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ava vitale

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONAL

About

ABOUT ME

Hospitality has always been more than a career for me – it’s where I found my passion for creating meaningful experiences and building genuine connections.

At 23, I co-founded Crave Kitchen & Cocktails, where I now serve as Beverage Director. Since opening, I’ve had the opportunity to build an award-winning beverage program, develop innovative cocktail menus, lead staff education, and help shape a restaurant culture centered on creativity, excellence, and genuine hospitality. These early experiences taught me that exceptional hospitality isn’t just about great food or a well-crafted cocktail; it’s about making people feel seen, welcomed, and remembered.

My career has taken me far beyond the bar. I’ve been honored as the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo Industry Excellence Bartender of the Year, recognized as one of Bar & Restaurant News’ Top Shelf: Next Generation of Hospitality Excellence – 30 Under 30, and named a 2026 Global Connections for Women (GC4W) Woman to Watch. I’m also a two-time Stateline Shakeoff Champion and have had the privilege of speaking at national and regional hospitality conferences, sharing my experiences with industry professionals from across the country.

My desire to take care of people and create meaningful experiences is what drives everything I do. I believe the smallest details can leave the biggest impression, and I'm passionate about creating moments that make people feel welcomed, celebrated, and genuinely cared for.

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Awards & Recognitions

 BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

2025 BAR & RESTAURANT EXPO : INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

30 UNDER 30 HONOREE

2025 TOP SHELF : NEXT GENERATION OF HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE

STATELINE SHAKEOFF CHAMPION

BACK TO BACK 1ST PLACE FINISHES

2025 & 2026

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RESTAURANT WEEK : BEST COCKTAIL

ROCKFORD RESTAURANT WEEK AWARDS

A WOMAN TO WATCH

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS FOR WOMEN : HARVARD CLUB OF NYC 2026

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

the vitale bar experience

The Vitale Bar Experience is a personalized hospitality experience designed to educate, entertain, and bring people together. Whether you're looking for an interactive, hands-on cocktail class, private bartending, or a custom beverage experience, each event is thoughtfully tailored to your group's goals, occasion, and skill level.

 

Available at Crave or on-site at your event, each experience is fully customized to deliver an engaging and elevated cocktail experience.

public speaking

education & connection

From national conferences to industry panels and live demonstrations, I'm passionate about sharing ideas that inspire, educate, and elevate the hospitality industry. Explore my speaking engagements and topics below.

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looking for inspiration?

Developing thoughtfully curated, seasonally inspired cocktail menus is one of my favorite parts of what I do. From concept development and flavor pairing to menu balance, scaling, execution, and profitability, every menu is crafted with creativity and intention.

Browse a selection of my seasonal menus below.

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To view my entire menu collection, or to discuss bar consultations and menu development, submit an inquiry below. I look forward to connecting with you!

Contact

​​​Email: ava@vitalehospitality.com

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Based in Rockford, IL

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