AKRON, Ohio — For nearly two decades, Crave in Akron has been a staple in the community, serving up a versatile and wide ranging menu to its customers. But when the pandemic hit, things got tough and the owners decided to switch it up.
"We decided, well, you can't have a facility that's this beautiful and not raise our game as far as menu, as far as service, all that," explained Aaron Hervey, co-owner of Crave restaurant.
On Monday, Aaron and his wife Dana, who also co-owns the business, re-opened Crave inside of the old Akron Savings & Loan building.
"When we walked in the building, you could just see the restaurant here, you walked into an empty space and you see the ceilings and the vision of a restaurant just popped," said Aaron.
In just 15 months, the Herveys, with the help of their design team and contractors, were able to take this space from an old bank to a quality dining and event space. And despite being only a few blocks away from their old location, Crave has certainly emerged on a new scene.
"There's the (Akron) Civic Theater and Lock 3, which draw about half a million people annually. we've got residential living above us," Aaron explained.
"We were able to take our event space from 40 seats to 100 seats upstairs on our mezzanine. We also have a retail wine shop and we're going to have a grab and go market in the back," he continued, explaining the new upgrades.
But why the decision to make the move? Well, the pandemic hit and like most local businesses, the Herveys were forced to re-evaluate and think about their future.
"It [the former location] was starting to get a little dated and this was an opportunity to do it once, and do it kind of a timeless... like I said, hopefully carry us to retirement," said Aaron.
After 20 years at their old location, it was important for Dana and Aaron to bring some of that history to their new space, you'll see it in their booth seating as well as their staple menu items, but there's also big upgrades like their retail wine room.
"It's just kind of like Crave on steroids. It's just bigger, better, faster, um, and prettier," said Aaron.
The new location includes the sit-down restaurant, bars with crafted drinks, a grab and go market, and expanded event space all in addition to the wine room where you can buy a bottle for dinner or take it go.
Even in their new space with fancy upgrades, The Hearvys say Crave is still a place for everyone.
"You could come here before a show to the civic in a suit and a dress. And you're, you don't feel odd that the guy next to you using Jean shorts and a t-shirt," Aaron explained.
Crave is open Tuesday through Saturday with varying hours, but with it's cozy feel, you'll be sure to want to stay awhile.
"We strive for consistency and that you walk out of here feeling, feeling good about the experience and want to come back," said Aaron.
For more information on Crave and its offerings, click here.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.