Chicago Sam's Franchise GPS

In his appearance on the Making It Podcast with host Jon Davids, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands and former key player in Jimmy John’s growth, shared insights into his franchise philosophy, Craveworthy's mission, and what it takes to be a successful partner. 

Franchisees Come First

Majewski firmly believes that franchisees’ success is the foundation of a thriving brand. He explained that while many businesses focus on the bottom line, his approach is to ensure franchisees have the tools to succeed. 

“The best franchisors constantly remind themselves that we have to make sure every decision we make helps their bottom line. My franchisees are more important to me than my bottom line," Majewski said, adding that his personal and professional success is intrinsically tied to theirs.

Building Craveworthy Brands

Drawing from his experience with Jimmy John’s, Majewski founded Craveworthy Brands with the goal of helping smaller, emerging restaurant brands scale up. He sees this as a way to give back to the industry and create new opportunities. Majewski's passion is to help smaller brands grow before larger companies take over.

"I wanted to give emerging brands the opportunity I had at Jimmy John’s. I’m really, really good at building brands up to that 300-unit number," he shared. 

Passion Over Experience

When it comes to partnering with franchisees, Majewski values passion and an entrepreneurial spirit above all. 

"I don't need the experience of multi-unit guys to run my brands. I need somebody who believes and is willing to bet on themselves," Majewski explained. 

For him, successful franchisees are those who work tirelessly and have a hunger for growth, traits that are essential for any budding business.

In this insightful episode, Majewski highlighted the importance of supporting franchisees, fostering emerging brands, and valuing passion in business. His dedication to building a successful, people-first franchise ecosystem sets Craveworthy Brands apart in a competitive industry.

Episode Links:

Making It YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jondavids

Jon Davids - https://jondavids.com/

ABOUT JON DAVIDS

According to Jon Davids, he made $300K in college by mastering one key skill: hijacking demand on the internet, a talent that would change his life. It all started in 2004 when he built an online magazine and monetized it through digital ads. Running it while still a student, he sold the magazine to a large publisher in 2009. By 2011, Jon discovered the power of YouTube influencers and leveraged the platform to drive millions in revenue for brands. That was just the beginning. In 2015, he founded Influicity, an influencer marketing agency. Though the early days were tough, the company eventually found its footing, landing major clients like Toyota, Walmart, and Bank of America. By 2019, Influicity expanded its services to include podcasts, social media, and content marketing, now serving brands in seven countries. A passionate entrepreneur, Jon shares his insights with an audience of 2 million people each month.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

Connect with Gregg

• Follow Gregg on Instagram: www.instagram.com/greggmajewski
• Follow Gregg on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greggmajewski
• Follow Gregg on X (Twitter): https://x.com/Gregg_Majewski
• Follow Gregg on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@greggmajewski
• Connect with Gregg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmajewski/ 

Connect with Craveworthy

• Follow Craveworthy Brands Instagram: www.instagram.com/craveworthybrand
• Visit Craveworthy Website: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/
• Learn About Franchise Opportunities with Craveworthy: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/franchising
• Checkout the Craveworthy Portfolio of Brands: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/our-brands
• Discover Investment Opportunities with Craveworthy: https://invest.profitandsense.com/craveworthy-brands
• Sign up to Receive Updates from Craveworthy: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/contact-us

Connect with Room for Seconds

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ioMIq0aeraoy9KLt8dT4G?si=5039ce22c6d54dfb
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/room-for-seconds/id1737506338
• View Past Episodes on Craveworthy Website: https://media.craveworthybrands.com/blog/tag/podcast

Nominate a Guest

Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

Room for Seconds is produced and published by Cali BBQ Media on behalf of Craveworthy Brands

On the Room for Seconds podcast with Gregg Majewski, Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, shared his strategic vision for ensuring success at every level of the franchise. Recorded live in Las Vegas at the annual Go Big! Conference hosted by Big Chicken, Josh shares his “four wins a day” philosophy, Shaquille O’Neal’s authenticity, and a maniacal focus on franchisee financials. 

Dive into the latest episode of Room for Seconds and be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Takeaways:

1. Four Wins a Day - For Josh Halpern, Big Chicken franchises have to win. It’s a must. Their mission is to have four wins every day for each franchise. The guests, suppliers, franchisees, and Big Chicken all need daily wins for Halpern and company to remain atop the industry.
2. Shaquille O’Neal’s Authenticity - Shaquille O’Neal is Big Chicken’s largest stakeholder, but his humility is what makes Josh Halpern enjoy working with him. From random FaceTime calls to being known as family by Shaq’s mom, Lucille, Halpern sings the praises of O’Neal as a business partner.
3. A Maniacal Focus on Franchisees Unit Level Economics - To fight inflation, Josh Halpern believes that added value supersedes deep discounts, which would go against Big Chicken’s focus on their franchisee's economics at the unit level.

Episode Links:

• Visit the Big Chicken Website
• Follow Big Chicken on Instagram
• Follow Big Chicken on TikTok
• Connect with Josh Halpern on LinkedIn

About Josh Halpern

Josh Halpern is a visionary leader focused on building both brands and people. Where others see challenges, he sees opportunities. His boundless enthusiasm and talent for scaling businesses have led to success across various industries, including Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), retail, and the restaurant sector. Josh is known for creating solutions that benefit all stakeholders—employees, partners, vendors, and customers alike.

Josh’s achievements are grounded in his core values and proven methodologies. He is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring success with his team rather than at their expense. His approach to business, particularly in sales, is rooted in a holistic, general management perspective, all while remaining true to his authentic and unique personality. Josh prioritizes how he treats people and how he is perceived as a leader, with a deep commitment to developing the talent around him and providing others with the same opportunities he has received. Having learned from some of the industry's best, he is dedicated to paying it forward. Now, as CEO of Big Chicken and Beer Park in Las Vegas, Josh channels all his energy, passion, and experience into the nationwide expansion of these dining concepts. He is always eager to connect with individuals who share his passion for business growth, talent development, and exploring new possibilities.

About Gregg Majewski

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

Connect with Gregg

• Follow Gregg on Instagram
• Follow Gregg on TikTok
• Follow Gregg on X (Twitter)
• Follow Gregg on Threads
• Connect with Gregg on LinkedIn

Connect with Craveworthy

• Follow Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Visit Craveworthy Website
• Learn About Franchise Opportunities with Craveworthy
• Checkout the Craveworthy Portfolio of Brands
• Discover Investment Opportunities with Craveworthy
• Sign up to Receive Updates from Craveworthy

Connect with Room for Seconds

• Subscribe on YouTube
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• View Past Episodes on Craveworthy Website

Nominate a Guest

Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

Room for Seconds is produced and published by Cali BBQ Media on behalf of Craveworthy Brands

On the latest episode of the Room for Second podcast, hosted by Gregg Majewski, Juicer CEO and Co-Founder Ashwin Kamlani offered an insightful look into how his company is transforming the restaurant industry through data-driven pricing solutions. Kamlani emphasized the importance of leveraging data to make smarter pricing decisions, a necessity in today’s rapidly changing economic environment. 

Takeaways

Data-Driven Pricing Solutions - As CEO of a pricing strategy company, Ashwin Kamlani has a goal to create solutions for restaurants, including their very own competitive intelligence solution.

Responding to Consumer Demand for Value - As the economy changes, customers have begun to demand more. For Ashwin Kamlani, that increased demand creates opportunities for innovation and a reinvigoration of the industry customer base.

Smart Spending & Competitive Intelligence - In a post pandemic world, Ashwin Kamlani believes it is imperative for restaurant businesses to spend their money wisely. For Kamlani, the easiest way to ensure this happens is to only purchase technology with a tangible return on investment that can be tracked.

Episode Links:

Juicer Online: https://juicerpricing.com/

Juicer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@juicerpricing

Ashwin Kamlani LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinkamlani

Ashwin Kamlani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashwinkamlani/?hl=en

About Ashwin Kamlani

Ashwin Kamlani serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of JUICER, leading a company dedicated to helping the restaurant industry navigate the complexities of e-commerce and third-party distribution. His career has been a preparation for this pivotal role. Kamlani began his journey in the late 90s, gaining valuable experience in technology at Accenture and PwC. However, his true passion for hospitality emerged during his time at the Cornell Hotel School, which he attended in the wake of the 9-11 attacks. This passion led him to a career with Melia Hotels & Resorts, where he started as an unpaid intern and worked his way up to become the Global VP of E-commerce, Loyalty & Distribution.

During his tenure at Melia, Kamlani mastered the art of driving e-commerce revenue by balancing partnerships with third-party intermediaries and enhancing direct online sales through digital marketing, promotions, and strategic alliances. Under his leadership, online revenues at Melia grew to over 250 million euros. In 2010, Kamlani founded his own business to help other hotel companies achieve similar success, focusing on strengthening direct e-commerce operations and reducing reliance on third parties. This venture was acquired by a major loyalty firm in 2016. Recognizing that the restaurant industry was on the brink of a similar transformation, Kamlani and his co-founders launched JUICER five years later. As a leader, he is committed to building companies based on transparency and trust, and he shares his journey, including successes, struggles, and lessons learned, on LinkedIn.

About Gregg Majewski

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

Gregg Majewski Instagram: www.instagram.com/greggmajewski

Craveworthy Brands Instagram: www.instagram.com/craveworthybrand

Craveworthy Online: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/

Gregg Majewski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmajewski/ 

CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/franchising

CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/our-brands

INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY - https://invest.profitandsense.com/craveworthy-brands

***

NOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

SIGN-UP FOR CRAVEWORTHY UPDATES – https://www.craveworthybrands.com/contact-us

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW – https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands

Produced by Cali BBQ Media - https://content.calibbq.media

Engage with Cali BBQ Media - https://betheshow.media/

“Every business needs to be a media company” 

In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, effective leadership is crucial to success. Amy Hom, a seasoned leader in the field, offers valuable insights into what it means to be a compassionate yet driven leader. Her philosophy, “Easy on people, tough on standards,” encapsulates the balance needed to thrive in such a demanding environment.

Key Takeaways

1. Easy on People, Tough on Standards - Amy highlights her personal motto of “easy on people, tough on standards”, highlighting the importance of supporting team members in their personal lives while also empowering them to be the best employees they can.
2. Team Development: A Leadership Priority - Too often, team development falls by the wayside and when it does, it leads to less productive teams and stagnant growth for the company. Amy highlights why it is so important to maintain team development as a leadership priority. 
3. Reaping the Rewards of Good Mentorship - When Gregg asks Amy to share an example when good mentorship has paid off, she recalls a former employee being empowered to make her own decision about the future of another employee. While things didn’t work out at the time, it was a valuable lesson for that employee who has gone on to become a leader of her own. 

About Amy Hom

Amy Hom brings over 25 years of impactful leadership in the restaurant industry and technology innovation space, Amy is currently the COO at Barcelona Wine Bar. Previously, Amy served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer for Bluestone Lane, where she played a pivotal role in shaping operational strategies and fostering a culture of excellence. Before her tenure at Bluestone Lane, she held the position of Executive Vice President of North American Retail and Kitchens at REEF Technology, where she led transformative initiatives to convert static neighborhood spaces into dynamic community hubs, including building a food safety team, training department, and an operational excellence strategy.

With a keen eye for operational efficiency and a passion for nurturing talent, Amy has contributed in key leadership positions at prominent restaurant brands. She served as the Vice President of Operations at sweetgreen, providing operational support to over 100 locations. In her role as VP of Operations for Red Robin saw her instrumental in the development of over 250 locations internationally. Amy's journey also includes significant contributions to Wolfgang Puck's Compass Group, where she served as the Senior Director of Operations.

Committed to fostering the next generation of industry leaders, Amy founded the LEAD program in 2019, providing education and mentorship to emerging talent. Her dedication to industry development extends to her involvement with the GLEAM Network, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

Amy's thought leadership and contributions to the industry have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Top 30 in Tech award and being named one of the 30 Top Women in Food by Lunchbox. She is the Chair of the Lunchbox Advisory Council where she focuses on connecting tech with what the end users need in the hospitality space as well as sitting on the Fast Casual Industry Council.  Amy's unique blend of industry expertise, strategic leadership, and dedication to excellence make her a valuable addition to the Barcelona Wine Bar team.

Episode Links

• Amy Hom on LinkedIn
• Barcelona Wine Bar Online
• Barcelona Wine Bar on LinkedIn
• Barcelona Wine Bar on Instagram

About Gregg Majewski

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Craveworthy Online
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY

Nominate a Guest

Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

Produced by Cali BBQ Media | Engage with Cali BBQ Media

“Every business needs to be a media company” 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Taj Adhav, Founder of Leasecake to discuss the evolving world of real estate in the restaurant industry. The two leaders touch on topics such as optimizing real estate management, embracing diverse perspectives and the power of networking.

Catch our key takeaways below or stop by our blog to catch a full write-up of today's episode.

Takeaways:

Connecting Real Estate Management for Restaurants - In 2017, Taj Adhav had a pivotal conversation with an associate who brought attention to a gap in real estate management for restaurant owners. With leases being such an important operational element, Adhav set out to create a platform to fill that gap and created Leasecake.

Not Afraid of Impossible - Embracing Diverse Perspectives - Taj Adhav encourages his business partner, who he says is the polar opposite of himself, to bring a unique perspective to solutions. For Adhav, innovation take courage, which includes bring diversity of thought into strategy sessions.

The Power of Networking - For Adhav, like-minded people aren’t as important to success as people who “fill your cup”. Though being a founder and entrepreneur can be lonely, Adhav implores business owners to not go at it alone.

Episode Links

• Leasecake Online
• Leasecake YouTube
• Leasecake Instagram
• Taj Adhav LinkedIn

About Taj Adhav

Taj Adhav is the founder of Leasecake and excels in delivering value through business development and financial management, leveraging proven strategies to drive profitability and market dominance. He aligns company assets with market trends to offer innovative solutions that facilitate sustainable growth, boost multi-million dollar revenues, and enhance competitive advantage. Adhav consistently achieves increased shareholder value and international market leadership through strategic financial, operational, and market development processes. With an entrepreneurial mindset and extensive experience in business transformation, product strategy, and commercialization, he has successfully developed and launched products that positively impact stakeholders. His finely honed communication skills are marked by unwavering accuracy, credibility, and integrity.

About Gregg Majewski

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two-plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Craveworthy Online
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY

Room for Seconds is produced by Cali BBQ Media.

At the Workforce Management Summit 2024, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, captivated attendees with his fireside chat alongside Sam Stanovich. The discussion centered on the evolving dynamics of leadership, particularly in managing a multigenerational workforce. Majewski’s candid reflections and actionable advice provided a roadmap for modern leaders striving to balance traditional values with contemporary workforce expectations.

A Flat Organizational Structure - Gregg moved up the corporate structure at a very young age. As the leader at just 21, he had to find a creative way to lead that suited himself and the other staff members. The “flat structure” where everybody is equally important is a strategy he has continued throughout his career.

Adapting Leadership for New Generations - Gregg believes that adapting to new generations requires understanding how they think and learn, making changes in communication and treatment, and connecting with them on a deeper level. He upholds core values like punctuality and commitment, while being transparent about the company's goals and challenges to cultivate a sense of involvement and purpose.

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader - Gregg views vulnerability as crucial for effective leadership, believing that being truthful and embracing strengths while acknowledging weaknesses fosters trust and team buy-in. He emphasizes that leading with heart and compassion creates a stronger, more committed team and builds an open, supportive culture where everyone is motivated to help each other succeed.

Episode Links: 

• Sam Stanovich Instagram
• Sam Stanovich LinkedIn
• Workforce Management Summit 2025

Connect with Gregg Majewski

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn

Connect with Craveworthy

• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY
• SIGN-UP FOR CRAVEWORTHY UPDATES

Connect with the Show

• Subscribe on YouTube
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Produced by Cali BBQ Media | Engage with Cali BBQ Media

Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Holdings LLC and Smalls Sliders career is a testament to her exceptional ability to disrupt, transform, and build brands. With a resume that includes senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Company, Darden Restaurants, TGI Friday's, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Krispy Kreme Inc., Rivera has honed her expertise in brand transformation and growth. At the end of 2022, she took on her current role, embarking on a new journey to create a national brand and a winning team from the ground up.

Listen now to learn about lessons learned from Disney, tech enablement for brand communication, and the importance of leaders being connected.

Episode Links

• Smalls Sliders Online
• Maria Rivera LinkedIn
• Smalls Sliders Instagram
• Smalls Sliders TikTok
• Smalls Sliders Franchising Opportunities

TAKEAWAYS

Eternal Lessons from Disney - Maria highlights the crucial lesson she learned from her time working at Walt Disney of understanding the underlying factors of a transaction, emphasizing the significance of data-driven and personalized customer interactions. Drawing from her time at Disney, she stresses the importance of asking the right questions to effectively cultivate a brand.

Tech Enablement for Brand Communication - According to Maria Rivera, to effectively communicate and encourage purchases, businesses need robust digital and technology experiences within their locations, coupled with a strong brand presence on social media. This requires significant effort to align digital experiences and technology with the brand voice across all channels.

Leaders Must Be Connected - Maria stresses the importance of empathy in leadership, particularly in challenging times. She believes that leading with hands out, not hands up, and being open to learning are crucial for successful leadership. She acknowledges that she doesn't know everything and values the experience of learning continuously.

ABOUT MARIA RIVERA

Maria Rivera is an accomplished executive known for her ability to disrupt, transform, and build brands. With a career that spans senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Company, Darden Restaurants, TGI Friday's, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Krispy Kreme Inc., Rivera’s strategic vision and leadership have consistently driven significant growth and innovation. At the end of 2022, she became the Chief Executive Officer at Smalls Holding, LLC and Smalls Sliders Franchising. 

In her first year as CEO at Smalls, Rivera has built and led a talented foundational team that achieved remarkable results, including a 132% year-over-year sales increase, over 8 billion PR media impressions, the launch of 3PD, loyalty rewards, and a reimagined brand, as well as the opening or development of over 250 locations in eight new states. 

Rivera’s unique perspective is shaped by her extensive experience in delivering profitable growth, turnaround, and cultural transformations of both mature and emerging brands. Her success is marked by building authentic relationships and empowering individuals to grow beyond just business results.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Craveworthy Online
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY

Produced by Cali BBQ Media | Engage with Cali BBQ Media

Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, shares strategies for local growth and customer loyalty in the restaurant industry. In this discussion with Justin Ulrich of Evocalize on The Local Marketing Lab podcast, Gregg touches on topics such as sampling products as a way to win more customers and the power of smartphone storytelling when growing your brand. 

Dive into this insightful conversation to discover some of the best ways to help your restaurant attract and retain more loyal customers. 

Give out samples, win more customers - Sampling your food to potential customers, even though it may involve a cost, can have a significant impact on growing your business. By giving away samples and engaging with local businesses and communities through initiatives like office deliveries and local events, you can attract more customers and build a loyal base.

Define (and execute) your value prop - Customers have never had more choices of where to eat than they do today. This has made it not only difficult to answer the question of “what should we have for dinner tonight”, but it has also made it more challenging for businesses to stand apart. 

Using Smartphone Storytelling as an Investment in Your Brand - One of the most powerful tools for telling your brand story is in your pocket every day. Using your smartphone as a tool to capture real, authentic stories about your brand is what consumers today want to see. 

The Local Marketing Lab is a podcast from Evocalize, hosted by Justin Ulrich. Focused on the proven strategies to boost brand awareness and visibility and creating more engaging content, this podcast has built a loyal listener base for brands across several verticals. 

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Craveworthy Online
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY

NOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

SIGN-UP FOR CRAVEWORTHY UPDATES – https://www.craveworthybrands.com/contact-us

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW – https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands

Produced by Cali BBQ Media | Engage with Cali BBQ Media

“Every business needs to be a media company” 

Majewski attributes Craveworthy Brand’s meteoric success to an exceptional team that aligns with the company's vision and values. He believes strongly that the most important role of leadership is setting a clear vision and empowering the team to act decisively. 

Watch now to learn about empowering teams with compassion, franchising as the American dream, and consistency in training and culture.

#Roomforseconds #craveworthybrands #restaurantbusiness #FranchiseU

Chapters:

[06:09] - Craveworthy Brands Overveiw

[16:32] - Virtual Craveworthy Brands

[19:03] - Franchising Strategy

[24:08] - Franchisee Selection and Growth

[31:01] - Personal Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Franchisors

Episode Links:

FranchiseU! Podcast Online: https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/

Dr. Kathy Gosser Bio: https://business.louisville.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/kathy-gosser-phd/

FranchiseU! Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/

Empowering Teams with Compassion - Gregg Majewski has a number of franchises and concepts under the Craveworthy Brands umbrella. He relies heavily on his team being aligned in beliefs and empowers them to make decisions in his absence.

Franchising: The American Dream - Creating generational wealth is a goal for much of the American population. One of the ways to do that is entrepreneurship, namely franchising. Majewski says franchising was created for that purpose and continues to be so.

Consistency in Training and Culture - With so many franchises and locations across the country, consistency can be difficult to maintain. Craveworthy Brands, however, achieves consistency by pouring back into the stores, calibrating training, and holding managers accountable.

ABOUT FRANCHISEU! PODCAST

FranchiseU! offers education and inspiration to individuals involved in or contemplating careers in franchising. This podcast is produced by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville. The Center aims to empower communities by helping them create and sustain generational wealth through the franchising business model.

FranchiseU! is hosted by Dr. Kathy Gosser. Dr. Gosser became a part of the College of Business faculty in 2019. Prior to her tenure at UofL, she dedicated 35 years to YUM! Brands, where she held the positions of Director of Learning & Organizational Development and Chair of the KFC Foundation. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Louisville, an MBA from UofL, and a BA in Journalism from Indiana University.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram: www.instagram.com/greggmajewski
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram: www.instagram.com/craveworthybrand
• Craveworthy Online: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmajewski/ 
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/franchising
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/our-brands
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY - https://invest.profitandsense.com/craveworthy-brands

NOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

SIGN-UP FOR CRAVEWORTHY UPDATES – https://www.craveworthybrands.com/contact-us

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW  – https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands

Produced by Cali BBQ Media - https://content.calibbq.media

Engage with Cali BBQ Media - https://betheshow.media/

“Every business needs to be a media company” 

Gregg Majewski Reveals Leadership Secrets from Dave Thomas on Full Comp Podcast 

In an engaging episode of the Full Comp Podcast, Craveworthy Brands CEO Gregg Majewski shared his insights on leadership with host Josh Kopel. Majewski emphasized the power of simplicity and empathy in effective leadership, advocating for leading with heart and treating team members like family. 

Watch now to learn about simplifying leadership, the three legged stool of success and learning from Dave Thomas.

#Roomforseconds #craveworthybrands #restaurantbusiness #joshkopel

Chapters:

[00:41] - Leadership Insights

[03:38] - Gregg Majewski’s Success Story

[05:57] - Leadership and Culture

[17:08] - The Importance of Mentorship

[31:43] - Perseverance and Adaptability

Episode Links

Josh Kopel Online: https://joshkopel.com/

Josh Kopel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakopel1/

Full Comp Podcast: https://joshkopel.com/podcast/

Simplicity in Leadership [8:27 - 8:51] - Gregg Majewski has the leader over a large number of other leaders. For him, a simplified approach to leading with heart and by the Golden Rule has proven to be most effective.

Three Legged Stool in Restaurants - There are pillars of successful business that Gregg Majewski believes need to occur simultaneously. Much like a stool, if one leg of that business is lacking, the business cannot stand.

Learning from Dave Thomas - Gregg Majewski has had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the greats in the restaurant industry, such as Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, who shared with him the importance of giving back to the industry. 

ABOUT JOSH KOPEL

Josh Kopel is a seasoned restaurateur, tech pioneer, and environmental advocate from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a family background in bootlegging and retail, Kopel was naturally inclined toward the hospitality industry. Over his 20+ year career, he has managed diverse venues, from the rustic Alligator Bayou Bar to trendy Hollywood nightclubs. In 2010, Kopel went independent, opening Five0Four, a New Orleans-inspired bar on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He later launched the Michelin-rated fine dining concept Preux & Proper and South City Fried Chicken, which was recognized as the best fried chicken in Los Angeles by LA Weekly. Despite his success, Kopel identified fundamental issues within the industry and decided to address them head-on.

In 2018, Kopel founded FLO Hospitality Solutions to leverage technology in enhancing customer service. His first product, FLO, launched in 2019, provides a comprehensive communication solution for restaurants, saving labor hours and boosting profits. During the 2020 pandemic, Kopel created FULL COMP, a podcast, blog, and video series aimed at helping restaurateurs navigate challenges by drawing on insights from industry thought leaders. In 2021, he developed the Restaurant Scaling System, a program designed to help restaurant owners scale their businesses efficiently. Additionally, Kopel holds influential positions, including board seats on the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council and the California Restaurant Association, and co-founded Friends of Runyon Canyon, a non-profit dedicated to protecting local Los Angeles park areas.

ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

• Gregg Majewski Instagram: www.instagram.com/greggmajewski
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram: www.instagram.com/craveworthybrand
• Craveworthy Online: https://www.craveworthybrands.com/
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmajewski/ 
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/franchising
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS - https://www.craveworthybrands.com/our-brands
• INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY - https://invest.profitandsense.com/craveworthy-brands

NOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us EMAIL or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands

SIGN-UP FOR CRAVEWORTHY UPDATES – https://www.craveworthybrands.com/contact-us

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW  – https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands

Produced by Cali BBQ Media - https://content.calibbq.media

Engage with Cali BBQ Media - https://betheshow.media/

“Every business needs to be a media company”