Gregorys Coffee Launches Franchising with Insider Operator

Event summary

  • Gregorys Coffee, a Craveworthy Brands portfolio company, signed its first franchise agreement with Stavros Zamfotis, a former barista and district manager who worked his way up over nine years.
  • Zamfotis, cousin of founder Gregory Zamfotis, will open the first franchise location in Bergen County, New Jersey.
  • Gregorys Coffee joined Craveworthy Brands in 2025 and launched its franchise program in 2026.
  • The brand seeks experienced operators in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain West, and select West Coast regions.

The big picture

Gregorys Coffee's first franchise agreement marks a strategic shift from company-owned growth to a scalable model backed by Craveworthy Brands' shared services platform. The move reflects broader industry trends where established brands leverage franchising to expand rapidly while maintaining operational control. With over 50 locations and a loyal following, Gregorys Coffee aims to capitalize on its proven model to attract experienced operators nationwide.

What we're watching

Franchise Scaling
How quickly Gregorys Coffee can replicate its model through franchisees beyond family ties.
Operator Retention
Whether Craveworthy Brands can attract and retain experienced operators in competitive markets.
Brand Consistency
The pace at which franchise locations maintain Gregorys Coffee's community-oriented guest experience.