Award-Winning Visionary Behind Craveworthy Brands
Every so often, someone shakes up the industry with a bold move. Enter Gregg Majewski, the driving force behind Craveworthy Brands, and now crowned the EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Midwest winner. This guy’s been in the restaurant trenches for over 30 years, proving that hustle pays off big time.
From Intern to Industry Giant
Majewski's ride began at Jimmy John's, where he rose from intern to one of the youngest CEOs, CFOs, and COOs. His leadership helped catapult the brand from 30 locations to over 300. Talk about a sandwich empire, right? But he didn’t stop there.
In late 2022, Majewski gambled big on his brainchild, Craveworthy. This multi-brand platform started with a simple premise: nurture emerging concepts with tight systems, and breathe fresh life into legacy brands without stripping them of their essence.
Building on Solid Fundamentals
Fast-forward a few years, and Craveworthy boasts over 20 brands and 300-plus locations, bringing in a jaw-dropping $300 million in systemwide sales. With names like Shaq's Big Chicken and Gregorys Coffee in the mix, it's a smorgasbord of culinary ventures.
"This recognition belongs to our team," Majewski said. "Craveworthy was a dream that's now a booming empire.”
The company approaches growth with a keen eye on sustainability, leaning on 'people, product, and process'. Majewski measures success not just by sales, but by transformations—from dishwashers to managers. It's a people-centric perspective that’s more than lip service; it’s a business mantra.
Strategic Growth: Beyond the Numbers
The mantra led Craveworthy to invest in its own through programs like Crave University, sculpting leaders from within. Here’s a guy who sees beyond bottom lines—he's nurturing an ecosystem, crafting 100,000 success stories by 2035. Lofty? Sure. But if history’s a guide, he just might pull it off.
The recognition from EY shifts Majewski and Craveworthy into a new spotlight. The entrepreneur award is no small potatoes, crowning leaders who either bootstrap from scratch or crank up innovation to rocket their businesses forward. He’s set to compete nationally now, a testament to his influential spirit in the heartland of America.
EY—Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit
For 41 years, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program has spotlighted some serious heavyweights—think Starbucks' Howard Schultz and Noom's Saeju Jeong. Majewski joins these ranks, looking at the nationals in November, and possibly, the world stage come May 2027.
Swinging for the fences? Definitely. But isn't that what being an entrepreneur is all about? Majewski has got the guts to steer Craveworthy through choppy waters. If there's one thing to take away from this, it's that bold bets paired with a heck of a lot of hard work can redefine the playing field.
The Craveworthy Future
As Majewski heads towards further accolades, we're left to wonder: will Craveworthy be his lasting legacy or just another milestone on his horizon? Given his track record, it’s likely just the beginning. He seems poised to keep delivering not just food, but opportunities—fueling both stomachs and aspirations across the board.
