Coming Soon

Exciting Times Ahead

Owned and created by Angela Vitale and her daughter Ava Vitale, Crave will be a family managed
and operated, high energy, neighborhood restaurant centered around innovative approaches to
contemporary and classic cuisine. Our focus will be on high quality, yet affordable ingredients
integrated with cherished family recipes. We know good food is important. With that said, we
also understand that how we make our guests feel matters just as much as any one dish we serve
them.

Angela’s culinary vision shares the spotlight with an inventive cocktail program, curated by Ava,
that is playful and thoughtfully devised. Crave will also feature Rockford’s only 90 point wine
list which takes the guesswork out of ordering a fantastic bottle of wine.

Hip and humble, Crave will offer a sophisticated, yet warm and open atmosphere decorated with
striking custom artwork and beautiful chandeliers. The contemporary style dining room with cozy
booths, rich leather chairs and bright white table tops will have a front row seat to the hustle
and bustle of North Perryville Road.

The highly personalized tableside service is intended to make every guest feel special and well
taken care of. We will go above and beyond to establish genuine connections with our guests and
staff, through intentional and intuitive service, to create a truly unforgettable dining
experience. Service is black and white – hospitality lives in color. We look forward to taking
care of you soon!

Genuine Connection, Endless Reinvention, Unguarded Enthusiasm

Executive Chef Miguel Mora

We here at Crave have some very exciting news! There is a new member of the Crave Family that we would like to announce… Please join us in welcoming our Executive Head Chef, Miguel Mora!

Originally raised in Rockford, Chef Mora matured his skills in the heart of Chicago for over a decade. His training and intense professional experience began with his studies at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute. His practical, hands-on experience stems from his work at some of Chicago’s most acclaimed and highly reviewed operations. This includes The Smith, Aba, and in particular one of the hottest restaurants in Chicago – Girl and the Goat. Reservations at this establishment are some of the most sought-after in North America.

During his time at Girl and the Goat, he worked hand-in-hand as Sous Chef under the demanding tutelage of Stephanie Izard: America’s Master Chef, Top Chef Champion, and Michelin-rated Chef. Chef Mora’s fine dining acumen was forged through long hours of creativity at the highest level. He has spent a great deal of his career meeting exceptionally strict, high standards of performance.

Chef Mora is no stranger to the Michelin Star. He earned an internship with international celebrity Chef David Chang, founder of the Michelin-rated Momofuku. In addition to his already impressive culinary history, Chef Mora staged at Alinea in Chicago. Alinea, helmed by world-renowned chef Grant Achaz, has received the AAA 5 Diamond award 10 times, as well as multiple showings on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Alinia has been ranked the #1 Fine Dining Restaurant in the United States and one of the Top 10 Best Restaurants in the World. Chef Mora’s in-depth knowledge of Mediterranean and New American cuisine is unmatched. However, make no mistake, as a native of Rockford, Chef Mora instinctively understands the culinary heartbeat of his hometown. His passion and boundless energy will translate into innovative, yet affordable dishes that celebrate the local palate with a cosmopolitan flair.

Rockford guests will at last be able to experience the very best of Big-City dining without Big-City prices. Our entire guest oriented team invites you to join us at Crave for a splendid dining experience. We look forward to taking care of you very soon!

Thank you –
Angela Vitale
Proprietor

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Welcome to Crave!

Prior to completing the application for employment, please understand that we are devoted to creating a productive working environment for our staff and maintaining the highest levels of quality, service and attention for our guests.

We want you to understand that we also believe in living our values, some of which are:

  • We believe that only a happy and professional staff can give the level of personal service we demand.
  • We believe in the ongoing training and development of our staff and see it as a worthy investment in the future of the company.
  • We believe in providing legendary service

We believe in “Unreasonable Hospitality”, the unique and powerful sort of personal care and attention that our guests tell stories about.

  • We believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute to the team.
  • We believe in honesty and integrity.
  • We believe that “good enough”, isn’t.
  • We believe in doing business in a professional and orderly manner.

If this feels like an environment for you, please complete the application.

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.