Gregg Majewski of Craveworthy Brands named EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Midwest Award winner
Craveworthy Brands CEO wins EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Midwest Award.
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Gregg Majewski, founder and CEO of Craveworthy Brands, has been named EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Midwest Award winner. Craveworthy has grown to over 20 brands and 300 locations, with aspirations of reaching $1 billion in systemwide sales, emphasizing the importance of nurturing franchisee success stories.
Why It Matters
This recognition suggests a focus on leadership excellence and operational support within Craveworthy, which may enhance franchisee engagement and retention. The emphasis on franchisee success could lead to improved unit economics across its growing portfolio.
Gregg Majewski, founder and CEO of Craveworthy Brands, has been named the EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Midwest Award winner, recognizing him among the top business leaders in the Midwest. Majewski's extensive career in the restaurant industry spans over 30 years, highlighted by his remarkable rise at Jimmy John’s, where he held multiple executive roles including CEO, CFO, and COO. Under his leadership, Jimmy John's expanded from 30 to over 300 locations and established a highly effective delivery model.
In late 2022, Majewski founded Craveworthy Brands with a vision focusing on nurturing emerging restaurant concepts and revitalizing legacy brands without diminishing their unique characteristics. Craveworthy has quickly grown to encompass more than 20 brands across over 300 locations, achieving over $300 million in systemwide sales and positioning itself towards a milestone of $1 billion. The diverse portfolio includes fast-casual, quick-service, full-service, and virtual dining options, featuring notable names like Shaquille O’Neal's Big Chicken and Jon Taffer's Taffer’s Tavern. The company supports these brands through a centralized system aimed at optimizing operations, franchise development, culinary offerings, and other essential business components.
Majewski's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of people, stating, "I’ve never measured success only in number of locations open or sales made. I measure it in success stories – the dishwasher who becomes a general manager...” This approach underlines Craveworthy's commitment to investing in its workforce, exemplified by initiatives such as Crave University, a tailored training program designed to cultivate hospitality leaders from within.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program, which celebrates its 41st year, acknowledges leaders for their innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the impact of those who drive their organizations forward. Majewski's recent accolade points to a continued focus on growth and development as Craveworthy seeks to build a robust and sustainable future in the restaurant industry. Moving forward, it will be important to monitor how Craveworthy leverages this recognition to further enhance its operational strategies and brand offerings.
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