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Crave Kitchen offering convenient and varied dining option

By Toni Milbourne - For the Chronicle | Sep 22, 2023

Staffers on the line at the new Crave Kitchen get some training from corporate leaders on Tuesday. From left, are Danielle Longerbeam, Tessa Tennyson, Corey Bailey and Mark Bubby, both Crave Kitchen corporate trainers, and Marcus Bradley. Toni Milbourne

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Following the start of the pandemic, many businesses were forced to close and have not reopened.

The Clarion Hotel, in Shepherdstown, was one example where not only the hotel closed, but dining options for residents within the hotel site also closed. Starting this Thursday, a new restaurant option will begin operation at the site. Crave Kitchen, a multi-brand operation, has leased the property and will offer delivery and pick-up options from five different brands.

“We may expand that to include more options, but for now, we are offering five brands that include Mexican, Chinese, burgers, chicken and pizza,” said Campbell Martens, one of the franchise partners with DSP Restaurant Group/Shepherdstown.

Martens explained that one of his main business partners lives in Boise, Idaho, where the Crave Kitchen concept originated.

“He saw that one got built,” Martens said, adding that he and his partners then decided they needed to integrate Crave Kitchen into their business.

He said that the group had been searching for a potential location, and when the possibility of Shepherdstown came up, he knew it was meant to be.

For the past several months, employees have been working to provide a deep clean to the building and begin plans for operating a Crave Kitchen, which, according to the official Crave Kitchen website, has food halls that include kitchen suites purpose-built for collaboration.

Martens explained that monitors allow food preparation of different varieties to be completed at the same time when one orders multiple brands. He also added that there is a significantly increased need for refrigeration than in some restaurant kitchens, saying that 98% of the ingredients are super fresh for the quick-cook preparation.

“It’s quick, but it’s good,” shared general manager Heather Sadler. “There is an extensive prep list, but it is quick-cook and fresh.”

The Crave Kitchen in Shepherdstown will feature Big Reds Burgers & Grill, which offers a wide variety of classic American burgers and sides. Brownstone Pizza, offering a delicious variety of freshly made pizzas, is another dining option. Red Crane Asian offers a variety of Asian cuisine, with a selection of appetizers, salads and entrees, such as General Tso’s chicken and red Thai curry.

Yet another brand option is the Flying Rooster, which specializes in bringing homestyle comfort food to the table. The menu features classic American dishes, like burgers and salads, as well as some unique specialties like its signature chicken sandwich with buffalo butter.

The final brand at the Shepherdstown location is The Twisted Cactus, a unique and vibrant Mexican cuisine. Diners will be able to choose from classic Mexican favorites, such as tacos and burritos, as well as distinctive dishes like the Twisted Cactus or vegan chorizo burritos.

The unique option to mix and match restaurant options will be available beginning Thursday. The online platform allows for delivery and pick-up orders and can be accessed at www.cravekitchen.io.

Martens also shared some future plans for the restaurant group to reopen the Rumsey Tavern, which was a favorite within the Clarion Hotel. In addition, an adult game room is in the works to offer slot machines, pool tables and a golf simulator, just to name a few features. The plan for opening those in-house facilities has a target date of November, possibly December, depending upon the timing of various requirements.

“We will add televisions in the Rumsey Tavern and maintain that name,” Martens said, adding that it will be a hub for Shepherd away games.

Catering options from Crave Kitchen will also be up and running to allow for everything from a corporate lunch to a tailgate party.

With Thursday’s opening, the Crave Kitchen delivery zone will be limited to within five miles of the location, as well as for pick-up orders. The facility is located at 233 Lowe Drive in Shepherdstown.

As the restaurant expands, that delivery time will be extended to approximately 30 minutes, allowing for a much broader delivery area.