Charlotte’s caffeine scene might be in for a jolt. Gregorys Coffee, the New York specialty chain now backed by Craveworthy Brands, has zeroed in on the Queen City and expects to ink its first local franchise deal within about six months, according to Craveworthy’s CEO. The move is part of the brand’s broader national franchising push after the investor partnership formed last year.
That Charlotte timeline came directly from CEO Gregg Majewski in an interview with the Charlotte Business Journal. As reported there, Majewski said the company is actively courting operators and hopes to “ink” its first deal in the city within roughly six months. The outlet notes the firm is prioritizing experienced multi-unit partners who can move quickly on leases and buildouts.
Craveworthy became an investor and managing partner in Gregorys in August 2025 and has publicly pushed a franchise program since, according to a company release. As outlined by PR Newswire, the platform planned to open the brand to franchisees late last year, while national coverage by CNBC highlighted Gregg Majewski’s intention to scale Gregorys beyond its Northeast footprint.
Gregorys and Craveworthy have already started recruiting franchise partners and staged a franchise open house in February at a New Jersey location, NJBIZ reported. Hoodline has also tracked the chain’s early outreach in other markets, noting a recent San Antonio franchise push as Gregorys courts Sun Belt and commuter-heavy metros.
Craveworthy's Playbook
Craveworthy says it will provide franchisees with operations, training, supply chain and marketing support while protecting Gregorys’ roast-fresh identity, according to company materials. The strategy, to pair a craft-forward product with a franchising engine, was laid out in the PR Newswire announcement, which also notes that founder Gregory Zamfotis will remain president as the brand scales.
What This Could Mean For Charlotte
If Craveworthy signs a Charlotte operator, Gregorys locations would most likely land in dense Uptown corridors, transit hubs or college-adjacent neighborhoods that match the brand’s high-density playbook, Majewski told the Charlotte Business Journal. As reported by the Charlotte Business Journal, the company is looking for operators with local market experience and the ability to roll out multiple units.
Next Steps For Operators
Prospective franchisees in Charlotte should watch for formal franchise materials and discovery events from Gregorys and Craveworthy. The company has posted program information on its site and will likely schedule local outreach as territories become available. For an overview of the franchise program and the company’s stated support for operators, see Craveworthy Brands. We will update when the company names an operator or files local permits.
