Episodes

  • Gregorys Coffee Was Built by Obsessing Over the Bean

    Gregorys Coffee Was Built by Obsessing Over the Bean
    Jan 12 2026

    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 roomforsecondspodcast@gmail.com or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands
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    21 mins
  • Fresh Brothers is Building a West Coast Pizza Empire with Scott Goldberg

    Fresh Brothers is Building a West Coast Pizza Empire with Scott Goldberg
    Jan 5 2026
    Recorded live at CraveCon 2025, this episode of Room for Seconds features guest host Sam Stanovich in conversation with Fresh Brothers co-founder Scott Goldberg—aka “The Pizza Man”—for a deep dive into the entrepreneurial journey behind one of the West Coast’s most respected pizza brands.Scott traces his origin story back to 1985, when he took a leap of faith and used $7,000 of his college tuition to purchase a struggling pizza shop in Miller Beach, Indiana. That shop, Miller Pizza Company, is still operating nearly 40 years later and became the foundation for Scott’s philosophy around quality, consistency, and hard work. The conversation follows Scott’s move west in 2008, when his brother Adam convinced him to bring authentic Chicago tavern-style pizza to Los Angeles—launching the first Fresh Brothers location in Manhattan Beach.From there, Scott breaks down the operational decisions that fueled Fresh Brothers’ growth to more than 20 locations, including their early investment in a centralized commissary, their obsession with dough consistency, and their famously “mad scientist” approach to authenticity—going so far as to ship water from Chicago to California to replicate the exact pH levels needed for their dough. He also shares why a simple medium cheese pizza remains his ultimate quality test and how vendor loyalty, ingredient discipline, and packaging all play a role in delivering a great pie long after it leaves the oven.Beyond pizza, Scott opens up about working in a family business with his brothers Adam and Michael, the systems they built to scale without losing quality, and the importance of hands-on leadership and long-term team development in an industry known for high turnover. The episode also explores Fresh Brothers’ expansion into stadiums, arenas, hospitals, and airports, and how operational innovation made large-scale, high-volume pizza service possible without sacrificing quality.Finally, Scott discusses the next chapter for Fresh Brothers following its acquisition by Craveworthy Brands, including franchising, national—and potentially global—expansion, and why he believes the brand is ready to grow far beyond the West Coast.A must-listen for operators, founders, and anyone fascinated by how obsession with the fundamentals can turn a single pizza shop into a scalable, enduring brand.Episode LinksConnect with Scott on LinkedInVisit Fresh Brothers onlineFollow Fresh Brothers on FacebookFollow Fresh Brothers on InstagramFollow Fresh Brothers on Tik TokFollow Fresh Brothers on XABOUT SAM STANOVICH:Senior Vice President Franchise Leadership. Sam is a dynamic leader with over 30 years in leadership roles across the hospitality industry, including being an active QSR franchisee of a national brand. Sam is a people connector and an influential leader with a growth mindset.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 / Craveworthy BrandsGregg Majewski InstagramCraveworthy Brands InstagramVisit Craveworthy OnlineGregg Majewski LinkedInCRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for SecondsSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsView Past Episodes on Craveworthy WebsiteNOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us at roomforsecondspodcast@gmail.com or sending a DM on social media @craveworthybrands
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    17 mins
  • Gregg Majewski’s Fireside Chat at the 2024 Prosper Forum

    Gregg Majewski’s Fireside Chat at the 2024 Prosper Forum
    Aug 24 2025
    At the 2024 Prosper Forum, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, captivated attendees with his fireside chat alongside Michael Gottlieb. The discussion centered on his unique philosophy on leadership, employee rewards, and franchise success. From his commitment to building millionaire employees to his focus on franchisee profitability, Gregg reveals the values that drive his approach to business. Listen in to hear how he creates lasting partnerships by investing in people, leading by example, and fostering an environment where everyone—from employees to franchisees—can share in the company’s growth and success.Key Takeaways:Empowering Talent Through Trust and Example - Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, believes that the foundation of effective leadership is building genuine trust. One standout approach Majewski takes is "over-promoting" talent, inspired by his own early experience when Jimmy John Liautaud took a chance on him at age 21. Majewski now pays it forward by offering significant opportunities to his best talent, regardless of age or tenure, knowing that “if you over-promote the best talent...they’re gonna work their butts off for you.” This approach is key to Craveworthy Brands' success, fostering a culture of opportunity and trust built on his unwavering example.Rewarding Employees with True Ownership - Gregg sees employee rewards as more than just bonuses—they’re about creating real wealth and long-term ownership for his team. Early in Craveworthy’s journey, he put this into action by gifting $1 million in equity to his first employees, despite the company’s startup status. This unique approach not only recognizes hard work but fosters loyalty, inspiring his team to share in the success they help create. Franchisee Success as a Path to Shared Prosperity - For Gregg, success in franchising is all about helping franchisees achieve their own American dream, even if it means reducing his own profit margins or working harder to increase theirs. By investing in franchisee success, Craveworthy Brands builds lasting partnerships and shared growth, creating a model where everyone prospers together.Episode Links:Get Ready for the 2025 Prosper ForumConnect with Mike Gottlieb on LinkedInVisit Cohn Rezneck LLP OnlineABOUT MIKE GOTTLIEB:As Managing Director, National Hospitality Advisory, Michael Gottlieb provides deep industry expertise to CohnReznick Hospitality clients. A renowned restaurant industry expert, he is a global business and financial leader with over 35 years of experience in business strategy, P&L management, operations, enterprise risk management, and governance.Mike has deep knowledge and expertise in optimizing revenue channels, digital transformation, workforce challenges, supply chain management, franchising structuring and operations, real estate and lease considerations, and operational, transaction, and tax matters. He has worked with most of the leadership in the restaurant industry and was involved in several of the high-profile transactions.Mike began his career as a restaurant operator, providing him with inside experience on the financial and operational complexities of the restaurant business. He leveraged that experience into a career in public accounting, serving as a senior audit partner and global business leader for a Big 4 firm’s restaurant practice. During his 20-year restaurant leadership tenure with that firm, he achieved significant growth for the practice.Mike is a sought-after expert and was most recently named one of The Consulting Report’s Top 25 Travel and Hospitality Consultants and Leaders for 2023.ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY MEDIA: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. Craveworthy Media is Majewski’s gift back to the industry that has given him so much. The goal of Craveworthy is to inspire the up and coming industry leaders by providing important information, stories, and insights from titans past and present.Connect with CraveworthyFollow Gregg Majewski on InstagramFollow Craveworthy Brands on InstagramVisit Craveworthy OnlineConnect with Gregg Majewski on LinkedInCRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for SecondsSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsView Past Episodes on Craveworthy WebsiteNOMINATE 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...
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    28 mins
  • Building the Next Generation of Leaders with David Jobe

    Building the Next Generation of Leaders with David Jobe
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Gregg Majewski sits down with David Jobe, founder of The Prosper Company, to discuss how the Prosper Accelerate program is transforming restaurant industry leadership. They explore building better tables by building better businesses, the importance of mentorship, and why developing the next generation is the key to a thriving hospitality industry. Learn how Prosper is bridging the gap between current leaders and emerging talent, and why everyone in the industry should embrace this unique community.Key Takeaways:The Power of Community and Exposure - David emphasizes that real growth for emerging leaders happens when they’re exposed to both their peers and current industry veterans. "Magic happens just in itself because you then have exposure. With these next generation of leaders. With the current leaders, that alone is a big idea." This blend of experience and fresh perspectives sparks innovation and motivation. The Value of Recognizing and Developing Talent - Identifying and celebrating rising stars isn’t just good for morale—it’s essential for a company’s growth and reputation. When organizations invest in recognizing talent, they signal that people matter, which strengthens loyalty and culture. David Jobe highlights how Prosper Accelerate helps companies spotlight promising individuals and invest in their development, ultimately building stronger, more innovative teams.Why Leaders Should Share Knowledge and Give Back - A key challenge in the industry is getting leaders to open up and mentor the next generation, often fearing they might train their replacements. David urges leaders to think differently—sharing wisdom and knowledge is how industries evolve and attract top talent. By investing in others’ success, leaders build a stronger, more dynamic community that’s essential for long-term growth.EPISODE LINKS:Connect with David on LinkedInConnect with Prosper Company on LinkedInVisit Prosper Company OnlineFollow Prosper Company on InstagramFollow Prosper Company on XVisit the National Restaurant Association ShowVisit the National Restaurant Association OnlineABOUT DAVID JOBE:Mr. Jobe serves as a Director on the Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Board. Mr. Jobe is also a co-founder, and has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Prosper Company, a purpose-driven, inclusive community within the foodservice and hospitality industries, since September 2022. Prior to Prosper Company, Mr. Jobe served as the President, a Partner and a member of the board of directors of Revelry Group, a certified B Corporation that creates shared value for companies in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors, from January 2019 to August 2022. Prior to Revelry Group, Mr. Jobe was at Winsight Media for 20 years where he served in a number of roles, including as the President and Chief Customer Officer. Mr. Jobe has over 25 years of experience in the global foodservice, hospitality and convenience retailing industries. Mr. Jobe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Washington State 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.Connect with Gregg / Craveworthy BrandsGregg Majewski InstagramCraveworthy Brands InstagramVisit Craveworthy OnlineGregg Majewski LinkedInCRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for SecondsSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsView Past Episodes on Craveworthy WebsiteNOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us at roomforsecondspodcast@gmail.com 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”
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    26 mins
  • Shawn Walchef is Building Community & Storytelling in the Restaurant Industry

    Shawn Walchef is Building Community & Storytelling in the Restaurant Industry
    Jun 3 2025
    Filmed at the site of the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, IL., Gregg Majewski sits down with Shawn Walchef—the podcast king of the restaurant industry, owner of Cali BBQ in San Diego, and founder of Cali BBQ Media. Shawn shares his journey from struggling barbecue joint to industry influencer, highlighting how building in public, embracing social media, and staying curious can transform a brand. This episode dives deep into why storytelling matters, the importance of community, and how even big names like Shaquille O’Neal rely on authentic relationships to grow successful restaurant brands. Tune in to discover actionable insights on leadership, growth, and making an impact in today’s restaurant landscape.Takeaways:Can’t Just Build It and Expect Them to Come – In the restaurant industry, simply having a great product isn’t enough—you need to actively draw people in. Instead, restaurateurs must embrace marketing, storytelling, and community building to bring guests through the door. This means investing in social media, podcasts, and videos, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Excellence in product and storytelling go hand in hand.Building in Public—Vulnerability as a Growth Strategy - One of Shawn’s biggest lessons was learning to embrace vulnerability by sharing his journey publicly. This concept—building in public—helps create trust and authenticity in a crowded marketplace. It shows that success doesn’t happen overnight and that even the best stumble along the way. By being transparent about challenges and wins, leaders inspire their teams and peers to grow together.Lose the Ego, Gain the Audience - Stepping into the public eye as a restaurant leader can be intimidating, but it’s a crucial step to building trust and brand loyalty. By dropping the fear of “looking stupid” and embracing platforms like TikTok and YouTube, leaders can create authentic connections with their audience. Removing ego allows leaders to build trust, attract partners, and position themselves as the safe home for growth and opportunity in the restaurant industry.EPISODE LINKS:Visit Cali BBQ Media OnlineFollow Cali BBQ Media on InstagramFollow Shawn Walchef on InstagramFollow Shawn Walchef on TikTokConnect with Shawn Walchef on LinkedInSubscribe to Shawn’s SubstackFollow Cali BBQ Media TikTokSubscribe to Cali BBQ Media on YouTubeConnect with Cali BBQ Media LinkedInVisit the National Restaurant Association OnlineVisit the National Restaurant Association ShowABOUT SHAWN WALCHEFShawn P. Walchef is the founder of Cali BBQ Media, a podcast host, business coach, and proud dad. Since opening Cali BBQ in 2008, his family-run restaurant and media company in San Diego has generated over $30 million in sales. As a restaurateur who started during the Great Recession, Shawn mastered using digital tools and innovative ideas to stay afloat. During the pandemic, he and his team developed a scalable plan that tripled the profitability of the traditional full-service restaurant model.Shawn hosts two weekly video podcast series: Digital Hospitality and Restaurant Influencers. These podcasts are part of his growing media empire, which also includes content creation, consulting, and digital services to help others with their smartphone storytelling. His strategies have garnered attention from major media outlets like Amazon Prime TV, Bloomberg TV, Entrepreneur, Inc., Eater, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox News. Committed to helping others succeed, Shawn is dedicated to guiding businesses to the right digital tools and social media strategies to unlock endless opportunities. 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 / Craveworthy BrandsGregg Majewski InstagramCraveworthy Brands InstagramVisit Craveworthy OnlineGregg Majewski LinkedInCRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for SecondsSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsView Past Episodes on Craveworthy WebsiteNOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us at roomforsecondspodcast@gmail.com 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”
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    18 mins
  • Room for Seconds Turns One: 5 Unforgettable Moments from a Year of Game-Changing Conversations

    Room for Seconds Turns One: 5 Unforgettable Moments from a Year of Game-Changing Conversations
    Apr 16 2025
    We’ve hit a major milestone—one full year of Room for Seconds—and to celebrate, we’re bringing you five unforgettable moments from the past 53 episodes that showcase the grit, growth, and game-changing ideas shaping the restaurant industry.From Super Bowl champ turned restaurateur to the minds behind Big Chicken and Badass Breakfast Burritos, these conversations are packed with leadership insights, brand-building wisdom, and stories you won’t want to miss.Takeaways:Indulging in High-Quality Treats - Super Bowl Champion Ndamukong Suh has successfully pivoted from dominating the NFL to building an impressive entrepreneurial portfolio. One standout move? Investing in Kinnamōns, a cinnamon roll concept focused on premium ingredients and indulgent quality without compromise.Preserving Core Values in Virtual Brands - As co-founder of Dog Haus and visionary behind The Absolute Brands, André Vener has pioneered a new approach to virtual restaurants—one that doesn’t sacrifice brand DNA for the sake of scale.Reaping the Rewards of Good Mentorship - Hospitality veteran Amy Hom dropped one of the most powerful leadership lessons of the season—mentorship isn’t about control, it’s about growth. She shared a story of supporting a regional director through a tough promotion decision. The experience didn’t just teach leadership lessons—it shaped a future VP.Jimmy John’s Influence - In this heartfelt episode, Bob Norman reflects on his deep-rooted journey at Jimmy John’s and the mentorship he received from founder Jimmy John Liautaud. Beyond business, Jimmy’s hands-on support and generosity shaped Bob’s outlook on leadership and loyalty.Listen and Learn From Your Customers - Sam Stanovich, Senior VP of Franchise Leadership at Big Chicken, opened up about how Shaquille O’Neal built the brand with humility, letting the food speak for itself. But it was the customers who brought Shaq’s story back into the spotlight.Episode Links:Ndamukong Suh Online Ndamukong Suh Instagram Ndamukong Suh Business Portfolio Visit Kinnamons OnlineThe Absolute Brands OnlineDog Haus InstagramAndré Vener LinkedInAmy Hom on LinkedInBarcelona Wine Bar OnlineBarcelona Wine Bar on LinkedInBarcelona Wine Bar on InstagramBob Norman LinkedInBig Chicken OnlineBig Chicken InstagramBig Chicken FacebookBig Chicken Tik TokBig Chicken on XBig Chicken on LinkedInSam Stanovich on LinkedInAbout NdamukongNdamukong 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, 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.About Andre VenerAndré Vener co-founded Dog Haus in April 2010 with his two business partners, aiming to transform stadium food classics into gourmet delights. Over the past decade, Dog Haus has grown from its roots in Pasadena, California, to nearly 50 locations nationwide. Vener and his partners have driven the brand's expansion through strategic alliances with top ghost kitchen networks, a partnership with Live Nation, and the creation of The Absolute Brands—a collection of virtual restaurant concepts featuring popular Dog Haus menu items like the Bad Mutha Clucka.Before Dog Haus, Vener was the executive producer at Pasadena Entertainment, organizing events at notable venues such as The Rose Bowl and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. He also founded redwhite+bluezz, an acclaimed restaurant and jazz club, and served as CEO and president of the California Philharmonic for a decade, leading performances at venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall. As a recognized restaurant industry expert, Vener has been featured on CNN, FOX News Channel, and MSNBC, and his work with Dog Haus has been highlighted in Entrepreneur magazine and Food & Wine.About Amy HomAmy 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 ...
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    33 mins
  • Inside the Deal: How Craveworthy Brands Acquired Big Chicken

    Inside the Deal: How Craveworthy Brands Acquired Big Chicken
    Apr 8 2025
    In this repurposed episode of Hospitality Hangout, hosts Michael Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling are joined by industry leaders Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, and Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, to break down one of the most talked-about moves in hospitality—Craveworthy Brands acquiring Big Chicken.Go behind the scenes as they reveal how the deal came together, the strategic thinking that fueled the partnership, and what this means for the future of both brands. From accelerating growth and improving operational efficiencies to redefining market positioning, this episode offers a front-row seat to a transformative moment in the restaurant industry.Tune in to hear how two powerhouse brands are reshaping the hospitality landscape—and what’s next on their journey.Takeaways:Growth Strategies for Both Craveworthy and Big Chicken - Craveworthy is laser-focused on building craveable, guest-first brands with high growth potential. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to accelerate scale with strong IP and passionate leadership. Big Chicken will remain true to its roots while leveraging Craveworthy’s infrastructure to scale operations and support franchise growth.Shaq’s Involvement Isn’t Changing -- He’s All In - Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a figurehead—he’s actively involved, invested, and passionate about Big Chicken’s success. Despite the acquisition by Craveworthy Brands, Shaq’s role and presence won’t change. He continues to be a driving force behind the brand, supporting the team and engaging with the vision. For fans, franchisees, and the restaurant community, that consistency is powerful—it means Big Chicken will continue to deliver the same personality, culture, and energy that made it stand out in the first place.Leadership Transforms a Culture - Authentic, hands-on leadership is essential to building a strong restaurant culture. It’s not enough to be successful on paper—true leadership means showing up, understanding operators, and being present in the business. That kind of leadership isn’t just inspiring—it’s what fuels lasting growth and transformation.Episode Links:Hospitality Hangout Online Hospitality Hangout Instagram Listen to Hospitality Hangout on SpotifyListen to Hospitality Hangout on Apple PodcastsJimmy Frischling LinkedIn Michael Schatzberg LinkedIn Branded Hospitality Ventures Online Branded Hospitality Ventures LinkedIn Big Chicken OnlineBig Chicken InstagramBig Chicken TiktokJosh Halpern LinkedIn ABOUT HOSPITALITY HANGOUTBranded 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 MICHAEL SCHATZBERGMichael “Schatzy” Schatzberg is an entrepreneur and expert strategist and marketer. With over 25+ years of restaurant ownership and operational experience, he is the Managing Director for Branded Restaurants. Michael is an active board member and advisory board member at various tech companies. He has been active in hospitality technology investment and advisory services for over 5 years and attended Boston University.ABOUT JIMMY FRISCHLINGJimmy Frischling is an entrepreneur and experienced finance professional with over 3 decades in the financial services, capital markets and hospitality industries. He is a board member at a number of Branded’s Portfolio Companies including Blanket; Brizo Foodmetrics; Copia; Cut+Dry; Incentivio; Minnow; Ovation; Simple Marketplace; Spendgo; TapRm; Targetable; and Usual Wines. Jimmy holds his Series 79, 7, 24 and 63 licenses with FINRA, a B.A. from Wesleyan University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.ABOUT JOSH HALPERNJosh 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 ...
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    48 mins
  • Scaling Craveworthy Brands: Insights from CEO Gregg Majewski

    Scaling Craveworthy Brands: Insights from CEO Gregg Majewski
    Apr 1 2025
    In this repurposed episode of The Builders Podcast, John Busby speaks with Gregg Majewski about his proven strategies for restaurant growth, franchising, and operational excellence. When Gregg joined Jimmy John’s, the brand had just 30 locations—under his leadership, it expanded to over 300, revolutionizing fast-casual dining with its freaky fast delivery model and an unshakable commitment to quality, cleanliness, and efficiency. Now, as CEO of ‪Craveworthy Brands, he’s building the next wave of successful restaurant concepts, with a portfolio spanning everything from craft burgers to gourmet cinnamon rolls.Takeaways:Letting Consumers Pick the Next Big Restaurant Brand - Craveworthy helps grow emerging restaurant brands but understands that “the consumer decides what brand is the next IT brand.” Raising Cane’s succeeded not because of a complex menu but because it was “consistent” and offered something people loved. Craveworthy applies this mindset across its diverse portfolio, letting the market determine which brands take off.Follow the Playbook to Succeed - Franchise success depends on following a proven system, as “franchisees want to buy a system that they can replicate with ease.” Those who stick to the process and execute consistently tend to succeed, while those who don’t often struggle. According to Gregg, “nine outta ten times” failure comes down to not following the system or picking a bad location.Embrace Technology but Don’t Lose Hospitality - Technology should enhance the guest experience, like digital payments that eliminate long waits for a check, but should never replace hospitality. “Tech that takes out hospitality” and removes human interaction is not the right approach. Restaurants succeed because they create an experience where guests “want that level of hospitality” and feel taken care of.Episode LinksConnect with John Busby on LinkedInConnect with Centerfield Media on LinkedInVisit the Builders Podcast onlineListen to the Builders PodcastSubscribe to the Builders Podcast on iTunesSubscribe to the Builders Podcast on YouTubeSign up for the b. newsletterConnect with Jimmy Johns on LinkedInABOUT JOHN BUSBYJohn Busby serves as Centerfield's Chief Marketing Officer. In addition to corporate marketing, John leads Centerfield's Digital Brands, which help millions of in-market consumers choose and purchase the right product or service through brands like Business.com and BroadbandNow. Prior to joining Centerfield, John was Head of Analytics for Amazon's grocery division. Prior to Amazon, John was Senior Vice President of Analytics and Marketing at Marchex. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern 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.Connect with Room for SecondsSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsView Past Episodes on Craveworthy WebsiteNOMINATE A GUEST — Do you know someone who would be great on this show? Let us know by emailing us at roomforsecondspodcast@gmail.com 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”
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    21 mins