KRAVE Restaurant

In the heart of New Rochelle, where the city pulses with change and growth, lies a culinary treasure, Krave Restaurant. For Chef Chrissy and his wife Chyrisse, Krave is far more than a business venture, it’s a passion project woven from the threads of Chef Chrissy’s rich culinary journey and diverse upbringing. His dishes — a bold fusion of Jamaican, Asian, and American flavors — tell a story of innovation and dedication to culinary excellence.

When Chef Chrissy and Chyrisse took the reins at Krave, they faced an array of challenges, from financial hurdles to the dynamic shifts of a changing community. Through perseverance and with the invaluable support of their loan officer, Erika Fermin, they navigated these complexities with determination. “It was a pleasurable experience,” says Chrissy. “Erika explained things thoroughly. For us, it was daunting to pull together the information to get the loan. We taught ourselves through podcasts and YouTube videos on what we needed. Some of us small business owners do not have the time to learn and educate ourselves on what is needed. Together we do a lot to educate ourselves on what we need to scale.”

What emerged from their efforts was not just a restaurant, but a vibrant hub of community engagement and support. Krave serves more than just food; it serves as a catalyst for positive change within New Rochelle’s evolving community. By partnering with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Hope Kitchen, and Kappa Alpha Psi college scholarship fund, Krave invests deeply in its community. “We do a lot of work with the Boys and Girls Club. We are currently working with the new location on Lincoln Ave, Mount Vernon. We partner with Hope Kitchen and Kappa Alpha Psi , NRWP Alumni College Scholarship Fund. New Rochelle has changed a lot, and we work to change with the community and the growth that is happening around us.” These efforts foster connections, create employment opportunities, and pave the way for growth. As the neighborhood transforms, Krave remains steadfast, embracing new opportunities for expansion and outreach, including the exciting new venture, “Krave to Go.”

Chef Chrissy and Chyrisse see Krave’s most profound impact as a mentors and allies to fellow business owners. Chef Chrissy and his team generously share their expertise, offering guidance on everything from securing funding to mastering the culinary craft. In a community where resources are often limited, Krave stands as a beacon of support and collaboration, demonstrating that true success is about uplifting others along the journey. “We were turned down by the traditional banks. We didn’t have what they wanted to qualify. We were depleting our personal assets and stopped putting a band-aid on our goals.”

Krave isn’t just about the physical space; they are proactive in getting their products and services out into the world. “We have our website and do a lot of social media marketing because it is where people are sourcing information, both paid and organic. We have our menus in local places. Word of mouth is super helpful. We get a lot of traffic to the site because of the keywords we use. We do a lot with the schools. We do a lot of community outreach.”

Krave isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the transformative impact of following one’s passion. Chef Chrissy and Chyrisse’s journey with Krave exemplifies how a heartfelt pursuit can lead to profound community impact and lasting success.