the family business

Brothers Kam and Keyvan Talebi traveled to the United States from Iran in June 1979. But unlike previous summer vacations in America, the boys, ages 9 and 6, never returned home.

The Talebis’ trip happened because their mother, Shahnaz, had advanced-stage breast cancer and needed treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Their father, Karim, the chief nancial o cer of a large power-generation company in Iran, moved the boys here to be near their mother. Meanwhile, back home, Islamic revolutionaries overthrew the government.

“When we came here, we certainly did not think that we were coming here to stay,” Kam Talebi re ects. “We thought that Mom would be seen at the hospital, and we would go back at the end of the summer, but here we are, some 30 years later.”

Showing resolve, the Talebis adapted to their new home, learned English, earned college degrees and, in 2007, established Kaskaid Hospitality, an expanding restaurant business that began with Crave in Edina. Now, the Talebis have 18 restaurants and 2 event centers located in the Midwest, including the local Crave restaurant inside West Acres Mall.

Family Focus

The Talebis credit family for their success, down to the name of the business, Kaskaid, which is a recon gured collection of rst initials of family members.

For example, the S is for their mother, Shahnaz. She “is one of the miracle cases,” says Kam Talebi, 44. “She has gone through several relapses, but she has fought through them all. She is an absolute inspiration. She has beaten all the odds.”

K stands for their father, Karim. They admire their father for his integrity, says Keyvan Talebi, 40. “I always valued the fact that it was tough for him to come here. He gave up a great job and a beautiful home to do everything to save my mother. I will never forget that, and the love and passion that he had for his family.”

As the Talebi brothers continue to pile up successes at Kaskaid, their roots put things in perspective.

“Every day that goes by, you realize what’s important, in terms of family values and being a strong person,” Kam Talebi says. “Your health and your family are the number one thing you have in this world, and you have to work to appreciate and cherish it every day."

Kaskaid has grown from 100 employees to more than 1,000. And they are more than just numbers, the Talebis say. “We run the business as a small family. We are close. We are open-door, handson and we care about every single employee we have. I think that resonates,” says Kam.

Kam advocates a life well-seasoned with happiness. He says, “We live in a world full of stresses. Be happy. Be happy to be able to make a di erence and be the best you can be. Smile and enjoy life with your family and friends. For those who have proven they are leaders and proven their successes, enjoy life and what it gives you, be there for people, and provide opportunities for the people who surround you. Let that be your business legacy.”

Crave o ers a vast menu featuring a scratch American kitchen serving the freshest, highestquality food using only the best ingredients.

Crave Fargo

is located inside West Acres Mall at 3902 13th Ave S, Suite 3643. Call 701-809-9020 for reservations. For more information, visit craveamerica.com [ aw ]