From Maxed-Out Credit Cards to 41 Locations: John Gelastopoulos on Building Broken Yolk’s Lasting Momentum

Most people buy a restaurant and inherit someone else’s problems. John Gelastopoulos bought a closed breakfast spot, maxed out his credit cards to keep it alive—and turned it into a 41-location powerhouse. The secret? Relentless persistence and an obsession with people.

In this conversation, John shares how he went from washing dishes to franchising nationwide, why filling the dining room once can create a lasting ripple effect, and the systems that keep his culture intact across dozens of locations. We get into scaling without losing empathy, making smart pricing moves through economic swings, and focusing only on what you can control—no matter the competition.

If you’re ready to see how grit, relationships, and a well-timed Rolodex can build an empire, this episode delivers.

To learn more about Broken Yolk Café and their franchise opportunities, visit www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com

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