Craveworthy Brands

https://sigrifranchise.craveworthybrands.com/

Craveworthy Brands is a multi-concept restaurant platform and franchisor, founded in 2022 by Gregg Majewski, the former CEO of Jimmy John's. Headquartered in South Elgin, Illinois, the company's mission is to invigorate legacy restaurant brands and supercharge emerging concepts, creating "craveable" food and exceptional guest experiences. Craveworthy Brands also emphasizes empowering its team and franchise partners to achieve their full potential.

The company operates within the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant sectors, offering franchising services, operational support, and shared resources to its diverse portfolio of brands. This portfolio includes established names like Genghis Grill, BD's Mongolian Grill, and Flat Top Grill, alongside emerging concepts such as Wing It On!, The Budlong Southern Chicken, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Dirty Dough, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Sigri Indian BBQ, Hot Chicken Takeover, Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, Lucky Cat Poke Company, Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza, Scramblin' Ed's, and Kinnamōns. Craveworthy Brands also develops and manages virtual restaurant concepts.

Under the leadership of CEO Gregg Majewski, Craveworthy Brands has experienced rapid growth, expanding to over 15 brands and nearly 200 locations by early 2025, largely through strategic acquisitions. The company aims to achieve $1 billion in systemwide sales within five years and has been recognized on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list for 2024. Recent developments include the acquisition of Kinnamōns and a managing partnership with Big Chicken, though some brands like Hot Chicken Takeover, Genghis Grill, and Flat Top Grill have seen recent closures and unit count reductions. Taim Mediterranean Kitchen is currently focusing on East Coast expansion through franchising.

Latest updates

Taim Franchise Deal Signals Expansion for Craveworthy Brands

Event summary

  • Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, a brand within Craveworthy Brands, has secured its first franchise agreement in New York City.
  • Jose Tabor, a seasoned restaurant operator, will manage Taim's Park Slope location in Brooklyn.
  • The franchise deal marks Taim's debut in its founding market, NYC.
  • Craveworthy Brands is actively seeking franchisees across the East Coast and Midwest.

The big picture

Craveworthy Brands' move to franchise Taim, starting in its home market, represents a shift towards accelerated growth after acquiring the brand in 2024. The Mediterranean fast-casual segment is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach $33.4 billion by 2026, but success hinges on maintaining product quality and operational consistency as the brand expands beyond its core markets. This franchise deal tests the scalability of Taim's model and Craveworthy's platform.

What we're watching

Market Acceptance
The success of this initial franchise in a highly competitive market like NYC will be a key indicator of Taim's broader scalability and brand appeal beyond its established locations. Early performance data will be crucial to observe.
Franchise Velocity
The pace at which Craveworthy Brands can onboard additional franchisees across the targeted East Coast and Midwest regions will determine the overall success of Taim's expansion strategy.
Operational Alignment
How effectively Craveworthy Brands’ centralized support systems (supply chain, technology, marketing) integrate with franchisee operations, particularly Tabor’s, will be critical for maintaining brand consistency and profitability.

Craveworthy Brands Expands Footprint with Sigri Indian BBQ Franchise Deal in Gainesville

Event summary

  • Craveworthy Brands has signed a franchise agreement for Sigri Indian BBQ in Gainesville, Florida.
  • The franchise will be locally operated by Ravin and Heali Mehta, experienced fast-casual operators.
  • The new location is expected to open in mid-2027.
  • Sigri Indian BBQ, founded in 2015, focuses on authentic North Indian barbecue with open-flame cooking.

The big picture

Craveworthy Brands continues to pursue a strategy of acquiring and scaling diverse restaurant concepts, leveraging a shared operational framework. The Sigri expansion into Florida represents a test of this model's applicability to a niche, internationally-inspired cuisine within the competitive fast-casual landscape. The success of this franchise agreement will likely inform Craveworthy's broader franchise development strategy across its portfolio of brands.

What we're watching

Market Acceptance
The Gainesville market's reception to Sigri's unique cuisine will be a key indicator of its broader expansion potential, given the area's preference for experience-driven fast casual dining.
Franchise Performance
The Mehta's operational success in Gainesville will be critical, as Craveworthy emphasizes franchisee experience and community engagement as key drivers of brand growth.
Brand Velocity
The pace at which Craveworthy Brands can secure additional franchise agreements for Sigri will reveal the brand's overall appeal and the effectiveness of its franchise support model.

Gregorys Coffee Franchise Tour Signals Expansion Push Amidst Competitive Coffee Market

Event summary

  • Gregorys Coffee, backed by Craveworthy Brands, is launching a franchise program and hosting a multi-city open house tour from April 7-9, 2026.
  • The franchise tour will visit Washington, D.C., Old Bridge and Paramus, New Jersey, and Darien, Connecticut.
  • Gregorys Coffee currently operates over 50 locations nationwide.
  • Craveworthy Brands manages a portfolio of 19 restaurant brands, including Big Chicken and Genghis Grill.

The big picture

Gregorys’ franchise launch represents a strategic shift towards accelerated growth, leveraging Craveworthy’s existing infrastructure and expertise. This move positions Gregorys to compete more aggressively within the crowded specialty coffee market, but also introduces the inherent risks associated with rapid franchise expansion and reliance on a parent company's operational support. Craveworthy’s portfolio of 19 brands suggests a focus on consolidating and scaling restaurant concepts, potentially creating both opportunities and conflicts of interest.

What we're watching

Franchise Adoption
The success of the franchise program hinges on Craveworthy’s ability to attract and retain qualified owner-operators, given the capital intensity and operational demands of the restaurant sector.
Market Saturation
Gregorys’ expansion strategy in high-density areas will need to carefully consider the existing competitive landscape and potential for market saturation within the East Coast coffee market.
Craveworthy Synergies
The extent to which Craveworthy’s platform can demonstrably improve Gregorys’ operational efficiency and profitability will be a key indicator of the overall franchise program’s viability.

Fresh Brothers Pizza Franchises, Backed by Craveworthy, Eyes National Expansion

Event summary

  • Fresh Brothers Pizza, a California-based pizza chain with over 20 locations, is launching a franchise program.
  • The brand, recognized as a 'Top 100 Mover & Shaker' by Pizza Marketplace in 2026, is backed by Craveworthy Brands, a restaurant platform.
  • Expansion will focus on markets including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas.
  • Fresh Brothers is seeking experienced multi-unit operators, qualified owner-operators, and strategic investors to support the franchise rollout.

The big picture

The move signals a broader trend of regional restaurant chains leveraging franchise models to accelerate national expansion, particularly within the highly fragmented pizza sector. Craveworthy’s involvement suggests a strategy of consolidating and scaling smaller brands within the restaurant space, capitalizing on established operational frameworks and purchasing power. The success of Fresh Brothers’ franchise program will be a test case for Craveworthy’s broader platform strategy.

What we're watching

Franchise Velocity
The speed of franchise rollout will be a key indicator of Craveworthy’s ability to effectively support new operators and maintain brand consistency across diverse markets.
Market Saturation
Given the competitive nature of the pizza industry, Fresh Brothers’ success will depend on differentiating its Midwest-style offering and avoiding market saturation in targeted regions.
Craveworthy Synergies
The extent to which Craveworthy’s platform can drive efficiencies and shared resources for Fresh Brothers franchisees will determine the long-term profitability and attractiveness of the franchise opportunity.

Big Chicken Expands into Central America, Targets $70B LatAm Fast Casual Market

Event summary

  • Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O'Neal, has opened two restaurants in Honduras (San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba).
  • The expansion is led by multi-unit franchisee Thomas Talarico of BLT UK Holdings Limited.
  • The Honduran debut is part of a broader Central American expansion plan, with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama next on the list.
  • The Latin American fast-casual market is projected to reach $70 billion in 2026, growing at 5.5% annually.
  • Big Chicken currently has over 40 locations open and dozens more in development globally.

The big picture

Big Chicken's foray into Central America represents a strategic move to capitalize on the burgeoning Latin American fast-casual market. The brand's reliance on franchising, combined with Shaquille O'Neal's celebrity appeal, positions it for rapid growth, but also introduces challenges related to brand consistency and franchisee management. The Honduran launch serves as a test case for the broader Central American expansion strategy.

What we're watching

Regional Adaptation
The success of Big Chicken in Honduras will hinge on its ability to integrate local flavors and preferences into its menu, potentially impacting brand consistency across its franchise network.
Franchise Performance
Thomas Talarico's track record in international brand development will be critical; his ability to build a strong foundation in Honduras will dictate the pace of expansion into other Central American markets.
Market Saturation
The rapid expansion across Central America could lead to market saturation if Big Chicken fails to differentiate itself from existing fast-casual competitors in each new location.

Gregorys Coffee Franchising Signals Expansion Ambition, Leans on Craveworthy Infrastructure

Event summary

  • Gregorys Coffee, backed by Craveworthy Brands, is launching a franchise program after operating 50+ cafes.
  • The franchise program is supported by Craveworthy Brands' existing restaurant platform and infrastructure.
  • Gregorys Coffee will host a franchise open house on February 17, 2026, in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
  • The specialty coffee market is projected to exceed $80 billion by 2030, with 46% of adults consuming specialty beverages daily.
  • Gregory Zamfotis, Founder of Gregorys Coffee, emphasizes protecting the brand's identity and quality through franchising.

The big picture

Gregorys Coffee's move to franchising represents a shift from founder-led growth to a more scalable model, capitalizing on the continued expansion of the specialty coffee market. The partnership with Craveworthy Brands provides the operational infrastructure and expertise needed for national expansion, but also introduces potential risks associated with maintaining brand consistency across franchisees. This expansion strategy signals Craveworthy's intent to leverage its platform to accelerate growth across its portfolio of restaurant brands.

What we're watching

Franchise Adoption
The success of Gregorys' franchise program will hinge on attracting and retaining qualified operators who align with the brand's quality-focused culture, and the pace of expansion will reflect this.
Craveworthy Synergies
The effectiveness of Craveworthy Brands' platform in supporting Gregorys' growth will be a key indicator of its broader strategy for scaling restaurant concepts.
Brand Loyalty
Maintaining the 'Gregulars' loyalty while expanding through franchising will be crucial; any dilution of the brand's core values could undermine long-term success.

Big Chicken Expansion Targets College Towns Amidst Franchise Growth

Event summary

  • Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O'Neal, is opening a new location in State College, Pennsylvania, near Penn State University, on February 5, 2026.
  • The State College location is the first of three planned Pennsylvania restaurants, with Allentown and Wilkes-Barre also slated for openings.
  • The restaurant is being led by siblings Harsimrat and Shubreet Sidhu, who have over 12 years of experience in retail and restaurant operations.
  • Big Chicken currently operates over 40 locations across North America and has dozens more in development.
  • The first 34 Rewards members at the State College opening will receive free Big Chicken for a year, capped at $10/week.

The big picture

Big Chicken's expansion reflects the broader trend of celebrity-backed fast-casual chains capitalizing on nostalgia and comfort food. The Pennsylvania rollout, spearheaded by the Sidhu family, indicates a focus on regional partnerships and community engagement to drive growth. The brand's success hinges on maintaining operational consistency and brand appeal as it scales beyond its initial footprint.

What we're watching

Geographic Focus
The expansion into Pennsylvania suggests a deliberate strategy to target college towns and regions with strong sports culture, which could inform future site selection.
Franchise Velocity
The rapid pace of expansion, with dozens of locations in development, will test Craveworthy Brands' operational capabilities and franchisee management.
Rewards Program
The aggressive promotion of the Rewards program highlights the importance of customer loyalty and data collection for Big Chicken's long-term growth.

Taffer's Tavern Expansion Signals Continued Franchise Push for Craveworthy Brands

Event summary

  • Jon Taffer is opening a third Taffer's Tavern location in Midtown Atlanta on February 10, 2026.
  • The Midtown location is being developed by franchisee Hemant Suri, who previously opened locations in Alpharetta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Taffer's Tavern is featuring an evolved menu with spirit-forward sauces and new cocktails utilizing Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon.
  • The Alpharetta location will celebrate its fifth anniversary on February 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the brand in Georgia.

The big picture

Craveworthy Brands' partnership with Jon Taffer and the expansion of Taffer's Tavern represent a bet on the continued demand for experiential dining and the power of celebrity-driven brands. The franchise model allows for rapid geographic expansion, but relies heavily on franchisee execution and brand consistency. The success of this expansion will hinge on maintaining the 'tavern with soul' concept while scaling operations.

What we're watching

Franchise Velocity
The pace of expansion under Craveworthy Brands will be a key indicator of the franchise model’s scalability and Taffer’s brand appeal beyond Georgia.
Menu Innovation
The success of the evolved menu and spirit-forward sauces will determine if Taffer's Tavern can attract a broader customer base and differentiate itself from competitors.
Franchisee Alignment
Continued alignment and performance from franchisees like Hemant Suri will be crucial for maintaining brand consistency and driving overall growth.

Wing It On! Expands Florida Presence, Accelerates Craveworthy Brands' Franchise Push

Event summary

  • Wing It On!, a brand under Craveworthy Brands, is opening its second Florida location in Tampa, slated for mid-2026.
  • The expansion follows success in Mt. Dora, Florida, and is part of a broader Southeast and East Coast franchise growth strategy.
  • Jignesh Patel, a multi-unit restaurant operator with over 20 years of experience, is leading the Tampa location.
  • Wing It On! has won the National Buffalo Wing Festival four times and boasts over 20 unique sauces.
  • Craveworthy Brands is actively recruiting franchisees across multiple states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

The big picture

Craveworthy Brands is aggressively pursuing a multi-brand franchise strategy, and Wing It On!'s expansion highlights the company's focus on rapid geographic growth. The success of this strategy hinges on the ability to consistently execute on franchise onboarding, operational support, and brand marketing across a diverse portfolio of restaurant concepts. The Tampa launch represents a test of this model in a key Florida market.

What we're watching

Market Saturation
The success of Wing It On! in Tampa will depend on its ability to differentiate itself within a competitive local market and avoid cannibalizing sales from the existing Mt. Dora location.
Franchise Performance
The financial performance of the Tampa franchise, and others recently added, will be a key indicator of the overall health and scalability of the Wing It On! franchise model.
Craveworthy Synergies
The extent to which Craveworthy Brands can leverage its platform to support Wing It On!'s growth, including shared resources and marketing efforts, will influence the brand's long-term success.

Big Chicken's 'Big Dip Energy' Aims to Capture Gen Z's Sauce Obsession

Event summary

  • Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O'Neal, is launching 'Big Dip Energy,' a monthly limited-time dip program.
  • The first dip, 'Atomic Ranch,' debuted January 15, 2026, alongside existing signature dips like BC Sauce.
  • Big Chicken operates over 40 locations across North America and is backed by Craveworthy Brands, JRS Hospitality, and Authentic Brands Group.
  • The initiative is positioned to capitalize on Gen Z and Alpha's preference for personalization and flavor exploration.

The big picture

Big Chicken's 'Big Dip Energy' initiative reflects a broader trend among fast-casual chains to cater to younger consumers' desire for customization and experiential dining. The monthly drop model, while risky, offers a mechanism to generate consistent buzz and potentially increase customer loyalty. This strategy also highlights the growing importance of social media and digital marketing in driving restaurant traffic and brand perception, particularly among Gen Z and Alpha demographics.

What we're watching

Consumer Response
The success of 'Big Dip Energy' hinges on whether the monthly drops generate sustained customer interest and drive traffic, rather than being a fleeting novelty.
Brand Extension
How effectively Big Chicken leverages the 'Big Dip Energy' platform to expand its menu and overall brand identity beyond chicken sandwiches remains to be seen.
Franchise Adoption
The pace at which Big Chicken’s franchise locations adopt and execute the 'Big Dip Energy' program will be a key indicator of operational scalability.
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