Latest news with #CraveworthyBrands
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Craveworthy Brands and Taffer's Tavern link for growth opportunities
American TV star Jon Taffer has entered a joint venture with Craveworthy Brands for national expansion of his full-service pub franchise, Taffer's Tavern. The collaboration aims to combine Craveworthy's capabilities in restaurant growth with Taffer's footprint in the market to enhance brand experience and unlock new growth opportunities. The partnership will leverage Craveworthy's diverse portfolio, which includes 17 brands and recent additions such as Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and Ndamukong Suh's Kinnamōns. Craveworthy CEO and founder Gregg Majewski stated: "When you meet people who care as deeply about hospitality as you do, you know there's something meaningful cooking. We believe great operations are at the core of Craveworthy's success and when it comes to top-tier operators in this space, no one stands out more than Jon Taffer. "We're proud to welcome a brand that shares our passion and commitment to cultivating the best-in-class restaurants, paired with a modern approach to growth. That's what drives us, and that's why this feels like such a natural fit." Taffer's Tavern brings its blend of old-world pub and modern dining experience, featuring a "fast-craft" cocktail programme and a selection of local and national liquors. Guests can expect a floor-to-ceiling bar, offering local beer options and a wine programme. Craveworthy is set to enhance the brand's restaurant operations and scale its national presence through a franchise programme. This presents an option for experienced restaurant operators and entrepreneurs eager to enter the sector, backed by advanced systems, technology and a business model. Jon Taffer stated: "After more than 40 years and hundreds of concepts, I created Taffer's Tavern to connect with people at a deeper level — through food, beverage and environment. That's why partnering with Craveworthy makes so much sense. We share a passion for great food and beverage, exceptional service and building systems that truly work for operators. "With their support and creativity behind us, Taffer's Tavern is positioned to grow faster, smarter, and with the kind of integrity that defines a world-class brand. My entire career has been built on empowering operators to deliver unforgettable experiences to their guests — and that's exactly what this partnership is all about." The joint venture follows Craveworthy Brands' previous strategic move in November 2024, when it partnered New Summit Capital Advisors to form Global Taste Brands. "Craveworthy Brands and Taffer's Tavern link for growth opportunities" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Craveworthy Brands to Become Managing Partner and Investor of Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken
Star-Powered Fast-Casual Chicken Concept Founded by Hall of Fame Basketball Star to Join Craveworthy Brands' Robust Portfolio Multi-Brand Platform Company Prepares to Lead Big Chicken's Restaurant Operations, Powering its Future Success and Legacy CHICAGO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Craveworthy Brands ("Craveworthy,") the innovative multi-restaurant platform company, will become a managing partner, investor and stakeholder of Big Chicken, the award-winning and acclaimed fast casual chicken brand founded by Hall of Fame basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal. In addition to the new Craveworthy investment and management role, Big Chicken is backed by O'Neal, JRS Hospitality ("JRS") and Authentic Brands Group ("ABG"), the renowned brand management company. Current Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern will continue overseeing the Brand, working alongside Craveworthy Brands CEO and Founder Gregg Majewski to drive growth at Big Chicken and across the broader Craveworthy portfolio. Big Chicken will join Craveworthy's robust portfolio of 15 brands that operate in various culinary segments including chicken, contributing to the collective growth of its family of brands. Leading operational initiatives and leveraging its proven playbook throughout Big Chicken's locations, Craveworthy will focus on driving long-term growth and reinforcing the Brand's distinctively energetic "Big Flavor. Big Food. Big Fun." guest experience. In collaboration with O'Neal, JRS and ABG, Craveworthy will manage and provide expertise across key functions such as operations, training, supply chain management, culinary development and customer service, while the Brand retains its core identity. Its deep bench of accomplished restaurants operations leaders and the power of its platform model pairs well with Big Chicken to optimize performance and fuel continued growth at all levels. With 40-plus locations open and more than 350 in development, Big Chicken continues to grow globally, bringing its signature bold flavors and Shaq-sized personality to guests everywhere. The Big Chicken menu features today's trending bold flavors, while also paying homage to many of O'Neal's favorite home-cooked childhood favorites. Beyond its treasured chicken sandwich and tenders line-up, the menu includes Lucille's Mac N' Cheese (mother), Shakes and Wings, all key aspects of O'Neal's personal and professional lives. The alignment between the two companies will further Big Chicken's commitment to innovation and streamlined processes, while also leveraging shared resources to strengthen market position and franchise expansion. Leadership Commentary "This one-of-a-kind opportunity truly embodies the mission behind why I founded Craveworthy—to build a full-stack platform that aligns with top brands like Big Chicken and infuses broad-reaching support through proven systems and support to thrive in the evolving restaurant industry," said Majewski. "I'm excited to team up with Gregg and the Craveworthy team. It's a marriage of two BIG time talented organizations," said Halpern, the brand's first and only CEO and the architect of its impressive franchise growth. "Gregg and I have a strong professional relationship and he's the type of leader we'll match with well. I feel fantastic about our future." Majewski added, "As investors, managing partners and leaders in restaurant operations, we're going to fully leverage the Craveworthy team's deep industry expertise to propel Big Chicken to new heights, all while preserving what makes the Brand so unique to its loyal guests." "We believe the combination of a great brand and a great operator in Gregg's a unique opportunity for us as investors. Shaquille O'Neal himself is an iconic brand and Big Chicken will become the iconic chicken sandwich," said Lee Larson, CEO and Founder of Everstar Asset Management ("Everstar.") "By applying our platform's operational excellence and strategic growth strategies, we're ready to take the next step in shaping Big Chicken's bright future—expanding the Brand's reach, elevating the guest experience and driving innovation on all fronts to ensure its continued resilience, success and legacy for years to come," concluded Majewski. "The drive and determination that runs throughout Big Chicken mirrors what I've seen within the entire Craveworthy organization," added Halpern. "It's the right time to go even BIGGER with the brand, so this is an incredible step forward for the entire brand ecosystem. Let's gooo!" Transaction Advisors and Partners Everstar serves as a valued strategic advisor to Craveworthy and has invested through Everstar Funds in both Craveworthy and the newly formed partnership with Big Chicken. Everstar is the manager for a private investment fund and offers actively managed portfolios for institutions and high-net-worth clients. Entrepreneur and Super Bowl Champion Ndamukong Suh is an active investor in the newly cultivated partnership with Big Chicken and partner in Craveworthy. Suh is a steadfast believer in the Company's vision and his commitment will help fuel its continued growth and innovation. To learn more about Craveworthy Brands, please visit To learn more about Big Chicken, please visit ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDSCraveworthy Brands, the parent company of Shaquille O'Neal-founded Big Chicken, Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Genghis Grill, Hot Chicken Takeover, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, Soom Soom Mediterranean, taim Mediterranean Kitchen, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to invigorating and supercharging legacy brands while nurturing and growing emerging brands. The company brings together diverse, yet complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active in the communities it serves and creates exciting career opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn. Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at ABOUT BIG CHICKEN Founded in 2018, Big Chicken is backed by a dream team of partners; JRS Hospitality, an accomplished Las Vegas-based ownership group; Authentic Brands Group, a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar brand development, marketing and entertainment company; and Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. In early 2025, Craveworthy Brands, a leading, multi-brand restaurant platform company, made a strategic investment in the Brand, which included managing operational control. Big Chicken fuses O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with today's trending flavors. From crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders to Cheez-It® crusted Mac n' Cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes, each menu item tells a story all while offering guests an inside look into the life and personality of Shaquille O'Neal. With several traditional locations currently open and in the development pipeline, Big Chicken is prepped to begin U.S. and international expansion through franchising. To learn more about Big Chicken, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Craveworthy Brands
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taim Mediterranean Kitchen Debuts First Location in Windy City Chicago
Craveworthy Kitchen Introduces Mediterranean Concept Founded by Food Network Champ to Midwest CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Craveworthy Brands, the multi-brand restaurant platform company, has debuted its first-ever location of taim Mediterranean Kitchen ("taim"), in Chicago and the Midwest region, located at Craveworthy Kitchen in Hayden Hall on the second floor of 333 South Wabash Avenue. Founded in 2005 by a two-time Food Network champion in New York City's West Village, taim is celebrated for its market-fresh produce, authentic herbs and spices and time-honored cooking techniques. With 13 locations across New York and Washington D.C., taim is known for delivering bold, made-from-scratch Mediterranean cuisine that has won multiple awards, including "Best Falafel" by The New Yorker. "Introducing taim to the Windy City is a significant step in the Craveworthy journey to bring unique, global flavors to communities around the U.S. through innovative dining experiences," said Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands. Guests can now order from the Concept's menu featuring freshly made hummus, falafel, shawarma, mezze and an array of plates and pitas. Taim's offerings cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring there is something for everyone. It also offers catering with customizable packages for groups of all sizes. "A key part of taim's mission is to slow down, nourish the body with healthy options and gather around the table to organically connect with one another. We're excited to finally be able to share this opportunity in our very own backyard," Majewski added. Craveworthy Kitchen at Hayden Hall is a 25,000-square foot space with modern furnishings, comfortable seating areas and food court-style bays featuring a selection of Craveworthy's culinary concepts, including Krafted Smashburgers, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Pastizza Pizza + Pasta, Scramblin' Eds and The Budlong Southern Chicken. The innovative dining hall is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Nestled right in the heart of the vibrant South Loop neighborhood in the iconic "Big Red" skyscraper, this location offers convenience for students, professionals and tourists alike. Easily accessible by Chicago Transit Authority trains, it is surrounded by top-tier universities like DePaul and Roosevelt, bustling corporate offices and the City's renowned cultural landmarks, including the Art Institute, Grant Park and the Symphony Orchestra. Whether guests are grabbing a quick lunch between classes, taking a break from the office or exploring Chicago's entertainment district, each guest will find a variety of dining options to suit every taste. For more information about taim, please visit For more information about Craveworthy Brands and its concepts, please visit ABOUT TAIM MEDITTERANEAN KITCHEN Founded in 2005, taim Mediterranean Kitchen delivers the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with fresh, high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. Taim's menu includes freshly made hummus, falafel, shawarma and customizable bowls and pitas, catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences. From market-fresh produce to authentic herbs and spices, every dish is crafted with care to provide a craveable dining experience. The Brand has grown from its New York City roots to become a nationally loved brand, bringing vibrant Mediterranean cuisine to communities across the country. Learn more about taim Mediterranean Kitchen at ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDSCraveworthy Brands, the parent company of Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Flat Top Grill, Genghis Grill, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to invigorating and supercharging legacy brands while nurturing and growing emerging brands. The company brings together diverse, yet complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active in the communities it serves and creates exciting career opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn. Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Craveworthy Brands Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Wing It On! Brings Winning Streak to Illinois with Two New Franchise Agreements
Craveworthy Brands to Introduce Ultimate Buffalo Wing Experience to Springfield and Carol Stream, Expected to Open in 2025 CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wing It On!, the wing concept from innovative multi-brand restaurant company Craveworthy Brands ('Craveworthy'), announced two newly signed franchise agreements that will bring additional locations to Illinois. Driven by two experienced franchise groups, the new locations will be introduced in Springfield and Carol Stream, both expected to open in the first half of the year. New Champions Join Wing It On! In Springfield, a local entrepreneur and military veteran is leveraging their business expertise to introduce Wing It On! to the State's Capital. With a successful background in sports and wellness franchising as well as real estate, this marks the franchise partner's first venture into the food and beverage space. They are actively scouting prime locations in the Springfield area. Wing It On! has also partnered with a seasoned group of quick-service franchise partners. The entrepreneurial group, that boasts a strong track record in the restaurant industry, plans to open their first location in the Northwest suburbs. Slated to open in Q1 of 2025, the new location will cater to the local demand for a wing joint. 'We're proud to team up with these champion entrepreneurs to introduce Wing It On! in more Illinois communities, delivering a knockout Buffalo wing experience to local wingnuts,' added Matt Ensero, Co-Founder and Brand President of Wing It On! As Wing It On! continues to grow across the U.S., Illinois is a key market for the Brand's franchise expansion. It opened its first corporate-owned location in the Midwest in Lombard this past July. 'Illinois has quickly become a contender in our growth strategy as we expand across the Midwest,' said Gregg Majewski, Founder and CEO of Craveworthy Brands. 'With wing demand soaring, these new agreements are a testament to the strength of Wing It On!'s franchise business model.' A Winning Franchise Opportunity Recently named one of Franchise Dictionary Magazine's 'Top 100 Game Changers' of 2024, Wing It On! has garnered attention as a high-growth franchise opportunity for those ready to dominate in the booming wing segment. Wing It On!'s turnkey footprint and streamlined operations empower entrepreneurs to deliver award-winning wings with ease. The franchise model is optimized for off-premises dining, featuring a seamless menu compatible with virtual kitchens to unlock additional revenue streams. Tech-forward innovations such as mobile ordering and digital loyalty programs enhance guest engagement, drive repeat business and position franchise partners for long-term success. Backed by Craveworthy Brands' national awareness and proven operational systems, Wing It On! is actively searching for qualified, prospective franchise partners looking to become a part of a champion team and deliver a craveworthy dining experience in their local communities. For more information about Craveworthy Brands, please visit For more information about Wing It On!, please visit For more about the franchise opportunities, please visit About Wing It On! Founded in 2011, Wing It On! is redefining the buffalo wing experience with its dedication to quality, flavor and the perfect wing trifecta: crispy wings, bold sauces and house-made dips. Backed by Craveworthy Brands, Wing It On! is a three-time champion at the National Buffalo Wing Festival, recognized as 'America's Best Sauce' with award-winning flavors that set the bar for excellence in the wing game. With locations from Dallas-Fort Worth to Chicago and beyond, Wing It On! offers an extensive lineup of over 20 unique sauces and rubs, from its award-winning Medium Buffalo to the intense Wings of Prey. Beyond wings, the menu features hand-crafted chicken sandwiches, loaded fries and craveable sides, inviting guests coast-to-coast to indulge in the ultimate wing experience. For more information, visit ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS Craveworthy Brands, the parent company of Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Fresh Brothers Pizza, Flat Top Grill, Genghis Grill, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Nomad Dawgs, Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to invigorating and supercharging legacy brands while nurturing and growing emerging brands. The company brings together diverse, yet complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active in the communities it serves and creates exciting career opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn. Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at
