Midtown Crossing mainstay, CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar, is celebrating its first five years – and preparing for the next – with a slate of enhancements, all intended to amp up the local energy.

“CRAVE is being reimagined in one mindset – and that’s becoming more local,” said Kam Talebi, owner/founder of Minnesota-based CRAVE.

That focus includes an expanded food and beverage menu, updated atmosphere and a continuous commitment to a passionate service approach. As the centerpiece of this new mindset, Talebi has forged a partnership with Nebraska entrepreneur Jeannine Lane.

“Jeannine has been a huge CRAVE fan since purchasing a residence at Midtown Crossing. She conveyed to me a sense of enthusiasm in terms of what CRAVE stood for and offered within the community. We felt that a local partnership would allow us to further grow the business and better cater to the Omaha market,” Talebi said.

Beyond her partner/owner role, Lane will have a hands-on local presence as senior executive vice president of CRAVE Omaha. Lane’s daughter, Jacqelle, a Midtown Crossing resident, is joining the local CRAVE operation as director of sales and events.

“Both Kam and I believe in CRAVE. We believe in Omaha. We believe in Midtown Crossing, and we believe in being successful in whatever we do. It’s a great combination, and it offers great latitude when you bring both of our strengths together,” Lane said.

The partners say their full intent is to take CRAVE Omaha from “great to phenomenal.” Kick-it-up-a-notch patio upgrades, including lounge seating, fire features, outdoor TVs and decorative LED lighting are in the works, along with a menu expansion.

“We’ve listened to our customers and we’re giving them what they want,” Talebi said. “The menu will continue to have an incredible culinary commitment, but it will also have the depth of value-driven offerings that our guests’ wallets will appreciate. 20 entrees under $20, 14 new snacks from $4-$6, and more than 25 new burger and sandwich choices at lunch.”

The ultimate goal, Lane said, is a wonderful, welcoming dining experience for all.

“We’re in the people business,” she said. “Whether you’re a top executive at Mutual of Omaha or a family here for Monday Night at the Movies or Jazz on the Green, we will take great care of you and make sure you leave happy.”

CRAVE opened in Midtown Crossing in fall of 2010. The partners are looking forward to celebrating the fifth anniversary – and new “CRAVE reimagined” mindset – with an event that will include music, food and drink specials.

“I just think CRAVE is one of the most phenomenal places and the potential is limitless,” Lane said. “Same for Midtown Crossing. They have done some amazing things for downtown Omaha, truly redefining the community.”

In addition to CRAVE Omaha, Lane owns multiple farms and ranches in Nebraska and Iowa, producing corn, soybeans and all-natural beef. Passionate about the well-being of children, she also founded an organization that works with at-risk youth and their families.

Talebi added, “With Jeannine and Jacqelle on board, we can better tell a great story about who we are and what we are as a company through our CRAVE Cares program and our commitment to the Omaha community and working with local non-profits.”

Midtown Crossing. Five years old. And just getting started. This is what a strong urban core looks like – a diverse neighborhood where restaurants and retail, community events and individual experiences come to life. An energetic embrace when you want to live loudly, a quiet escape when you don’t. We’re dinner conversation with friends and shopping you won’t find anywhere else. 16 acres of life’s little extras: activity, serenity, community. Perfectly centered. East of expected.

For more information about Midtown Crossing, including the latest on residential and retail offerings, events and development amenities, please visit MidtownCrossing.com or contact Molly Skold at (402) 598-9676 or Molly.Skold@MutualofOmaha.com.

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>p>Midtown Crossing mainstay, CRAVE American Kitchen and Sushi Bar, is celebrating its first five years – and preparing for the next – with a slate of enhancements, all intended to amp up the local energy.>/p>
>p>“CRAVE is being reimagined in one mindset – and that’s becoming more local,” said Kam Talebi, owner/founder of Minnesota-based CRAVE.>/p>
>p>That focus includes an expanded food and beverage menu, updated atmosphere and a continuous commitment to a passionate service approach. As the centerpiece of this new mindset, Talebi has forged a partnership with Nebraska entrepreneur Jeannine Lane.>/p>
>p>“Jeannine has been a huge CRAVE fan since purchasing a residence at Midtown Crossing. She conveyed to me a sense of enthusiasm in terms of what CRAVE stood for and offered within the community. We felt that a local partnership would allow us to further grow the business and better cater to the Omaha market,” Talebi said.>/p>
>p>Beyond her partner/owner role, Lane will have a hands-on local presence as senior executive vice president of CRAVE Omaha. Lane’s daughter, Jacqelle, a Midtown Crossing resident, is joining the local CRAVE operation as director of sales and events.>/p>
>p>“Both Kam and I believe in CRAVE. We believe in Omaha. We believe in Midtown Crossing, and we believe in being successful in whatever we do. It’s a great combination, and it offers great latitude when you bring both of our strengths together,” Lane said.>/p>
>p>The partners say their full intent is to take CRAVE Omaha from “great to phenomenal.” Kick-it-up-a-notch patio upgrades, including lounge seating, fire features, outdoor TVs and decorative LED lighting are in the works, along with a menu expansion.>/p>
>p>“We’ve listened to our customers and we’re giving them what they want,” Talebi said. “The menu will continue to have an incredible culinary commitment, but it will also have the depth of value-driven offerings that our guests’ wallets will appreciate. 20 entrees under $20, 14 new snacks from $4-$6, and more than 25 new burger and sandwich choices at lunch.”>/p>
>p>The ultimate goal, Lane said, is a wonderful, welcoming dining experience for all.>/p>
>p>“We’re in the people business,” she said. “Whether you’re a top executive at Mutual of Omaha or a family here for Monday Night at the Movies or Jazz on the Green, we will take great care of you and make sure you leave happy.”>/p>
>p>CRAVE opened in Midtown Crossing in fall of 2010. The partners are looking forward to celebrating the fifth anniversary – and new “CRAVE reimagined” mindset – with an event that will include music, food and drink specials.>/p>
>p>“I just think CRAVE is one of the most phenomenal places and the potential is limitless,” Lane said. “Same for Midtown Crossing. They have done some amazing things for downtown Omaha, truly redefining the community.”>/p>
>p>In addition to CRAVE Omaha, Lane owns multiple farms and ranches in Nebraska and Iowa, producing corn, soybeans and all-natural beef. Passionate about the well-being of children, she also founded an organization that works with at-risk youth and their families.>/p>
>p>Talebi added, “With Jeannine and Jacqelle on board, we can better tell a great story about who we are and what we are as a company through our CRAVE Cares program and our commitment to the Omaha community and working with local non-profits.”>/p>
>p>Midtown Crossing. Five years old. And just getting started. This is what a strong urban core looks like – a diverse neighborhood where restaurants and retail, community events and individual experiences come to life. An energetic embrace when you want to live loudly, a quiet escape when you don’t. We’re dinner conversation with friends and shopping you won’t find anywhere else. 16 acres of life’s little extras: activity, serenity, community. Perfectly centered. East of expected.>/p>
>p>For more information about Midtown Crossing, including the latest on residential and retail offerings, events and development amenities, please visit MidtownCrossing.com or contact Molly Skold at (402) 598-9676 or Molly.Skold@MutualofOmaha.com.>/p>