logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
49m 44s

Building Jimmy John's Brand on Grassroot...

Erik Van Horn
About this episode

Food is a necessity, and in today's busy world, many people choose to have food delivered to their doorstep rather than cook. This makes quick-service restaurants with freaky fast delivery in demand. But does that mean they find success more quickly than any other kind of business out there? What makes food brands like Jimmy John’s a success? Today's guest knows exactly what it takes because he is instrumental in making Jimmy John’s a household name. 

 

Gregg Majewski is the former CEO/COO/CFO of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches and CEO and founder of Craveworthy Brands, a growing portfolio of diverse, relevant, and highly efficient brands built on an unbeatable proposition for consumers and prospective franchisees.

While at Jimmy John’s, Gregg expanded the company from 33 restaurants to 300 open and another 600 sold. He implemented and restructured all 300 of Jimmy John’s restaurants’ operational standards by introducing new systems, procedures, management incentive programs, training programs, franchisee enablement, and shifting marketing strategies toward grassroots and a focus on freaky fast delivery.

In the Craveworthy Brands emerging concepts category, the company owns, operates, and franchises Wing It On!, The Budlong Hot Chicken, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, and Lucky Cat Poke Company. 

 

Tune in to this episode with Erik and Gregg Majewski to find out why food franchising may be the right choice for you. Discover how grassroots marketing can propel your business to the next level. 

 

“Franchising is an incredible opportunity for everybody, and if you work hard, you will be successful.” - Gregg Majewski

 

In This Episode:

- Who is Gregg Majewski, and how does a Forensic Accountant become a CEO and COO for Jimmy John’s?

- How important is having a mentor, especially in the franchising industry? 

- What is it about the food industry that allows franchisees to scale and win big?

- Is having experience in the food industry necessary to become a successful franchisee? 

- What do food brands look for in a franchise buyer?

- How Jimmy John’s developed their "freaky fast" delivery strategy

- Why Jimmy John’s franchisees become more successful compared to franchisees of other food brands

- Who mentored Jimmy of Jimmy John’s? What are the qualities that make him a great leader and business owner?

- Strategies to increase topline revenue for franchisees 

- Is grassroots marketing common in the restaurant industry, or is it unique to Jimmy John’s? What can other brands learn about grassroots marketing?

- How Jimmy John’s built a fantastic company culture that makes every team member proud of their brand

- Profit sharing structure and bonus program at Jimmy John’s

And more!

Resources: 

- Learn more about Erik’s franchisee mastermind here - www.franchisetribe.com 

- Learn more about Erik’s franchisor mastermind here - www.franchisortribe.com 

- Learn more about Erik’s passive investing mastermind here - www.tribeofinvestors.com 

- Want to buy a franchise? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

- Want to franchise your business? Connect with Erik here - https://forms.gle/n4JedEuU5p7asE617 

 

Connect with Gregg Majewski:

- Website

- LinkedIn

Connect with Erik Van Horn:

- Website 

- Instagram 

- Facebook 

- Facebook Group 

- LinkedIn

- YouTube

- Medium

Up next
Jul 8
This Franchise Insider Helps People Say No — Here’s Why That’s Genius
In this episode of Franchise Secrets, Erik Van Horn sits down with Nic Leland from Front Street to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind closed doors in franchise development. Nic doesn’t just help people say yes to franchises — he helps them say no when it’s not th ... Show More
53 m
Jul 1
The Franchise Goldmine Nobody’s Talking About
There’s a reason we don’t say “yes” to every franchise opportunity—and in this episode, we break down why. Jeff Herr joins Erik to reveal what actually makes a franchise brand scalable, investable, and valuable long-term. We’re talking proprietary IP, raving customers, founder mi ... Show More
45m 58s
Jun 24
I Lost $100K Trying to Save a Failing Franchise
What happens when you ignore your gut and hold onto a struggling franchise too long? In this episode, Erik Van Horn shares the raw story of how one decision cost him over $100,000—and how it shaped the way he approaches franchise buying today. From distressed sellers and employee ... Show More
28m 50s
Recommended Episodes
May 2023
How To Buy A Franchise And The Best Boring Businesses To Own | Jon Ostenson
In this episode of the Millionaire Mindcast, we have an amazing guest, Jon Ostenson who talks about getting into business ownership, opportunities in different business models, failures and statistics of franchise, building your own empire, and building a generational wealth! Jon ... Show More
27m 50s
Jun 2024
Responsible Franchising for Entrepreneurs with Aaron Harper
Aaron Harper transitioned from film and television to franchising, driven by a passion for empowerment and simplifying business ownership. After success with Patch Boys, he ventured to transform Rolling Suds into a franchise, emphasizing Responsible Franchising principles and tra ... Show More
24m 25s
Feb 2023
5 Opportunities to Generate Over $2 Million a Year with Only 2 Employees with Jon Ostenson
Jon Ostenson is a top 1% Franchise Consultant nationally and he leads FranBridge Consulting as CEO. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand Franchisee in serving his clients. Jon is the author of 'Non-Food Franchising’' and is a freque ... Show More
27m 36s
Sep 2023
How to Grow Your Online Brand and Create Added Value in Your Business or Real Estate with Anthony F. Addonizio
Anthony F. Addonizio is a Commercial Real Estate Owner and Developer, Founder of MO Marketplace and a fitness and health enthusiast. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Have strategic partnerships. Not enough brands are reaching out to other brands within their niche in order to run cross promo ... Show More
25m 34s
Feb 2018
Best Strategies and Resources to make your Business thrive with Jordan Goodman
Jordan is known as America's Money Answers Man because he has been answering Americans' questions about personal finance topics for over 35 years. Top 3 Value Bombs: 1. You don’t have to spend 30 years paying a home loan debt — it’s possible to pay it in 5-7 years. 2. Always know ... Show More
28m 54s
May 2023
How to Franchise Your Small Business with Dr. Tom DuFore
Dr. Tom DuFore is a franchise expert and CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team, an award-winning consulting firm helping entrepreneurs franchise their businesses. He has consulted with or advised more than 700 franchisors over the last 20 years. He also hosts the Multiply Your Success po ... Show More
25m 11s
Feb 2024
235 - Why Storytelling is a Powerful Marketing Strategy, With Jake Karls, Founder of Mid-Day Squares
Your brand means nothing if it can’t stand out from the competition. So quit trying to blend in and start telling your audience a great story. Daniel sits down with Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, to discuss the power of storytelling in marketing. Discover how Mid-Day ... Show More
33m 7s
Oct 2023
The Art Of Building A Business To Sell | John Warrillow (Replay)
In this episode of the Millionaire Mindcast, we have an superb guest John Warrillow who shares a lot of valuable insights on strategies and ways to pull your business in a position to extract the most value out of it, why growing revenue is not always being the most important thi ... Show More
1h 4m