About Crave — Crave

OUR STORY

How do we describe our dishes at Crave? As Chef, Founder, and Co-Owner Aaron Hervey says, "It's comfort food with a fine dining twist, it's Eclectic New American. Our real passion is bringing food from around the world into Akron, Ohio."

What makes Crave special? Beyond the fact that this place is owned by Akron natives working hard to bring a dream to life, Crave is about being something for everyone. Looking for a place to host your rehearsal dinner or propose to that special someone? Or do you want to grab a beer, eat chicken wings, and watch the game? Maybe you need to unwind and have a great lunch after a marathon meeting at work. Crave can be whatever you need, no matter the occasion.

Today, Crave has a new home in Akron's Bowery District: 8,000 square feet of breathtaking architecture punctuated by visually stunning interior design. The two-story historic space offers guests 313 seats—165 people in the main dining room, 90 on the mezzanine, and 45 on the patio. The second floor features two spaces available for events, and the main floor offers ample bar space and a retail wine room.

Aaron and Dana also own Crave Cantina in Cuyahoga Falls, where visitors can enjoy global tacos, Latin fare and craft cocktails.

TEAM

Many of our team members have been with Crave since day one. We’re a fun, hard-working group of food lovers from all walks of life who enjoy showing people a good time—and serving an outstanding meal that keeps people coming back for more.

AARON HERVEY

CHEF & CO-OWNER

Born and raised in Akron, Aaron attended the University of Akron to study culinary arts and then entered the Northeast Ohio food scene. After leading kitchens at several fine dining establishments, he decided to create a place where he could do things his way. He created the concept for Crave in 2000 and officially opened the doors in 2005. What other hats does Aaron wear? Beyond founding and owning Crave and being a loving husband and father, Aaron is also a chef, dishwasher, janitor, inventory manager, maintenance worker—and whatever else the day demands.

DAnA HERVEY

MANAGER, CO-OWNER

Dana is an Akron native who attended the OSU Wooster branch to study Equestrian Arts before entering the restaurant world. She and Aaron met in high school and worked together at restaurants in Northeast Ohio, where she learned all the ins and outs of managing restaurants. What other hats does Dana wear? Beyond owning Crave, being a loving wife and mother, and a horse trainer, Dana is also Crave’s interior designer, bartender, front-of-house manager, bookkeeper, and more. You name it, she does it.