The operator
My Background
Twenty years building from the inside out. OSU Hotel & Restaurant Management graduate. Eleven years as General Manager at On The Border — GM of the Year finalist, Winner Most Fiscal GM Western Region. Founded CNJ Ventures in 2016 and hasn't stopped since.
Three active brands. A portfolio of 15+ holdings outperforming the S&P. Active investments in real estate, emerging technology, and robotics. The same operator discipline that runs the kitchen runs the portfolio.
Craig Arstingstall~CEO and Founder
Recognition
- Marquis Who's Who — Honored Listee 2024 · National
- City's Best Awards — Winner 2024, 2025, 2026 · Three consecutive years
- Homebase Top Local Workplace — 2024 & 2025
- BusinessRate Best of 2026 — Brunch Restaurant Mesa, Arizona
- Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite — 9 consecutive years
- Best Rated 2023–2026
The Portfolio
CNJ Ventures doesn't consult from the sidelines. We build and run these brands ourselves — every P&L, every team, every recipe. This is the proof behind the advice.
What's Crackin Cafe
Our flagship. A scratch-kitchen brunch and bar in Northeast Mesa, founded in 2017 and a local favorite five years running — built on authentic food, live music, and treating every guest like family.
Visit → whatscrackincafe.com
Rockin A Mercantile
Ranch heritage you can wear and use. From ranch-to-table provisions to premium outdoor gear, every product meets one test: would we use it ourselves? Born from the ranch, built to last.
Visit → rockinamercantile.com
BBYL Elite
Beautiful Body, Youthful Living. A person-led wellness and supplement line built on real coaching and real results — products as proof, not promises.
Visit → bbylelite.com
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