CRAVE Downtown to Open May 19

After Multi-Million Dollar Investment, Fourth CRAVE Restaurant Set to Impress with Elaborate Renovation and Destination Rooftop Patio

MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After investing nearly $5 million to renovate and open the space formerly occupied by Palomino, CRAVE will open its most ambitious location to date in downtown Minneapolis on May 19 with an expansive rooftop patio and bar that will be unveiled the first week in June.

Located at 825 Hennepin Ave. in LaSalle Plaza, the new restaurant includes classic CRAVE elements such as the Grand Sushi Bar, Wine Tower and VIP chef tables accented with hand-crafted chandeliers, as well as an urban flair to the design, and a 6,500 square foot destination rooftop patio and grill that will be one of the largest in the downtown area. In addition, CRAVE Minneapolis will feature three private dining rooms that serve parties from 10 to 125 people.

"We are really excited to not only bring the successful CRAVE concept downtown, but to give it an especially hip and chic style that truly fits with the vibrancy of the city," said Kam Talebi, owner and CEO of CRAVE. "We're also eager to unveil our rooftop bar and patio in June, which will offer a fantastic view of Minneapolis."

Shea Architects formulated the layout and structural architecture of the space combined with Kamarron Design Inc., which integrated several trendy and fresh elements, including artisan-created custom tile made with hand-blown Italian glass and delicate reflective surfaces, and intricate-cut velvet European-made booth backs. Visitors will be welcomed to the bar area by a crocodile-patterned leather floor and the two VIP chef tables will feature custom chandeliers created by a New Orleans artisan.

From Monday, May 23, to Friday, May 27, CRAVE Minneapolis will celebrate its Grand Opening week with happy hour food and drink specials from 3-6 p.m. each night.

Recently named Restaurant of the Year by the Minnesota Restaurant Association, as well as one of the fastest growing companies in the Twin Cities by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, CRAVE Minneapolis is the fourth Twin Cities location. CRAVE opened its first restaurant in the Edina Galleria in February 2007, followed by Mall of America and West End locations in 2009. CRAVE opened its first outstate restaurants in Orlando and Omaha in 2010, and will be opening in Coral Gables, Florida, later this summer.

CRAVE has experienced exceptional growth in its corporate dining, catering and special events business. The downtown location, which will be CRAVE's largest, will have the capacity to host private gatherings, as well as serve as a downtown hub to offer catering and delivery to the many businesses in the area.

"We expect this location to expand our ever increasing catering and corporate dining business, and believe this is an excellent fit for our growing CRAVE concept," Talebi said.

CRAVE's menu changes regularly to reflect the latest trends in New American cooking and utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients. It also features a wide variety of items that range from a full sushi bar and Certified Angus beef to fire-roasted flat bread pizzas and fresh market salads. CRAVE Minneapolis will also serve a weekly Sunday brunch and offer daily happy hour specials. As a further convenience for its customers, CRAVE will offer validated parking in the LaSalle Plaza indoor parking ramp where CRAVE is located for $5 which covers up to 2 1/2 hours, along with valet service.

For more information about CRAVE, visit www.CRAVEamerica.com.

About CRAVE

CRAVE fulfills the vision of a vibrant restaurant where the cuisine, service, atmosphere, energy and value are second to none. CRAVE offers fresh and innovative cuisine along with an impeccable wine selection brought to life in a chic yet casual atmosphere. A grand sushi bar extends the dining experience, appealing to both traditional sushi lovers and adventurous epicureans. CRAVE has four Minnesota locations, recently opened in Orlando and Omaha, and is scheduled to open Coral Gables, Florida, later this year. At each location patrons enjoy a familiar yet unforgettable dining experience. For more information visit www.CRAVEamerica.com.

SOURCE CRAVE