Craveworthy Brands and Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer Double Down in 'People Business' with New Strategic Venture - Taffer's Tavern

Innovative Restaurant Platform to Scale Exceptional Operations and Franchise Program for Taffer’s Tavern Founded by Award-Winning Television Host and Executive Producer

CHICAGO, May 14, 2025 – Multi-restaurant platform company, Craveworthy Brands (“Craveworthy”) and 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, have established a strategic joint venture to unlock new growth opportunities and further elevate the brand experience nationwide.

Taffer’s Tavern is positioned to grow faster, smarter, and with the kind of integrity that defines a world-class brand.

Built on a mutual commitment 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. The full-service concept joins Craveworthy’s diverse lineup of 17 brands, alongside its recent additions Ndamukong Suh’s Kinnamōns and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken.

Taffer’s Tavern is the quintessential modern-day tavern: a warm, inviting gathering place where old friends can reconnect, and new memories are made. Designed with the charm of traditional ‘Old-World’ pubs and built for today’s dining experiences, Taffer’s redefines comfort food and favorite classic cocktails through innovation, flavor, and unmatched hospitality.

The pub franchise also features a “fast-craft” cocktail program, marrying advanced mixology techniques with social-forward presentation to create a high-class beverage experience. Signature cocktails are thoughtfully balanced and visually stunning, backed by a curated liquor list that celebrates both national favorites and regional distilleries. Guests can enjoy a floor-to-ceiling bar stocked with local beer selections, perfectly poured drafts and a wine program tailored to market preferences.

In addition to its focus on strengthening restaurant operations, Craveworthy will continue to scale the company’s national footprint through a franchise program rooted in a hospitality-first approach, culinary innovation, and operational ease. With proven systems, advanced technology, and a streamlined model, the brand presents a compelling opportunity for other experienced restaurant operators and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry.

Craveworthy is rooted in operational excellence, and when it comes to standout operators in the bar space, few are more respected than legend Jon Taffer. Blending a modern take on the traditional tavern with a low-overhead design and an exceptional guest experience, the concept is backed by Taffer’s Tavern’s proven track record and Craveworthy’s industry-leading support.

Leadership Commentary

“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,” said CEO and Founder of Craveworthy, Gregg Majewski.

Majewski continued, “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.”

“Hospitality isn’t just a business — it’s personal,” said Taffer’s Tavern founder, Jon Taffer. “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.”

Taffer added, “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.”

“We always open our doors to concepts that put people at the center of their business, and this one just clicked. It has the kind of true heart, soul, and opportunity that makes it a dream business for entrepreneurs. It’s the kind of brand that makes you proud to build with,” said Craveworthy’s Chief Business Officer, Josh Halpern.

Halpern concluded, “Our goal has always been to deliver brands that stand out and systems that make ownership achievable. This joint partnership blends personality, performance, and potential in a way that’s rare in full-service dining. We’re excited to help others bring this vision to life in their own communities.”

To learn more about Craveworthy Brands, please visit www.craveworthybrands.com. To learn more about Taffer’s Tavern, please visit www.tafferstavern.com.

For more information on franchise opportunities with Taffer’s Tavern, please complete the form at: https://www.tafferstavern.com/contact/?location=Corporate&category=Become%20a%20Franchisee.

ABOUT CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS
Craveworthy 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, Taffer’s Tavern by “Bar Rescue’s” Jon Taffer, 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 www.craveworthybrands.com.

ABOUT JON TAFFER
Jon Taffer is an award-winning hospitality expert, entrepreneur and thought leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality, entertainment and nightlife industries. Best known as executive producer and star of Paramount Network’s Bar Rescue, a non-scripted reality show that spotlights Jon as he saves failing bars from looming closure now in its ninth season. His latest endeavor is Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon, a rich, bold bourbon whiskey with notes of vanilla and toffee inspired by his years of cocktail and culinary creations. In 2025, Jon partnered with multi-brand restaurant platform, Craveworthy Brands, to scale his innovative, full-service restaurant franchise concept, Taffer’s Tavern, which debuted in Atlanta in 2020. Taffer’s Tavern features outstanding signature cocktails, elevated tavern foods and the latest advancements in restaurant technologies. Concurrently, Jon runs Taffer Dynamics, his business consulting firm. Over the years, he has consulted for a range of well-known brands, including the NFL Network, Anheuser-Bush, Ritz-Carlton, TGI Fridays, Buffalo Wild Wings, Famous Dave’s Barbecue and Fortune 500 brands such as Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International. In addition, Jon is a best-selling author having written three books: “Raise the Bar,” “Don’t Bulls*t Yourself” and his newest book “The Power of Conflict: Speak Your Mind and Get the Results You Want.” For more information, visit www.jontaffer.com.

SOURCE Craveworthy Brands