Chicago Sam's Franchise GPS

On this episode of Room For Seconds , Gregg Majewski sits down with industry icon Paul Mangiamele , the visionary behind the revival of Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale . Paul shares his journey of breathing new life into these beloved brands, emphasizing the importance of culture, passion, and staying true to the DNA that made these restaurants iconic. Discover how Paul navigates the challenges of...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , Gregg Majewski sits down with Matt Wampler , co-founder of ClearCogs , to explore how technology and systems are reshaping the restaurant landscape. From optimizing food costs to preparing for a future dominated by AI and automation, Matt shares his insights on the tools and strategies that restaurant operators need to thrive. Tune in to hear how balancing ana...

In this episode of  Rooms for Seconds ,  Gregg Majewski sits down with Jimmy Frischling , Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Branded Hospitality Group , for a dynamic conversation about entrepreneurship, technology, and the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Jimmy shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of being an entrepreneur, the growing demand for dining experiences and why 2025...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , host Gregg Majewski sits down with Chris Zucchero , the man behind the iconic Chicago restaurant Mr. Beef —the real-life inspiration for FX’s hit series The Bear . Chris shares candid insights about running a family business in the spotlight, the legacy of his father, and the challenges of managing relentless fame while staying true to his roots. Tune in for a...

In this repurposed episode of Fast Casual Nation , industry leaders Gregg Majewski , CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands , and Heather Leed Neary , President and CEO of Taco John's International, Inc ., sit down to discuss the evolving landscape of restaurant technology. Recorded live at the 2024 Prosper Forum , the conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of integrating technolo...

In this repurposed episode of the Wisking It All Podcast , Angelo Esposito interviews Gregg Majewski, founder and CEO of Craveworthy Brands. They discuss the journey of scaling restaurants, the importance of culture and leadership, and the innovative approach of Craveworthy Brands in the restaurant industry, including the use of virtual brands and shared kitchens to maximize efficiency and profita...

Becca McIntyre, Craveworthy Brands ' VP of Culinary and Supply Chain, speaks with Josh Kopel on the Full Comp Podcast about her extensive experience in corporate restaurant operations, her unique ability to balance culinary creativity with operational efficiency, and her role in developing innovative menu items for Craveworthy Brands. She emphasizes the importance of consistency in operations, str...

 In this episode of Room for Seconds , Gregg Majewski sits down with Michael "Schatzy" Schatzberg , Co-Founder of Branded Hospitality Ventures , to unpack his remarkable journey from bartender to restaurateur and tech investor. They dive into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant industry, debating the balance between innovation and operator needs. Schatzy shares insights on identifyin...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , catering expert Kelly Grogan , co-founder of Crumbs , shares her insights on creating and scaling successful catering programs for restaurants. From designing a crave-worthy menu to fostering relationships with high-value clients, Kelly dives into the strategies that drive incremental revenue and build brand recognition. She discusses common pitfalls, the impo...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , host Gregg Majewski welcomes Troy Hooper , CEO of Hot Palette America , to discuss the unique challenges and strategies of scaling a Japanese quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand in the U.S. and globally. From leveraging AI-driven marketing to reimagining supply chain efficiency and flavor profiles, Troy reveals the innovative steps his team has taken to bring...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , host Gregg Majewski sits down with Kim Daly , a seasoned franchise consultant and business coach, to explore the world of franchising beyond the restaurant industry. Kim shares her insights into why many new entrepreneurs should consider non-food franchise opportunities, her unique approach to matching clients with franchise models, and the essential mindset f...

In this episode of Room for Seconds , Gregg Majewski welcomes Sam Stanovich , Senior Vice President of Franchise Leadership at Big Chicken , to uncover the secrets behind the brand’s meteoric rise. Sam dives into the art of building a community-centered restaurant, how Big Chicken is training the next generation in authentic hospitality, and the bold strategies that have driven the brand’s success...

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 b...

Justin Egan , co-founder of Wing It On! , speaks with Josh Kopel on the Full Comp Podcast about secrets behind building a standout brand in a crowded market. Justin shares how he and his co-founder Matt Ensero prioritized clear, consistent messaging to differentiate their brand from competitors. Egan breaks down the strategic steps that helped Wing It On! thrive in the competitive world of fast-ca...

In this episode of Rooms for Seconds , Gregg Majewski sits down with Zack Fishman , Chief Growth Officer of Fishman PR , to discuss the shifting landscape of public relations, the rise of business influencers, and the secrets to building a cult brand. Zack shares insights on how brands can stand out in today's crowded market, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, social media, and content-dr...

Jennifer Bell, CMO of Lettuce Entertain You, brings her extensive marketing expertise to the Room For Seconds podcast, hosted by Craveworthy Brands CEO Gregg Majewski. Jennifer shares her journey of leading marketing efforts for an expansive portfolio of restaurants across the U.S., discussing how her team tackles everything from loyalty programs to digital customer engagement. With over 25 years...

In her recent appearance on Rooms for Seconds , powered by Craveworthy Brands , Dr. Emily Williams Knight , President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association , engaged in a powerful conversation with Gregg Majewski on the current state and future of the restaurant industry.  As a trailblazing figure, Dr. Knight shed light on pressing challenges, the importance of education, and the transformat...

Gregg Majewski’s interview with CEO of Bite Brandon Barton about the O’Neal Family Secret Menu, small chain essential investments, and AI in third party delivery. Takeaways: Bite Kiosk x Big Chicken: O’Neal Secret Family Menu - Brandon Barton and Bite pitched their kiosk idea to Josh Halpern at Big Chicken, true to the brand, Halpern was thinking bigger! The two have collaborated to launch the all...

Interview between Gregg Majewski and Bob Norman about leading by example, the importance of training, and Jimmy John’s impact on his career Takeaways: Leadership by Example: What Makes Bob Norman a Great Franchise Operator - Bob Norman credits his success as an operator to the mentorship he received from Jimmy John Liautaud, emphasizing the importance of leading by example. He believes that you ca...

In his appearance on the Making It Podcast with host Jon Davids, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands and former key player in Jimmy John’s growth, shared insights into his franchise philosophy, Craveworthy's mission, and what it takes to be a successful partner.  Franchisees Come First Majewski firmly believes that franchisees’ success is the foundation of a thriving brand. He explained that...

On the Room for Seconds podcast with Gregg Majewski , Josh Halpern , CEO of Big Chicken , shared his strategic vision for ensuring success at every level of the franchise. Recorded live in Las Vegas at the annual Go Big! Conference hosted by Big Chicken, Josh shares his “four wins a day” philosophy, Shaquille O’Neal ’s authenticity, and a maniacal focus on franchisee financials.  Dive into the lat...

On the latest episode of the Room for Second podcast, hosted by Gregg Majewski, Juicer CEO and Co-Founder Ashwin Kamlani offered an insightful look into how his company is transforming the restaurant industry through data-driven pricing solutions. Kamlani emphasized the importance of leveraging data to make smarter pricing decisions, a necessity in today’s rapidly changing economic environment.  T...

In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, effective leadership is crucial to success. Amy Hom, a seasoned leader in the field, offers valuable insights into what it means to be a compassionate yet driven leader. Her philosophy, “Easy on people, tough on standards,” encapsulates the balance needed to thrive in such a demanding environment. Key Takeaways Easy on People, Tough on Standards...

Episode Summary In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Taj Adhav , Founder of Leasecake to discuss the evolving world of real estate in the restaurant industry. The two leaders touch on topics such as optimizing real estate management, embracing diverse perspectives and the power of networking. Catch our key takeaways below or stop by our blog to catch a full write-up o...

At the Workforce Management Summit 2024, Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, captivated attendees with his fireside chat alongside Sam Stanovich. The discussion centered on the evolving dynamics of leadership, particularly in managing a multigenerational workforce. Majewski’s candid reflections and actionable advice provided a roadmap for modern leaders striving to balance traditional value...