1993
70
$250,000
$25,000
$350,000
No
The Big Apple Bagels Franchise is one of America’s most beloved bakery café concepts, combining the timeless appeal of freshly baked bagels with a versatile menu that attracts customers throughout the day. Known for its hand-crafted bagels, gourmet sandwiches, premium coffee, and the iconic My Favorite Muffin® brand, Big Apple Bagels has built a strong reputation in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. With its focus on freshness, quality, and community-driven customer service, the brand has positioned itself as a leading player in the fast-growing bakery café sector.
For entrepreneurs seeking a scalable and profitable franchise model, Big Apple Bagels offers a unique blend of breakfast, lunch, and snack options, ensuring multiple revenue streams. As a proven franchise system with nationwide recognition, it provides investors with the tools, training, and operational support necessary to thrive in the competitive U.S. food and beverage industry.
Strong Brand Identity – Big Apple Bagels is a recognized brand with a loyal customer base and decades of industry presence.
Multiple Revenue Streams – Earn from fresh bagels, sandwiches, coffee, muffins, catering services, and take-home bakery items.
All-Day Demand – Breakfast, lunch, and snack offerings create consistent sales throughout the day.
Turnkey Franchise Model – Proven systems, operational guidance, and marketing strategies help reduce risk.
Expanding Market – The bakery café industry continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for fresh, convenient, and premium-quality meals.
Established Year: 1993
Founder(s): Joseph A. Street and James J. Zielke
Parent Company: BAB, Inc. (publicly traded on the OTC markets)
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) / Bakery Café
Franchise Units: 70+ locations across the United States (as of recent data)
Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois, USA
Big Apple Bagels started with a simple vision: to serve fresh, New York-style bagels paired with a diverse café menu. Over the years, the brand expanded its offerings with sandwiches, premium coffee, and muffins through its sister brand My Favorite Muffin®. With strong franchise leadership and continuous product innovation, it has grown into a reputable national franchise with presence in multiple states.
Big Apple Bagels ensures franchisees are well-prepared to run a successful bakery café through comprehensive support systems, including:
Pre-Launch Support – Guidance in site selection, store design, lease negotiation, and equipment procurement.
Initial Training Program – Hands-on training covering operations, menu preparation, food safety, staff management, and customer service.
Marketing Assistance – Grand opening campaigns, local store marketing strategies, digital marketing, and national brand awareness initiatives.
Operational Support – Ongoing field support, regular updates on new products, supply chain management, and quality assurance programs.
Academic & Managerial Training – Franchisee workshops, management tools, and continuous improvement training sessions.
Technology & POS Support – Assistance with modern POS systems, sales tracking, and customer loyalty programs.
The ideal Big Apple Bagels franchisee is:
An entrepreneur or investor with a passion for the food and beverage industry.
Someone with prior business or management experience, though not mandatory due to strong training support.
Financially capable of investing in a retail foodservice business, with required liquid capital and net worth.
Enthusiastic about community engagement, as local presence and customer relationships are crucial for success.
Interested in opening stores in high-traffic locations such as shopping centers, college towns, suburban neighborhoods, and urban business districts.
| Financial Requirement | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $250,000 – $350,000 |
| Minimum Investment | $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Infrastructure/Build-out Cost | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Expected ROI | 18–24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, takeout, catering, baked goods, sandwiches, coffee & beverages, muffins, retail packaged products |
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