In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Reilly Berk, CEO of Berk Enterprises, to discuss her journey as a third-generation leader in the foodservice packaging industry. From stepping into the CEO role at just 24 to navigating family business dynamics and driving innovation in sustainable packaging, Reilly shares her insights on leadership, growth, and branding in the restaurant space. Tune in to hear about the challenges and rewards of taking over a family business, how the right packaging enhances brand identity and customer experience and the future of sustainability in foodservice packaging

Key Takeaways: 

1. Leading a Family Business at a Young Age - Reilly’s journey to becoming CEO at just 24 years old is both inspiring and relatable, particularly for young professionals stepping into leadership roles. She shares how she transitioned from sales to Director of Operations during the height of the COVID supply chain crisis, a move that tested her ability to manage logistics, distribution, and purchasing under extreme conditions.
2. Packaging as a Branding and Marketing Opportunity - Dave’s Hot Chicken doesn’t just sell franchises to anyone—they carefully vet operators based on experience and market knowledge. This strategic approach ensures that operators already understand brand compliance, scaling, and operational excellence, reducing risk and accelerating growth.
3. The Future of Sustainability in Restaurant Packaging - Most restaurant operators view packaging as a cost, something to be minimized and streamlined. But Reilly sees it as much more than that—a crucial branding and marketing tool that can create a lasting impression on customers. 

EPISODE LINKS:

• Vist Berk Enterprises Online
• Connect with Berk Enterprises on LinkedIn
• Connect with Reilly on Linkedin
• Follow Berk Enterprises on Instagram
• Follow Berk Enterprises on Facebook
• Subscribe to Berk Enterprises on YouTube
• Follow Reilly Berk on Instagram

ABOUT REILLY BERK

Reilly Berk is the third-generation CEO of Berk Enterprises, a leading company based in Warren, Ohio, that specializes in premium food service disposables and custom packaging solutions for the restaurant and amusement industries. Founded in 1946 by Harold and Suzanne Berk, the company has evolved from its roots in exterminating and janitorial supplies into a national supplier for major foodservice distributors, serving renowned restaurant chains and fairs across the country.

A graduate of Kent State University, Reilly holds a degree in Business Management, with minors in Marketing and International Business. She further fortified her expertise with an MBA from Cleveland State University. Since joining the family business in 2013, Reilly has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and solidifying its reputation in the industry.

Reilly is actively involved in various professional organizations, including the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, The Warren Rotary Club, and Vistage. She also contributes to industry associations like the National Restaurant Association (NRA), the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). In recognition of her achievements, Reilly was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for the Greater Cleveland Area.

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.

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