Room For Seconds

Gregg Majewski
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Room For Seconds

You’re listening to Room for Seconds, hosted by Gregg Majewski, former CEO of Jimmy John’s, entrepreneur, and CEO of Craveworthy Brands. This digital series isn't just for restaurant moguls; it is a beacon for dreamers and doers, a celebration of tenacity and heart. Dig into riveting conversations with some of the most captivating personalities in business, sports, and the hospitality industry as they share stories of courage, ambition, empathy, and all that it takes to turn dreams into reality. Ready to be empowered? Join us and let the inspiration flow.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Reviving Legends: Paul Mangiamele on Bringing Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale Back to Life

    On this episode of Room For Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with industry icon Paul Mangiamele, the visionary behind the revival of Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale. Paul shares his journey of breathing new life into these beloved brands, emphasizing the importance of culture, passion, and staying true to the DNA that made these restaurants iconic.Discover how Paul navigates the challenges of modern casual dining, from managing rising costs to creating memorable guest experiences with innovative strategies. Whether it's introducing tableside service or leveraging emotional connections with loyal guests, Paul’s story is a masterclass in resilience and leadership. Key Takeaways: * The Power of Emotional Connection and Legendary Service - In reflecting on the revival of Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale, Paul highlights the power of emotional connection and a commitment to excellence. By focusing on the foundational principles that made these brands iconic—like exceptional service, menu re-engineering, and respecting the guest experience—he demonstrates that even the most challenging restorations are possible with passion, attention to detail, and a return to basics. * Passion and Purpose - Paul underscores the critical role of passion in the restaurant industry, lamenting its decline in modern operations. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Norman Brinker, he emphasizes that passion, combined with a strong culture and a commitment to excellence, is the cornerstone of success. By shifting from a transactional mindset to creating meaningful guest experiences, restaurants can build lasting relationships and lifetime customer loyalty, turning every interaction into an opportunity to leave a memorable impression.* Focus on Top Performers - Paul advocates for prioritizing the top-performing 20% of a franchise system to maximize success and growth. He explains that while some operators excel and others have potential but resist the effort required, the bottom third often lacks the drive or conditions for improvement. By channeling time, energy, and resources into top performers who are eager to innovate and grow, businesses can achieve greater results—turning $3 million opportunities into $5 million realities—rather than exhausting resources on those unlikely to improve. Episode Links:* Visit Legendary Restaurant Brands Online* Visit Bennigans Online* Visit Steak & Ale Online* Connect with Bennigans on LinkedIn* Follow Bennigans on Facebook* Follow Bennigans on X* Follow Bennigans on Instagram* Connect with Paul Mangiamele on LinkedInABOUT PAUL MANGIAMELESince taking the helm at Bennigan’s in 2011, Paul Mangiamele has championed several game-changing initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the casual dining category and bringing his iconic brands back to their Legendary status.

    35 min

  2. JAN 21

    Leveraging Systems and AI in the Restaurant Industry

    In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Matt Wampler, co-founder of ClearCogs, to explore how technology and systems are reshaping the restaurant landscape. From optimizing food costs to preparing for a future dominated by AI and automation, Matt shares his insights on the tools and strategies that restaurant operators need to thrive. Tune in to hear how balancing analytics with hospitality can lead to long-term success and why now is the time to start future-proofing your business.Key Takeaways: * The Impact of Technology - In a rapidly evolving restaurant landscape, technology is transforming how operators manage their businesses. As Matt Wampler explains, success often boils down to “20 or 30 decisions” focused on key metrics like revenue, food costs, and labor. By leveraging data analytics, restaurants can optimize these areas to boost profitability. * Divorcing Operations from Hospitality - Hospitality is the heart of any restaurant, but as Wampler and Gregg Majewski discuss, operational efficiency is equally vital. Wampler highlights the divide between the warm, guest-facing experience and the structured, data-driven side of restaurant operations: “AI is never going to create the experience or train your staff to make customers feel welcome. * Future-Proofing Restaurants -The integration of AI and automation is inevitable in the restaurant industry. According to Wampler, “In the next 20 years, you’re going to have robotic kitchens… But there are real practical things we can be doing today to start getting used to AI.” He emphasizes taking small, low-risk steps, such as using AI for prep and production planning, to ease into this technological shift. Episode Links:Visit Clear Cogs OnlineConnect with Clear Cogs on LinkedInFollow Clear Cogs on InstagramFollow Clear Cogs on FacebookFollow Clear Cogs on XFollow Matt on InstagramConnect with Matt on LinkedInABOUT MATT WAMPLER:Matt started his journey in restaurants early, taking over a failing Jimmy Johns franchise right out of college. After turning it around he spent the next 7 years opening additional units before exiting the business in 2018. After learning to code over the pandemic, Matt became consumed by the disparity between today’s technology and the tools currently available to operators. Possessed with the mission to close that gap, ClearCOGS was born.ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023,

    30 min

  3. JAN 14

    Disrupting Hospitality: Jimmy Frischling on Tech and the Future of Dining

    In this episode of Rooms for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with

    36 min

  4. JAN 7

    The Real Story of Mr. Beef: The Restaurant That Inspired The Bear

    In this episode of Room for Seconds, host Gregg Majewski sits down with Chris Zucchero, the man behind the iconic Chicago restaurant Mr. Beef—the real-life inspiration for FX’s hit series The Bear. Chris shares candid insights about running a family business in the spotlight, the legacy of his father, and the challenges of managing relentless fame while staying true to his roots. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about the restaurant that inspired one of television's most talked-about shows.Key Takeaways* How The Bear Pushed Mr. Beef to Its Limits - Chris reflects on the overwhelming impact the first season of The Bear had on Mr. Beef. Almost overnight, the restaurant became a cultural phenomenon, with lines out the door from open to close. * The Relentless Reality of Running a Restaurant - Chris addresses the misconception that running a restaurant is glamorous or an easy path to fame, a perception amplified by the success of The Bear. * Expanding Mr. Beef - Chris opens up about the long-debated question of opening a second Mr. Beef location. While his father successfully ran other restaurant ventures, he was hesitant about expanding the original Mr. Beef, believing that true success required complete, undivided focus on one establishment. EPISODE LINKS* Visit Mr. Beef online* Follow Mr Beef on Instagram* Connect with Chris Zucchero on LinkedInABOUT CHRIS ZUCCHEROChris Zucchero is the owner of Mr. Beef, a renowned Italian beef sandwich shop located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Founded in 1979 by his father, Joe Zucchero, Mr. Beef has been a staple in Chicago's culinary scene for decades. Growing up in the family business, Chris became deeply involved in its operations from a young age. By his mid-twenties, he had taken on a co-ownership role, dedicating himself to maintaining the quality and reputation that Mr. Beef had established. In 2022, Mr. Beef gained national attention as the inspiration for the television series The Bear, which depicts the challenges of running a family-owned Italian beef restaurant in Chicago. The show's success significantly increased the restaurant's popularity, with daily sandwich sales more than doubling from approximately 300 to over 800.ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands. Craveworthy Media is Majewski’s gift back to the industry that has given him so much. The goal of Craveworthy is to inspire the up and coming industry leaders by providing important information, stories, and insights from titans past and present.

    45 min

  5. 12/31/2024

    Tech, Transparency, and Transformation: Gregg Majewski on the Future of Fast-Casual Dining

    In this repurposed episode of Fast Casual Nation, industry leaders Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands, and Heather Leed Neary, President and CEO of Taco John's International, Inc., sit down to discuss the evolving landscape of restaurant technology. Recorded live at the 2024 Prosper Forum, the conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology across multi-unit operations, balancing franchisee adoption, and maintaining seamless tech integration.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how Gregg's leadership has propelled Craveworthy Brands into a dynamic multi-brand powerhouse and how Heather is steering Taco John's, a legacy brand, into a future defined by digital innovation and customer engagement. Key topics include the rise of TikTok as a primary marketing platform, the importance of operator-focused tech solutions, and how tech consolidation may redefine the industry's future.Key Takeaways* The Future of Restaurant Tech - Gregg highlights the growing complexity and cost of restaurant technology. With operators spending upwards of $1,500 per unit monthly on fragmented tech solutions, Gregg believes mergers are inevitable.* The Key to Customer-Centric Innovation - Gregg emphasizes the importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust with customers across Craveworthy Brands. He shares how his hands-on approach to quality control, including publicly addressing food preparation issues, has created meaningful connections with customers.* Turning Mistakes into Marketing Wins - Instead of investing in individual mobile apps, Gregg developed Craveworthy Kitchen, an integrated online ordering platform that ties all his brands together. This strategy allows customers to order multiple brands from a single location, driving incremental revenue.EPISODE LINKS:* Visit the Prosper Forum online* Visit Fast Casual Nation online* Listen to Fast Casual Nation on YouTube* Listen to Fast Casual Nation on Apple Podcasts* Listen to Fast Casual Nation on Spotify* Connect with Paul Barron on LinkedIn* Connect with Paul Barron Network on LinkedIn* Connect with Heather Leed Neary on LinkedIn* Visit Taco Johns online* Connect with Stacey Kane on LinkedIn* Visit Emerging Brands onlineABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI:Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s,

    31 min

  6. 12/24/2024

    Wisking It All: Uncommon Growth Tactics for Restaurant Operations

    In this repurposed episode of the Wisking It All Podcast, Angelo Esposito interviews Gregg Majewski, founder and CE...

    35 min

  7. 12/17/2024

    Becca McIntyre: Culinary Mastery and Innovation at Craveworthy Brands

    Becca McIntyre, Craveworthy Brands' VP of Culinary and Supply Chain, speaks with Josh Kopel on the

    31 min

  8. 12/10/2024

    From Bartender to Venture Capitalist: Michael Schatzberg’s Journey in Hospitality and Tech

    In this episode of Room for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Michael "Schatzy" Schatzberg, Co-Founder of Branded Hospitality Ventures, to unpack his remarkable journey from bartender to restaurateur and tech investor. They dive into the evolving role of technology in the restaurant industry, debating the balance between innovation and operator needs. Schatzy shares insights on identifying must-have tech versus passing trends, investing in game-changing startups, and navigating the challenges of venture capitalism in hospitality. Don’t miss this deep dive into what it takes to thrive at the intersection of restaurants and tech innovation.Key Takeaways:* Choose The Right POS For Your Restaurant - Selecting the right POS (Point of Sale) system depends on your business's scale and goals. For small operators with a few locations, a basic, cost-effective system may suffice, offering just enough functionality to meet day-to-day needs. However, as Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg points out, larger operations with hundreds of locations may require a more robust platform capable of unifying loyalty programs, understanding customer behavior, and integrating various operational functions. * Small Bets for Big Insights - In venture investing, small, strategic bets can yield significant learning opportunities. Schatzy shares how Branded Hospitality Ventures invests modestly in emerging technologies—like robotics, drive-through voice systems, and prep-area cameras—to stay informed about trends and test the waters. These smaller investments help uncover the potential of new innovations while reserving larger commitments for tech solutions that solve immediate, pressing problems for operators.* Hospitality Requires Insiders and Outsiders - The hospitality industry benefits from leadership that combines internal expertise and external perspectives. Schatzy highlights the unique challenges of hospitality, where businesses must manage both a retail front and a manufacturing-style back-of-house operation. While industry veterans understand these intricacies, outsiders can bring fresh ideas and innovative strategies. Successful organizations find balance by blending deep industry knowledge with outside expertise, ensuring they remain adaptable and forward-thinking.Episode Links:* Visit Branded Hospitality Online* Listen to Branded Hospitality’s Podcast* Follow Branded Hospitality on X* Follow Branded Hospitality on Instagram* Follow Branded Hospitality on Facebook* Subscribe to Branded Hospitality on YouTube* Connect with Branded Hospitality on LinkedIn* Connect with Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg on LinkedInABOUT MICHAEL SCHATZBERG:Michael “Schatzy” Schatzberg is an entrepreneur and expert strategist and marketer.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

You’re listening to Room for Seconds, hosted by Gregg Majewski, former CEO of Jimmy John’s, entrepreneur, and CEO of Craveworthy Brands. This digital series isn't just for restaurant moguls; it is a beacon for dreamers and doers, a celebration of tenacity and heart. Dig into riveting conversations with some of the most captivating personalities in business, sports, and the hospitality industry as they share stories of courage, ambition, empathy, and all that it takes to turn dreams into reality. Ready to be empowered? Join us and let the inspiration flow.

Information

  • Creator
    Gregg Majewski
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Room For Seconds
  • Show Website
    Room For Seconds

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