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Craveworthy Brands Launches Educational Initiative

On October 3, 2025, Craveworthy Brands took a giant leap in redefining restaurant leadership by launching "Crave University" during their inaugural CraveCon conference. The organization is setting ambitious goals, aiming to tell 100,000 success stories and empowering restaurant leaders with a focus on resilience and a people-first mindset.

The event, which celebrated the contributions of the restaurant community, awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships. This initiative reflects Craveworthy's core values and its commitment to transcending traditional restaurant boundaries.

Honoring Exceptional Leaders

At CraveCon 2025, Craveworthy recognized 30 remarkable individuals for their achievements in the past year. Among these were the impressive feats showcased by Carmen Balbi, who earned the title of “Operator of The Year.” Balbi's leadership at Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in New York City exemplifies the dynamic approach and dedication needed in today's hospitality industry.

Innovating Education with Crave University

Crave University, spearheaded by Cassie Miller, Senior Vice President of Training, is presented as a pioneering platform that integrates advanced courses, development of soft skills, and practical training tailored to create successful hospitality leaders. The program is structured into five educational tiers, allowing participants to progress through a carefully crafted curriculum featuring syllabi, workbooks, and scenario-based learning.

Each educational level culminates in a capstone project, ensuring a robust pipeline of leadership development within Craveworthy's portfolio of brands. Miller confidently stated, "No other restaurant company has done this before. Crave University is a hospitality leadership program designed to achieve our goal of nurturing 100,000 success stories within the next decade." The initiative aims not only to create excellent restaurants but also to cultivate leaders who are resilient, skilled, and cherish excellence in operations.

Commitment to Operational Excellence

The CraveCon also spotlighted Craveworthy’s operational philosophy as articulated by Kirk Hillabrand and Kristin Albert, SVPs of Franchise and Corporate Operations, respectively. They emphasized the importance of embedding core values as consistent practices in daily operations, focusing on compassion, accountability, and resilient practices.

“Operators succeed because they embrace the fundamentals of hospitality—people first, the courage to take risks, and resilience in effectiveness,” Albert mentioned. The narrative resonated through the gathering, showcasing a collective commitment to facing challenges with vigor, underscoring that determination propels them toward expansion and improvement.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

The conference concluded with a poignant acknowledgment of those who embody Craveworthy's values and contribute to its culture. The event marked the first-ever scholarship awards, jointly funded by the company and Shaquille O'Neal, ensuring future leaders receive the recognition and support necessary to thrive.

This year’s scholarship recipients, Kianna Turner, General Manager at Big Chicken in Las Vegas, and Klaudia Rudny, Head of Public Relations at Craveworthy, were celebrated for their reflective embodiment of the company's ethos.

Gregg Majewski, Founder and CEO, noted, "Our greatest success will be measured not by restaurant numbers but by the people we elevate, the leaders we nurture, and the lives we enhance. Craveworthy's unstoppable nature is derived from collaborative efforts towards shared goals."

This marks a significant milestone in the hospitality sector, setting the stage for future developments while exemplifying a novel approach to leadership and training in the industry. For more information about Craveworthy Brands, you may visit Craveworthy’s official website.