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CRAVE COMPANIES

Including Crave Culinaire, Virtual Venue SWFL, Crave2Go, Crave Event Staffing, Zest at Valencia Bonita and Crave Management Group, Crave Companies serves as the umbrella company for this collection of five-star culinary brands. Led by Chef Brian and Nicole Roland, Crave Companies serves the Southwest Florida community through upscale catering, virtual, in-person and hybrid events, event staffing teams, meal delivery services and an elegant restaurant, located in the community of Valencia Bonita. Crave Companies impacts our community through remarkable events and cuisine, unmatched by the competition. For more information, contact us at info@cravecompanies.com.

Chef/Owner

Brian Roland

Chef Brian is the creative drive behind Crave’s unique approach. He brings an element of surprise, a big warm personality and an understanding and appreciation for building the perfect dining experience. Brian will be with you throughout the creative process and ensure you and your guests’ palates and senses are challenged.
Recently the celebrated Executive Chef of M Waterfront Grille in Naples, Chef Brian owns two new innovative businesses: first, he is president of Florida Food Consultants, a networking concept designed to improve the restaurant industry, and, his second endeavor, Crave Culinaire by Chef Brian Roland, introduces an ultramodern take on catering. Crave Culinaire’s elegant services span from full event planning, to catering events, to chic, artistic private meals prepared for the most prominent palates.

Chef Brian, born and raised in Princeton, NJ, graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He is a Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) through the American Culinary Federaton (ACF) and a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. He worked for several well known French chefs, including Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel & Café Boulud, and Patrick Verre at the TPC @ Jasna Polana. He has worked as Executive Chef in top kitchens locally, including Chops City Grill and Cru Lush Wines and Pure Food. Brian consults and collaborates with other chefs and industry professionals, often organizing events and competitions to heighten each professional’s creativity and self-improvement. He has had the opportunity to cook for some well known celebrities including Judge Judy, Brian Boitano, Franc D’Ambrosio, Randy Wayne White, Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Marylin Manson, David “Big Pappi” Ortiz, Joe Bastianich, Tim Love and Paula Deen

As a celebrity, Brian has appeared on many local television segments to cook for viewers on Fox 4 and WINK News. His local presence is consistent….Emcee and Auctioneer for several events including the CAN Bachelor Auction, Tails and Tiaras Pet Gala for the Humaine Society, Derby Dash for the Naples Junior Women’s Club and the 6th, 7th & 8th Annual Boots and Boogie Bash as co-emcee with Krista Fogelsong of ABC. Brian made the cover of Naples Illustrated September 2013 as a Local Hero in the Supermen Issue. He was also awarded 40 Under 40 in Gulfshore Life Business and “Best Chef on the Move” in 2013, Best Chef for Charity in 2014 and Young Incandescent Entrepreneurs in 2015 by Florida Weekly. Crave Culinaire was voted Best Caterer in Lee and collier counties in 2014 and 2015 by Gulfshore Life magazine. He is a regular feature in Naples society magazines and newspapers such as Life in Naples, Naples Illustrated, Entrée Magazine, Fifth Avenue Magazine, Plate Magazine, Grandeur Magazine, Naples Daily News, The News Press, Florida Weekly, Flavor on the Menu, and was proud to be voted Gulfshore Life’s 2011 Hottest Eligible Bachelor.

Chef Brian Roland considers himself an artist whose medium is food. More than a former Executive Chef at one of Naples most prestigious restaurants, he is a self-made man with innovative businesses of his own. He is a friend, a brother, a loving son, and a truly giving soul. His philanthropic contributions have touched thousands, as he has raised money in community outreach events to assist local charities such as Literacy for Collier, CAN, Red Cross, Hope for Haiti, Foster Care Council, Children’s Hospital, Impact Initiative, Friends of Foster Children, PACE, Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON ), St Matthew’s House, NCEF, Holocaust Museum, Naples Junior Womens Club, Make a Wish Southern Florida, Humaine Society, Neighborhood Health Clinic, among many others. Brian also became a founding member of the Friends of the Foundation team committee in early 2013 to support NCEF.

Chef Brian enjoys golf, traveling with family, motorcycle riding, singing, dancing, and naturally—cooking.

Executive Chef

Debra Bicknese

Born into an Italian/American family on Long Island, Debra learned quickly that life revolves around food. In 2000, she graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, receiving the Escoffier Award of Merit as well as the Chaine de Rotisseurs Brillat Savarin Medal. Debra earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of South Florida and holds a certificate in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier Association.

In 2005, Debra opened Beast restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, where she earned accolades from from the N.Y. Times, New York Magazine, and Wine Spectator. She also appeared on the Food Network Show, Chopped. After closing Beast in 2014, she went on to work for, consult, and open several prestigious Manhattan establishments.

Having family in Florida, the next step was relocating back to the sunshine state to be closer to them. With both fine dining and casual experience, Debra teamed up with local celebrity chef, Brian Roland at Crave Management Group in 2019 to embark on this journey of creating dynamic and creative food programs in cooperation with GL Homes.

Director of Operations/Owner

Nicole Roland

Nicole has a sense of style and organization, which pairs well with her creativity and attention to detail. Her dedication to making each event something special and unique, makes Nicole the perfect addition to Crave Culinaire’s team.

Born in California, raised north of Seattle, and settled in Florida. Nicole graduated from The University of Central Florida, majoring in Event Management with a minor in Hospitality Management.

Nicole brings a plethora of experience from her time spent at several Starwood resorts including Sheraton Vistana Villages, Le Meridian Cambridge, W Hotel in Boston and the Sheraton Ft Lauderdale. She held the position as the Private Dining Director for Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar prior to becoming the Director of Events and Marketing for the Naples Humane Society and most recently the Director of Events and Marketing for Gulfshore Life Magazine.

As the Director of Operations for Crave Culinaire, Nicole has taken the reigns with all event details, marketing and internal operations. As the closest member of the team to him, Nicole married Chef Brian in September 2016, furthering their commitment and love of this business and their future together.

Executive Sous Chef

Mike Vaughn

Bio Coming Soon
General Manager

Dana Roberson

Bio Coming Soon!
Assistant Manager

Natalie Quebbeman

Bio Coming Soon!