Welcome to Crave

Owned and created by Angela Vitale and her daughter Ava Vitale, Crave is a family managed
and operated, high energy, neighborhood restaurant centered around innovative approaches to
contemporary and classic cuisine. Our focus is 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 features Rockford’s only 90 point wine
list which takes the guesswork out of ordering a fantastic bottle of wine.

Hip and humble, Crave offers 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 top with 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 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!

Genuine Connection, Endless Reinvention, Unguarded Enthusiasm

Upcoming Events

Join us for an unforgettable evening. Explore what's on the calendar.

Pups on the Patio | Local Dog Event

Thursday, June 18, 2026
REGISTER

Pups on the Patio is back for an evening of dogs, drinks, local vendors, and giving back to a great cause on June 18th.

Bring your pup and join us on the patio to meet adoptable dogs from Noah’s Ark, shop pet-friendly vendors, and enjoy activities, treats, and services designed just for your four-legged friends. Guests can browse toys, treats, accessories, grooming services, and more while enjoying dinner and drinks on the patio.

A portion of meal sales from the evening will be donated to Noah’s Ark, helping support animals in need throughout our community.

Whether you’re bringing your own pup, looking to adopt, or simply love dogs, this is a feel-good evening you won’t want to miss.

Tickets Required. RSVP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pups-on-the-patio-tickets-1989920424557?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

3801 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL
GET DIRECTIONS
Women of the 815 | Wine Tasting & Social Event

Thursday, June 25, 2026
REGISTER

Join us for an evening dedicated to bringing together women from all walks of life, industries, and stages of their journey.

Whether you’re a business owner, creative, corporate professional, entrepreneur, student, or simply looking to connect with like-minded women in the community, this event is for you.

Expect meaningful conversations, new connections, and an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and approachable. Enjoy complimentary wine samples, discounted food and beverage offerings, interactive networking prompts, and opportunities to win curated raffle baskets from local businesses.

Come as you are, bring your business cards if you’d like, and spend an evening surrounded by women who support, encourage, and inspire one another.

The bar area will be reserved exclusively for this event—giving you the freedom to mingle, move about, and connect at your own pace in a relaxed, social setting.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Tickets Required. RSVP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/121217410509

5:30PM - 7:30PM

3801 N Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL
GET DIRECTIONS

Past Events

Live Sketch Artist | Take Home Personalized Portraits

June 2025

Skip the usual date night and join us for an evening with a live sketch artist capturing guests in real time.

Whether you’re celebrating a date night or simply looking for something different to do, this experience turns a night out into a keepsake you’ll actually want to keep.

Custom sketches are available for $25 per sketch throughout the evening, and guests can enjoy half-off glasses of wine while they wait. Choose your preferred time slot and settle in for a fun, relaxed night of great conversation, good wine, and a one-of-a-kind portrait to take home.

Portraits by artist Abby (https://www.thepxlr.com/)
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Immersive Craft Cocktail Class | Lead by Ava Vitale

May 2026
Join us for an intimate, hands-on cocktail experience led by 2025 Las Vegas Bar & Restaurant Expo Bartender of the Year, Ava Vitale—Co-Founder and Beverage Director of Crave.

She’s taking her industry experience—Industry Excellence Award Winner, 2026 Expo Speaker, 30 Under 30 Top Shelf Honoree, and back-to-back Stateline Shakeoff 1st Place Finisher—and turning it into an experience that excites, educates, and entertains every participant.

Throughout the class, Ava will share her story, the journey behind building Crave’s bar program, and the techniques, tips, and tricks that have defined her award-winning approach to cocktails.

This is more than just a class—it’s a behind-the-bar look into the creativity, precision, and passion that go into every drink we serve.

We’ll begin with a welcome pour of one of Crave’s signature clarified cocktails, introducing you to one of the most unique cocktail experiences in town.

Then, you’ll build two cocktails step-by-step:
- Crime of Passion – a bright, tropical reposado margarita with passionfruit and coconut
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash – a fresh, balanced bourbon cocktail with mint, blackberry, and ginger beer.
Along the way, Ava will walk you through proper measuring, balance, and cocktail construction—giving you tools you can take home and actually use.

Each guest will receive a curated take-home kit, including:
- Recipe cards for each cocktail
- Mini spirit bottles, so you can make these cocktails at home!
- Jigger, cocktail picks, and bar tools
- Even more fun surprises…
Enjoy our signature focaccia boards throughout the class—perfectly paired to complement the cocktails.

An elevated, interactive afternoon designed for cocktail lovers of all levels.
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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.

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Authorizations & At-Will Employment Agreement

Please read carefully, then sign and date below

I certify that I have personally completed this application. I declare that the information provided in this employment application is true and complete and I understand that any false information or significant omissions may disqualify me from further consideration for employment and may be justification for my dismissal from employment if discovered at a later date. I agree to immediately notify this company if I should be convicted of a crime while my job application is pending or during my employment if hired.

I authorize this company to make an investigation of all information contained in this employment application and I release from liability all companies and corporations supplying such information. I understand any false answers, statements, or implications made by me on this application or other required documents shall be considered sufficient cause for denial of employment or discharge.

I specifically authorize and direct my current and former employers to supply employment-related information to this company and do hereby release my current and former employers from liability for providing information to this company. Upon termination of my employment for whatever reason, I release this company from all liability for supplying any information concerning my employment to any potential employer.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT I understand and agree that nothing contained in this application or conveyed during any interview is intended to create an employment contract between the company and me. In addition, I understand and agree that if you employ me, in consideration of my employment, my employment and compensation will be at-will, for no definite period of time, and may be terminated at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. I understand that only the company’s President is authorized to change the employment-at-will status and such a change can only be done in writing. I have read, understand, and agree with the above.

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