Interview between Restaurant Influencer host Shawn Walchef and Gregg Majewski about the power of not being first, prioritizing hospitality, and not diminishing customer experience in the digital era.
Key Takeaways
The Power of #2
While working for Jimmy John's, Gregg Majewski knew there was stiff industry competition. Majewski knew that there wasn't much he could do to overtake the top spot, but the company could continue to focus inward to bring forth a consistently better prospect. That narrowed focus allowed them to perfect their product, find their niche, and carve their own space in the industry, and set forth his vision for Craveworthy Brands
Hospitality is the Number One Thing
Hospitality is the top priority for Gregg Majewski and Craveworthy Brands. Treating people kindly, regardless of demographic, is a precursor for that treatment to be returned.
No Place for Kiosks
Gregg Majewski is outspoken, specifically when it comes to things he is passionate about, such as the elimination of humans at the front of the house. For him, the customer experience with robots doesn't match that of human interaction
The Power of Being #2
In a world obsessed with being number one, Gregg Majewski advocates for the power of being number two. Drawing from his experience at Jimmy John's, he spoke to Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media about the importance of focusing inward to perfect products and services.
"Number two was great. Worth billions of dollars” said Majewski. “You don't have to be number one all the time. So find something that's out there that is exciting that people like and then just find a way to do it better.”
This mindset laid the foundation for Craveworthy Brands' success.
Gregg Majewski Prioritizes Hospitality
Regardless of the ranking, Majewski reminds the Restaurant Influencers audience of one thing: hospitality reigns supreme.
Treating everyone with kindness and respect should be non-negotiable for any restaurant in every interaction. The goal for Majewski is fostering genuine connections and loyalty within Craveworthy Brands' community.
“It's our job to be as nice and kind to everybody as you want them to be to you.” he declares.
The Value of Human Interaction
Majewski still believes the most effective way of maintaining that high level of hospitality is through preserving human interaction. Though he understands the need for the implementation of the most effective technology updates, Majewski staunchly opposes the trend of replacing humans with kiosks, specifically at the front of house.
“There's a place for kiosks, There's a place for all of it" he asserts. "I'm against the robotic elimination of hospitality in the front of the house.”
In this conversation on Restaurant Influencers, Majewski uncovers his secrets to success by understanding the power of being number two and embracing a culture where every interaction leaves a lasting impression.
“In the world, hospitality is the most important thing.”
About Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is a household name for sports fans across the country. His tenacious approach and domination on the defensive line both in college at the University of Nebraska and the NFL afforded him a 13-year career that saw him reach five Pro Bowls, be named to the All-Pro team five times, win Defensive Player of the Year, a member of the 2010s All-Decade team, and a Superbowl.
As a youngster in Portland, Oregon, Suh knew early that he wanted a life beyond football. Now, as a businessman, he is the Founder of House of Spears Management and the Generals Restaurant Group. Suh currently resides in Portland with his wife and twin boys.
Episode Links:
- Cali BBQ Media Online
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- Cali BBQ Media YouTube
- Shawn Walchef 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
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- Craveworthy Online
- Gregg Majewski LinkedIn
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