CRS Hospitality is a community of 15 unique concepts across Champaign and Urbana. At the center is Chief Operating Officer Kevin Hildebrand, who believes growth begins with people and continues through simple systems that remove friction. CRS is not a chain. Each restaurant keeps its own identity, and Kevin’s work is to connect teams so they operate with shared support rather than isolation.
Kevin discovered hospitality at 13 while working in golf. After twelve years as a golf professional, he transitioned into restaurants and found the same spark. He loves the energy, the problem solving, and the chance to help managers grow without burning out.
As CRS expanded, that responsibility became even clearer. Supporting people meant removing the daily frustrations that slowed them down. Tip management was one of those frustrations, which led Kevin to adopt Kickfin, a platform that sends tips directly to employees every day.
Kickfin: The Small Fix That Solved a Big Problem
Before Kickfin, tip management drained hours every night. Managers counted cash, stuffed envelopes, locked money away, and handled disputes about missing payouts. District leaders sometimes moved thousands of dollars between stores just to fund tip outs. The process worked only because people pushed themselves to keep it alive.
Kevin tested Kickfin in two locations that were overwhelmed by the old system. When CRS began acquiring more restaurants, the need for consistency became clear. Kickfin’s calculator, integrated with Toast, allowed managers to run accurate payouts in minutes. Staff could see every shift breakdown. Bank runs ended. The entire process became cleaner and faster, which freed managers to focus on training and service.
A Culture That Runs on People
Kevin believes no one succeeds alone. CRS may span multiple concepts, but it operates like a single team. Staff move between restaurants when help is needed. Managers lean on one another during difficult weeks. Vendors who provide real human support earn long term trust. That mindset is why partners like Kickfin work so well for the group.
CRS continues to adapt to changing guest behavior. One location is redesigning its floor plan to add a dedicated takeout section because demand has outgrown the existing space. For Kevin, digital hospitality means meeting guests where they are and building systems that keep teams focused on service instead of administrative stress.
What Growth Requires
CRS has grown rapidly, but the foundation remains steady. Start with honest operator needs. Choose partners who communicate clearly. Roll out technology carefully. Support people at every level. With the right systems behind the right culture, growth feels natural and hospitality feels genuine.
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