Making It with Jon Davids 213 - "Here's Why Most Restaurants Crash and Burn" | Gregg Majewski, Craveworthy Brands
Sep 19, 2025
Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands and former CEO of Jimmy John's, shares invaluable insights from his extensive restaurant experience. He discusses the common pitfalls chefs face when transitioning to business, emphasizing the need for strong operational skills. Gregg dives into why breakfast concepts thrive, his unique evergreen strategy to maintain growth, and the importance of choosing the right franchisees while sharing a cautionary tale about a challenging partnership. Tune in for a masterclass in restaurant success!
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Sweet Spot Between Startups And Large Chains
- Gregg believes mid-stage brands (20–150 units) are under-supported by PE and mispriced by buyers.
- He targets growing brands to ~300 units where scaling becomes a machine others can take over.
Diversify Portfolio To Find Winners
- Play the odds by running multiple brands because you can't predict which concept will resonate.
- Accept inevitable failures and exit brands when they don't catch on.
Cookie Brand Surprise And Fad Risks
- Gregg was surprised Crumble cookies scaled to 900 units and compared cookie trends to past cupcake fads.
- He notes many dessert concepts are faddish and need pivots to survive long-term.