Craveworthy Brands Joins Forces with Gregorys Coffee
In a strategic move set to reshape the specialty coffee scene, Craveworthy Brands has become the managing partner and investor in Gregorys Coffee, a beloved New York City-based chain known for its artisanal brews and engaging café culture. Announced on August 7, 2025, this partnership aims to expand Gregorys from its stronghold in the tristate area to a nationwide franchise powerhouse, tapping into the growing consumer appetite for high-quality coffee experiences.
From Local Favorite to National Franchise Ambitions
Founded in 2006, Gregorys Coffee quickly established itself as a pioneer in the third-wave coffee movement alongside industry stalwarts like Blue Bottle and Intelligentsia. Today boasting over 50 locations, Gregorys’ commitment to ethically sourced beans, handcrafted beverages, and community-centric cafés has earned a devoted following across New York City and beyond.
With Craveworthy Brands stepping in as managing partner, the company plans to leverage its operational expertise and robust franchising strategy to take Gregorys beyond its current regional footprint.
Craveworthy Brands: A Growing Force in Restaurant Investments
Though a relatively new player, having been founded in 2022, Craveworthy Brands has swiftly become a dynamic investor and operator within the restaurant industry. Their portfolio includes established chains such as Genghis Grill and BD’s Mongolian Grill, alongside emerging ventures like Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken and several delivery-only virtual brands.
Founder and CEO Gregg Majewski brings a wealth of experience, having previously grown Jimmy John’s from a handful of outlets to hundreds nationwide. His vision for Craveworthy Brands is clear: acquire promising, under-75-location brands with scalable franchising potential and nurture them into national powerhouses.
“Gregory has built something special: a cult following, a craft product, and a clear identity,” Majewski remarked. “Our role is to protect that, while layering in the operational firepower to grow thoughtfully.”
A Closer Look at the Partnership's Broader Implications
As the U.S. coffee market surges past $80 billion, with consumers increasingly valuing premium, customizable beverages, this partnership comes at a pivotal moment. Established fast-food giants are augmenting caffeine offerings, but specialty chains like Gregorys offer the artisanal authenticity that many consumers crave.
Moreover, the foodservice landscape is witnessing a growing appetite for franchise models that can maintain brand integrity while scaling efficiently—an area where Craveworthy Brands excels.
Industry insiders point out that this alliance could set a precedent for other mid-sized coffee brands aspiring to national reach without losing their unique identity and loyal customer base.
Additional Investors Rally Behind Gregorys
The funding round welcoming Craveworthy Brands also included Harborfield Management, Branded Hospitality, and Kitchen Fund—a venture capital firm specializing in restaurant innovation. Adding to the intrigue, Kitchen Fund’s managing partner shares the common first name Greg, underscoring the concentrated expertise fueling this expansion.
What’s Next for Gregorys Coffee?
Gregory Zamfotis, the founder of Gregorys Coffee, will continue to lead as president, safeguarding the brand’s ethos during its ambitious growth phase. This balance of visionary leadership and experienced operational management aims to ensure that Gregorys retains its artisanal soul amid rapid expansion.
Expert Commentary: A Trend Towards Strategic Partnerships
From a policy and economic standpoint, such alliances highlight a growing trend in the restaurant industry where regional brands partner with experienced investors to scale sustainably. This approach mitigates risks associated with rapid expansion while maximizing brand equity, a critical factor in today’s competitive and often volatile market environment.
For urban coffee culture aficionados and investors alike, the Gregorys-Craveworthy partnership is a case study in blending heartfelt craftsmanship with strategic business acumen.
Editor’s Note
This partnership raises compelling questions about the future of specialty coffee brands in America: How can artisan chains balance the tension between preserving quality and scaling quickly? What role do investment companies like Craveworthy Brands play in shaping the evolving coffee landscape? As Gregorys Coffee embarks on its national expansion journey, consumers and industry watchers will be keen to see if this model paves the way for other regional favorites craving their own moment in the national spotlight.
