Recorded live at CraveCon 2025, this episode of Room for Seconds features guest host Josh Halpern in conversation with Greg Zamfotis, founder and CEO of Gregorys Coffee, for a wide-ranging discussion on passion, product obsession, and building a brand rooted in craft and community.

Greg traces his journey back to growing up in a family-run food business in New York City—working deliveries as a kid and learning the fundamentals of hospitality long before launching Gregorys Coffee in 2006. What began as a single shop fueled by a deep love for coffee has grown into more than 50 locations nationwide, all anchored by an uncompromising commitment to the bean.

Throughout the conversation, Greg explains why he believes coffee is more complex than wine, why the morning ritual leaves zero margin for error, and how Gregorys has resisted trends in favor of elevating quality—innovating with drinks like cold brew mojitos, biscotti-inspired lattes, and clean, coffee-based energy beverages without ever losing sight of the core product.

The episode also explores Greg’s philosophy on menu development, ingredient integrity, and why trust starts with making undeniably great coffee. He shares how inspiration from mixology, global coffee culture, and personal heritage shapes Gregorys’ ever-evolving menu—while still honoring the daily ritual millions depend on.

Finally, Greg looks ahead to the next chapter for Gregorys Coffee, including national expansion, franchising, and what it means to invite other operators into a brand built on passion, people, and community.

A must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone fascinated by how deep product love—when paired with discipline and vision—can turn a single coffee shop into a scalable, culture-defining brand.

Episode Links

• Connect with Greg on LinkedIn
• Visit Gregorys Coffee online
• Follow Gregorys Coffee on Facebook
• Follow Gregorys Coffee on Instagram
• Follow Gregorys Coffee on Tik Tok
• Follow Gregorys Coffee on X
• Follow Josh on LinkedIn

ABOUT JOSH HALPERN:

Josh Halpern is the Chief Business Officer for Craveworthy Brands and CEO of Big Chicken. Over 20 years of professional and leadership experience in industries ranging from Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), to retail and now the restaurant business.

Connect with Gregg / Craveworthy Brands

• Gregg Majewski Instagram
• Craveworthy Brands Instagram
• Visit Craveworthy Online
• Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
• CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING
• CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
• INVEST IN 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 at [email protected] or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands