Craveworthy Brands Enters New Era with Acquisition of New England Authentic Eats, Expanding Wing It On! Portfolio

Craveworthy Brands Strengthens Its Portfolio with New Acquisition

Craveworthy Brands, a dynamic multi-brand restaurant platform, has made a significant leap in its expansion strategy by signing a definitive agreement to acquire New England Authentic Eats LLC, the esteemed parent company of Papa Gino's Pizzeria. This acquisition not only signifies a bold move for Craveworthy but also paves the way for the expansion of its Wing It On! concept across the New England region.

A Strategic Acquisition

Announced on November 9, 2026, this transaction is set to close by December 31, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. With this acquisition, Craveworthy is poised to integrate its Wing It On! brand in every Papa Gino's location, effectively transforming the landscape of fast-casual dining in the area.

Founded in East Boston in 1961, Papa Gino’s has long been a cherished staple for New Englanders, famous for its handmade pizza crafted from traditional Italian recipes. This beloved brand, often hailed as the "Official Pizza of New Englanders," will maintain its distinctive identity while benefiting from Craveworthy's operational expertise and growth strategies.

Impact of the Acquisition

By integrating Papa Gino's into its portfolio, Craveworthy anticipates the addition of over 160 restaurants and an approximate $160 million in annual revenue. This will increase Craveworthy's total restaurant count to nearly 500 locations, significantly boosting its footprint in New England. As part of the rollout plan, Wing It On! will see its locations swell from 45 to more than 145, marking a monumental growth trajectory.

The unique co-branding strategy leverages Papa Gino's established reputation and regional resonance and seamlessly blends it with Wing It On!'s offerings, recognized for their premium buffalo wings, crafted house-made dips, and award-winning sauces. The strategic combination of these two brands offers customers innovative ways to enjoy family meals or well-deserved game-day orders.

Operational Strength and Growth Opportunities

Craveworthy brings a robust framework to this new merger, with over $300 million in systemwide sales prior to the acquisition. The company plans to enhance operational efficiency and support for existing restaurant teams through combined purchasing power, state-of-the-art technology, comprehensive training programs, and established operational systems.

"We are dedicated to honoring what makes Papa Gino's a cherished institution while simultaneously enhancing it with our Wing It On! brand. This partnership is about more than just pizza and wings; it's about creating an exceptional dining experience for our guests," said Gregg Majewski, CEO and founder of Craveworthy.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter

As Craveworthy moves forward with this strategic acquisition, the focus remains on fostering growth through a hospitality-first approach that emphasizes people, processes, and product. The leadership at Craveworthy believes that supporting their teams and delivering outstanding service is fundamental to achieving long-term success.

The agreement with New England Authentic Eats is part of a broader strategy, with Craveworthy aiming to pursue additional acquisitions every six to nine months. This expanding vision not only strengthens operational capabilities but also opens up new development opportunities.

As the brand embarks on this exciting new chapter, the commitment remains to create numerous success stories, shaping a vibrant and rewarding market presence for their employees, franchisees, and the communities they serve. Both the Craveworthy and Papa Gino's teams are eager to bring the Wing It On! experience to new and loyal customers alike.

For more information on this exciting development, visit Craveworthy Brands, Papa Gino's, and Wing It On!.