By Gregg Majewski, CEO and Founder of Craveworthy Brands
In the restaurant and franchise industries, growth goes beyond the numbers, it is about identifying where opportunity meets mission, and where passion meets purpose. At Craveworthy Brands (“Craveworthy,”) we are constantly evaluating what makes a concept not just scalable, but truly impactful. We breathe new life into emerging and legacy brands that have soul and deliver exceptional dining experiences to consumers. At the end of the day, we are in the business of people, and above all, we are looking for partners and brands who share that people-first mindset.
In our latest strategic joint venture, we have teamed up with Taffer’s Tavern, one of the first full-service pub franchises founded by award-winning hospitality expert, author and “Bar Rescue” television host and executive producer, Jon Taffer. This partnership represents a powerful position of vision, values and opportunity. Taffer’s impressive track record in the hospitality world speaks for itself, not just as a leader behind the industry leading T.V. show, but as an operator who truly understands how to turn a concept into a thriving business.
In adding Taffer’s Tavern to Craveworthy’s robust portfolio, our goal is to unlock new growth opportunities and elevate the brand experience nationwide. This goes beyond just opening new locations and entering new markets; it is a joint commitment to value and creating chances without compromising on what makes the brand special through a hospitality-first, operator-focused approach.
A Shared Commitment to True Hospitality
At Craveworthy Brands, we keep an eye out for unique brands that are grounded in purpose. When Taffer and I began our initial discussions, it was a meeting of the minds, our unwavering belief in what hospitality should be, carving out a blueprint for success.
Taffer has spent more than four decades in hospitality, spearheading the transformation of thousands of restaurants and pub operations, sharing guidance and allowing them to thrive. With the goal of creating a quintessential modern-day tavern, Taffer’s Tavern was born as a gathering place where old friends can reconnect, and new memories are made – combining familiarity with innovation. From the beginning, it was clear that Taffer’s Tavern was a brand with heart and soul, sharing in Craveworthy’s mission to providing world-class guest experiences.
Craveworthy is rooted in operational excellence, and when it comes to standout operators in the pub space, few are more respected than legend, Jon Taffer. Built on a mutual devotion to putting people first, the partnership mixes Craveworthy’s proven expertise in restaurant growth with Taffer’s star-powered market presence to propel its operations and create a bold, joint vision for the future of hospitality.
Scaling with Intention and Purpose
The franchising space continues to flourish, with new and existing concepts growing faster than ever. It is crucial that systems are in place to ensure that when we scale our brands, we do it right, setting our owner-operators up for long-term success. Craveworthy was built for operators, by operators.
In addition to strengthening the restaurant organization, Craveworthy will continue expanding the brand’s national footprint through a franchise program rooted in a hospitality-first approach, culinary innovation and operational ease. With efficient systems, advanced technology and industry-leading support, Taffer’s Tavern presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs entering the pub space with an established model.
What sets Taffer’s Tavern apart is that it never compromises on personal values. The brand was purposefully created to be both operator-friendly and profitability-focused – without sacrificing integrity, hospitality or the guest experience. With a flexible footprint, simplified kitchen execution and a strategic back-of-house model, Taffer’s Tavern empowers franchise partners to operate proficiently and scale sustainably. The combination of low overhead, speed of service and a recognizable name with a built-in world presence creates a rare opportunity to align mission and margin in one powerful concept.
The Human Element
Beyond shared interests, what truly sealed the deal in this strategic venture is our shared belief in the importance of human connection. Taffer and I both agree that hospitality is a deeply personal industry, and our goal is to create a sense of community in each of our restaurants where guests feel welcomed and remembered. Outside of looking at revenue and margins, we want to make sure that our brands are resonating with them first. For franchise partners, we want to ensure that we are providing the opportunity for them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while feeling immensely supported.
This joint venture is a values-based partnership between leaders who believe that the best way forward is to put people first, deeply investing in its guests, franchise partners and team members. In this exciting chapter for both Craveworthy Brands and Taffer’s Tavern, we are laying the foundation for a new phase of growth.