georgetown University Millennium Edition offset lithograph, produced as a limited-edition print.
2014
Richard McCooey passes away, but not his influence, spirit, or legacy. Karen, a lifelong liturgy volunteer and music minister, coordinates a celebration of Richard’s life at a traditional Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown. Sung prayer throughout is provided by the Georgetown Chimes, generations of dear friends. Clyde’s Restaurant Group opens both the 1789 and The Tombs to host an unusually generous repast, welcoming all to share food, fellowship, and memories in honor of Richard’s life.
2017
Karen opens Karen McCooey Studios in Georgetown, Washington, DC, specializing in restaurant and luxury residential interior design and renovation.
2026
Karen McCooey Studios continues to grow, with current projects including a 3,000-square-foot waterfront lake house in Virginia serving as both a family retreat and short-term rental, encompassing interior design and architectural interiors design. Recent projects include a Uno’s Restaurant design refresh in Philadelphia, PA, and a mid-rise condominium hallway renovation in Washington, DC.
2026
Karen begins exploring the launch of The Richard McCooey Cares Foundation in Georgetown, honoring Richard’s legacy of hospitality, service, community, and love.
Karen moves to Washington, DC, and meets Richard at The Tombs through a family introduction, initially intended as an emergency contact. Karen’s parents knew Richard’s twin brother, who worked at Henderson Brothers, her great-grandfather’s Wall Street specialist firm.
1990
Richard and Karen are married in their parish, Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown.
1994
Karen leaves her decade-long career as a Financial Advisor to join Persona Studios full-time. What began with Richard collaborating closely with, and often leading, the Clyde’s design team, grows into Persona Studios designing restaurants across the United States and internationally.
1997
Persona Studios expands into fine art publishing with the Georgetown University Millennium Edition offset lithograph, produced as a limited-edition print.
2014
Richard McCooey passes away, but not his influence, spirit, or legacy. Karen, a lifelong liturgy volunteer and music minister, coordinates a celebration of Richard’s life at a traditional Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, Georgetown. Sung prayer throughout is provided by the Georgetown Chimes, generations of dear friends. Clyde’s Restaurant Group opens both the 1789 and The Tombs to host an unusually generous repast, welcoming all to share food, fellowship, and memories in honor of Richard’s life.
2017
Karen opens Karen McCooey Studios in Georgetown, Washington, DC, specializing in restaurant and luxury residential interior design and renovation.
2026
Karen McCooey Studios continues to grow, with current projects including a 3,000-square-foot waterfront lake house in Virginia serving as both a family retreat and short-term rental, encompassing interior design and architectural interiors design. Recent projects include a Uno’s Restaurant design refresh in Philadelphia, PA, and a mid-rise condominium hallway renovation in Washington, DC.
2026
Karen begins exploring the launch of The Richard McCooey Cares Foundation in Georgetown, honoring Richard’s legacy of hospitality, service, community, and love.
