About Us
Fresh Grab-and-Go
Stay on track, even on your busiest days. Our fresh grab-and-go options make Crave a go-to clean eating cafe and whole foods restaurant in Gilbert.
Easy Pick Up & Delivery
Order ahead for a quick pick up in or get your favorites delivered. Fast, simple, and convenient—without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Good Food, Greater Purpose
Every order at our local health food restaurant supports meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
About Us
Crave Protein Cafe is where “yummy” and “good for you” meet. As a wellness cafe in Gilbert, AZ, we serve:
- Chef-crafted, proprietary protein shakes and nutrient-rich smoothies
- Salads, wraps, acai bowls, and healthy all-day breakfasts
- Coffees, healthy snacks, grab-and-go meals, kids’ options, and desserts
With vegan options in Gilbert, vegetarian dishes, and gluten-free smoothies, everyone can find something they love. We’re proud to be a clean-eating cafe and one of the healthy restaurants in Phoenix and the East Valley.
Crave was created after seeing a painful truth: meaningful employment is often hard to find for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism.
When you choose Crave, you’re not just choosing a healthier meal, you’re supporting training, confidence, and opportunity in your community.
Our Mission
To make healthy eating easy, exciting, and inclusive—serving craveable food that nourishes your body and uplifts our community.
Our Story
Crave Protein Cafe was founded by Laura Newcomb, creator of the Autism Academy for Education and Development, which now includes multiple campuses across the Valley. Over time, Laura noticed a heartbreaking pattern:
Many young adults with developmental disabilities—and especially adults with autism—weren’t finding jobs, despite their abilities and desire to work. Adults with autism experience some of the highest unemployment rates among intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Crave Protein Cafe and its sister retail establishment, The Olive Branch Boutique, were created to change that. Today, individuals with developmental disabilities—including autism—are part of the organizations’ teams, while students up to age 22 gain real-world job skills through the Academy’s B.R.I.D.G.E. program.
When you dine with us, whether you’re looking for:
- Healthy restaurants in Phoenix
- Organic cafes in Phoenix, AZ
- Smoothie and juice bars in Phoenix
- Clean-eating restaurants Phoenix locals love
- Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Phoenix
You’re not just choosing yet another smoothie bar or healthy cafe—you’re choosing to support jobs, opportunities, and inclusion in your community.
Every shake, acai bowl, and healthy meal you enjoy helps fuel both wellness and possibility.
Our Vision
A community where everyone—of every ability—has the chance to thrive: through better food, real opportunity, and meaningful work.
