Gregg Majewski speaks to the Hospitality Hangout Podcast about finding success in dumpster fires, partnering for success, and having an evolving tech stack while growing.
Key Takeaways
Finding Success in “Dumpster Fires”
Gregg Majewski jumped into the franchise business by taking on three failing restaurants. The self described “dumpster fires” presented themselves as opportunities for Majewski and he quickly found success by turning them around.
Partnering for Success
As a franchisor, Gregg Majewski sees his franchisees as partners. He believes it is his personal responsibility that they are successful.
Evolving Tech Stack While Growing
Gregg Majewski is infamously against trying to implement the latest and greatest technology. He does, however, preach knowing what is necessary for the business to survive, and if it’s necessary - finding the best, tried and true, solution available.
Craveworthy Brands has grown quickly, but it took a ton of work. Craveworthy CEO Gregg Majewski sat down with Hospitality Hangout hosts Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling, also co-founders of Branded Hospitality Ventures to discuss his journey from Jimmy John’s pioneer to thriving as a hospitality mogul.
From "Dumpster Fires" to Triumph
The first thing that becomes abundantly clear in this interview is that Majewski doesn’t shy away from challenges. He began Craveworthy Brands by taking on the task of improving three struggling restaurants, namely Flat Top Grill, BD’s Mongolian Grill, and Genghis Grill. He turned them into thriving franchises by focusing on impeccable food and efficient systems, and they remain under the Craveworthy Brands umbrella. This winning formula led to unprecedented success and the emergence of Craveworthy, a conglomerate of emerging brands.
"Hadn't had positive comps since 2015, hadn't seen a positive sales increase or transaction count since 2011 either.” says Majewski. “All three brands are positive. And we do it by what we always do, create perfect food, crave worthy food, and a fast system wise presence in your essence.”
Partnership for Prosperity
Craveworthy’s prosperity is not surprising to those that have worked with them. To Majewski, franchisees are partners, not just customers. He prioritizes their success through rigorous training, ongoing support, and personalized coaching.
"We're their partner," Gregg emphasizes. “They're my partner. So when you sell a franchise to somebody, they're your customer, and it's your job as a franchisee or to go above and beyond to make them successful.
Tech Evolution for Operational Excellence
While cautious about adopting every new tech trend, Majewski leverages essential platforms like Restaurant 365, Toast, and Incentivio for streamlined operations. His selective, strategic tech stack ensures efficiency without unnecessary complexity.
“We believe that the best tech companies are still going to be the best tech companies.” explains Majewski. “We use them and as we grow, we'll work with what's there, but they have to be able to have the same use factor.”
Listen as Gregg Majewski reveals the secrets of franchise success and witness the transformation of restaurant "dumpster fires" into thriving ventures.
As he says, “Systems and procedures have to be key. And building a culture where your people believe in what you're doing.”
Episode Links:
- Hospitality Hangout Online
- Hospitality Hangout Instagram
- Jimmy Frischling LinkedIn
- Michael Schatzberg LinkedIn
- Branded Hospitality Ventures Online
- Branded Hospitality Ventures LinkedIn
ABOUT HOSPITALITY HANGOUTS:
Branded Hospitality is the brainchild of Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg, known as The Restaurant Guy, and Jimmy Frischling, The Finance Guy. Their collaboration bridges the worlds of hospitality, technology, innovation, and capital investment. Through their podcast, The Restaurant Guy and The Finance Guy engage with top CEOs and Founders, delving into the latest trends, developments, and breakthroughs in hospitality technology, innovation, and food & beverage. Schatzberg and Frischling are co-founders of Branded Hospitality Ventures as well, an investment and advisory platform at the intersection of food service, technology, innovation and capital.
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
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