Established
1993
Franchise Units
70
Minimum Investment
$250,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Strong Brand Identity – Big Apple Bagels is a recognized brand with a loyal customer base and decades of industry presence.
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Multiple Revenue Streams – Earn from fresh bagels, sandwiches, coffee, muffins, catering services, and take-home bakery items.
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All-Day Demand – Breakfast, lunch, and snack offerings create consistent sales throughout the day.
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Turnkey Franchise Model – Proven systems, operational guidance, and marketing strategies help reduce risk.
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Expanding Market – The bakery café industry continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for fresh, convenient, and premium-quality meals.
Background
Established Year: 1993
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Founder(s): Joseph A. Street and James J. Zielke
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Parent Company: BAB, Inc. (publicly traded on the OTC markets)
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Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) / Bakery Café
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Franchise Units: 70+ locations across the United States (as of recent data)
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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.
Support Training
Big Apple Bagels ensures franchisees are well-prepared to run a successful bakery café through comprehensive support systems, including:
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Pre-Launch Support – Guidance in site selection, store design, lease negotiation, and equipment procurement.
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Initial Training Program – Hands-on training covering operations, menu preparation, food safety, staff management, and customer service.
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Marketing Assistance – Grand opening campaigns, local store marketing strategies, digital marketing, and national brand awareness initiatives.
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Operational Support – Ongoing field support, regular updates on new products, supply chain management, and quality assurance programs.
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Academic & Managerial Training – Franchisee workshops, management tools, and continuous improvement training sessions.
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Technology & POS Support – Assistance with modern POS systems, sales tracking, and customer loyalty programs.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Big Apple Bagels franchisee is:
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An entrepreneur or investor with a passion for the food and beverage industry.
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Someone with prior business or management experience, though not mandatory due to strong training support.
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Financially capable of investing in a retail foodservice business, with required liquid capital and net worth.
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Enthusiastic about community engagement, as local presence and customer relationships are crucial for success.
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Interested in opening stores in high-traffic locations such as shopping centers, college towns, suburban neighborhoods, and urban business districts.
Financial Detail
| 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 |