Kenneth Cribb of Hub City Hospitality Wins S.C. Restauranteur of the Year
Recognized for his remarkable contribution to the hospitality industry in the state, Kenneth Cribb, the towering figure behind Hub City Hospitality has been named S.C. Restauranteur of the Year. This honor was awarded at the glittering “Stars of the Industry” banquet organized by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association held in Myrtle Beach on February 19, reported by the HERE News Network.
Restaurateur with a Heart for Community
Cribb attributes this recognition to the relentless dedication and team spirit demonstrated by the entire staff of Hub City Hospitality since its establishment. Mention of Willy Taco, their popular culinary destination, which opened its doors back in November 2013, brought a sense of elation and pride to Cribb. Expressing gratitude to nearly 400 coworkers, he emphasized that every single recognition in the hospitality industry is a result of team effort and a selfless passion for serving the community: “We are servant leaders,” he opined.
As a founding partner of Hub City Hospitality, which owns Willy Taco, FR8yard and Flock Shop, Cribb’s commitment to both his team and the communities they serve reflects in their community-focused activities. Willy Taco’s Spartanburg location marked a significant ten years of operation last year. Welcoming fitness enthusiasts, the restaurant has recently introduced a weekly run club that gets together at 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
Restaurants Cementing Community Bonds through Music, Social Events and Fundraisers
Mirroring Willy Taco’s community efforts, Hub City Hospitality’s other established entities – FR8yard and Flock Shop – contribute equally towards special events and fundraisers that help both enhance the local community bonds and enrich the culture of Spartanburg. Cribb expressed his pride in having built a culture that not only serves food but also connects people. He stated, “However, nothing makes us prouder than the culture we have fostered, the friendships we have built, and the memories we have created along the way.”
The culture cultivated by Hub City Hospitality under Cribb’s leadership celebrates hospitality at its core. All of its thriving establishments are geared towards fostering a dining culture that is enriched by exciting, chef-driven culinary concepts, and ingrained in the ethos of high-energy, community-based fun. The accolade of SC Restaurateur of the Year is a well-deserved feather in the cap for Cribb who has unstintingly worked to create a unique space in the hospitality sector, focusing not just on establishing businesses but also on building community connections, relationships, and a culture of service in the industry.
