Signaling a major operational milestone since its integration into a massive multi-brand hospitality ecosystem, Gregorys Coffee has officially signed its first-ever franchise agreement. Announced on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the specialty coffee brand has awarded its inaugural franchise territory to Stavros Zamfotis, a nine-year company veteran who climbed the ranks from a front-line barista to district manager before entering the franchise system as an independent owner-operator.
The agreement targets Bergen County, New Jersey, marking the official transition of the New York City-born specialty brand from a corporate-owned model to a high-growth franchise expansion playbook.
Capitalizing on “Homegrown” Operational Expertise
For emerging restaurant platforms, awarding an initial franchise territory to an internal employee significantly lowers operational risk. Stavros Zamfotis—who is also the younger cousin of company founder Gregory Zamfotis—brings an exhaustive understanding of the brand’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
During his near-decade tenure with the company, Stavros assisted in scaling the brand from five to 36 regional units, eventually managing a high-volume district of eight locations across the New York and New Jersey metropolitan areas. By tapping a “homegrown” operator who already understands bean extraction variables, inventory overhead, and corporate culture, Gregorys is prioritizing flawless initial franchise execution over rapid, unverified unit growth.
“My heart has always been with Gregorys,” stated Stavros Zamfotis. “I’ve worked alongside my family and the incredible people who built this brand from the ground up. I know what it stands for, what it takes to run it well and what it means to the Gregulars it serves every day. I’ve always strived to be an entrepreneur, and there’s no brand I’d rather do that with.”
Founder Gregory Zamfotis echoed the sentiment, noting:
“He didn’t just work here; he lived this brand with us. He crafted the product, built strong teams, led successful shops in the market and understood what we’re really about long before franchising. The fact that our first franchise agreement is with family signifies exactly who we are.”
Leveraging the Craveworthy Brands Shared Infrastructure
The launch of the franchise program represents the first major commercial rollout since Gregorys Coffee partnered with Craveworthy Brands in 2025. Led by founder and CEO Gregg Majewski, Craveworthy operates a multi-brand restaurant platform encompassing over 20 concepts and 300+ locations nationwide.
By plugging into Craveworthy’s extensive shared services corporate infrastructure, Gregorys’ new franchise network gains instant access to enterprise-level backing that independent coffee concepts rarely command:
- Supply Chain Optimization: Centralized sourcing for proprietary, small-batch coffee beans roasted in Gregorys’ dedicated NYC facility.
- Real Estate & Site Selection: Data-driven location mapping to secure high-traffic commuter nodes in suburban and urban corridors.
- Back-of-House Systems: Scalable technology stacks, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and multi-unit marketing support to minimize localized overhead.
“Stavros is what a Craveworthy success story looks like,” said Gregg Majewski. “He started behind the counter, bet on himself and never stopped owning the outcome. That’s exactly the kind of operator we built this platform for.”
Moving forward into the remainder of 2026, Gregorys Coffee and Craveworthy Brands are actively courting multi-unit operators to spearhead regional growth across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain West, and select West Coast territories. To support this push, the executive team is hosting live open-house events on May 29 and May 30 at their Manhattan flagship location (874 Sixth Avenue), timed perfectly alongside one of the biggest franchise trade weeks of the year at the nearby Javits Center.
FAQs
Who is Gregorys Coffee’s first franchise owner?
The first franchise agreement was signed with Stavros Zamfotis, a former Gregorys barista and district manager who spent nine years working within the brand’s corporate retail system.
Where will the first franchised Gregorys Coffee be located?
The initial franchised location is slated for Bergen County, New Jersey, bringing the brand to the owner’s home community.
When did Gregorys Coffee start franchising?
Gregorys Coffee joined the Craveworthy Brands portfolio in 2025 and officially finalized its franchise program infrastructure in early 2026.
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