.png)
Gregorys Coffee, the New York-born speciality coffee brand, has signed its first-ever franchise agreement, marking a pivotal step in its national growth strategy.
The agreement has been signed with Stavros Zamfotis, a nine-year veteran of the company and cousin of founder Gregory Zamfotis. He will establish his first franchise location in Bergen County, New Jersey, bringing the brand to his home community.
The agreement highlights an internal-first approach to the brand's new franchising model. Stavros Zamfotis joined Gregorys Coffee as a barista, eventually rising to the position of district manager. During his tenure, he oversaw operations across a district of eight locations and helped scale the brand from five to 36 sites across New York and New Jersey.
Gregory Zamfotis, founder of Gregorys Coffee, noted that the inaugural agreement represents the core identity of the brand, emphasising that the first franchisee is someone who has lived the brand, crafted the products, and led teams before the launch of the franchise model.
"My heart has always been with Gregorys," said 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. This is extremely personal."
Gregorys Coffee has grown to more than 50 locations nationwide over nearly 20 years. The company's business model relies on small-batch coffee roasted at its dedicated New York City facility, alongside a scratch-made food programme designed to build repeat local custom.
The transition to franchising follows Gregorys Coffee joining the Craveworthy Brands portfolio in 2025. The coffee brand launched its formal franchise programme in 2026, allowing new operators to access Craveworthy’s shared services platform. This infrastructure provides centralised support for:
Quality control and training
Culinary development and supply chain management
Real estate acquisition and marketing technology
Following this initial agreement, Gregorys Coffee is actively seeking experienced operators to expand its footprint. The brand has targeted several key growth territories, including the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Mountain West, and select West Coast regions.
