Description
Einstein Bros. Bagels has become one of America’s most beloved breakfast and bakery café brands, known for its warm atmosphere, artisan bagels, freshly brewed coffee, and hearty breakfast sandwiches. Founded on the idea that a great day starts with a great bagel, Einstein Bros. Bagels has established itself as a trusted neighborhood café where quality ingredients and community connection come together.
As part of the fast-casual bakery-café industry, Einstein Bros. Bagels stands out with its strong brand identity, diverse menu, and operational excellence. The franchise has built a loyal following by blending tradition with modern convenience—offering dine-in, takeout, catering, and digital ordering options that cater to today’s busy consumers. Backed by the strength of its parent company, Coffee & Bagel Brands, which also owns Caribou Coffee and Bruegger’s Bagels, the Einstein Bros. Bagels franchise benefits from a deep reservoir of operational expertise and national recognition.
If you’re looking to own a well-established, reputable, and profitable breakfast brand, Einstein Bros. Bagels offers an excellent opportunity to join one of the most recognized names in the American café scene.
Why Invest in the Einstein Bros. Bagels Franchise?
Investing in an Einstein Bros. Bagels franchise means stepping into a proven business model supported by decades of experience, strong brand equity, and ongoing innovation. Here’s why franchisees choose Einstein Bros. Bagels:
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Proven Track Record: With a legacy spanning more than three decades, Einstein Bros. Bagels has perfected its recipes, processes, and customer experience.
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Growing Breakfast Segment: The breakfast and brunch category in the U.S. is one of the fastest-growing segments in the foodservice industry, with increasing demand for fresh, on-the-go meals.
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National Brand Recognition: The brand enjoys a strong following and nationwide presence, helping new franchisees benefit from built-in consumer awareness.
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Flexible Footprint Models: Whether it’s a traditional bakery café, drive-thru model, or non-traditional space like airports and universities, Einstein Bros. Bagels offers adaptable formats for different markets.
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Comprehensive Support: From real estate selection to grand opening marketing, the company provides end-to-end assistance to help franchise owners thrive.
Background
Established Year: 1995
Founders: Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.
Headquarters: Lakewood, Colorado, USA
Parent Company: Coffee & Bagel Brands (also owns Caribou Coffee, Bruegger’s Bagels, Manhattan Bagel)
Franchise Units (Approximate): 600+ locations across the United States
Einstein Bros. Bagels was founded in 1995 when several popular regional bagel chains—such as Offerdahl’s Bagel Gourmet, Brackman Brothers, and Bagel & Bagel—merged under one cohesive national brand. The goal was simple: to create a warm, welcoming café that serves fresh-baked bagels and wholesome breakfast favorites that make people’s mornings better.
Over the decades, the brand has grown into one of America’s most recognized names in the bakery-café industry. From its headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, Einstein Bros. Bagels has developed a strong operational infrastructure and consistent menu that attracts both loyal customers and new visitors daily. Each location is committed to baking bagels fresh every morning, ensuring guests experience the brand’s signature quality and aroma of just-out-of-the-oven goodness.
Today, Einstein Bros. Bagels operates in over 40 states and continues to expand its presence through both traditional and non-traditional venues such as airports, universities, hospitals, and corporate campuses. The franchise’s success lies in its ability to blend artisanal bakery culture with a fast-casual experience, offering a wide selection of breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and catering services that appeal to busy professionals, families, and students alike.
Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Coffee & Bagel Brands, a powerful portfolio that combines expertise from multiple successful café concepts. This parent company provides strong operational backing, marketing strategies, and franchise development systems—giving Einstein Bros. Bagels franchisees the confidence and resources to grow sustainably.
With its well-established supply chain, national brand awareness, and focus on community-driven hospitality, Einstein Bros. Bagels has built a reputation not just as a place for breakfast—but as a local gathering spot where smiles and bagels are served fresh every day.
Support Training
Einstein Bros. Bagels offers an extensive franchise training and support system designed to help new owners confidently manage every aspect of their business.
Pre-Opening Support:
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Assistance with site selection, market analysis, and lease negotiations.
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Guidance on store design and buildout, including equipment layout and vendor coordination.
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Comprehensive initial training program covering operations, customer service, inventory management, and employee training.
Operational Support:
Marketing Support:
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National marketing campaigns promoting the brand through digital media, loyalty programs, and seasonal promotions.
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Access to in-house creative assets and local store marketing resources to drive community engagement and awareness.
Ongoing Training & Development:
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Continuous learning modules, workshops, and refresher courses for franchisees and managers.
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Updates on menu innovations, technology tools, and new operational strategies to maintain brand standards.
This comprehensive support ensures every franchisee has the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed for long-term success.
Ideal Candidate
Einstein Bros. Bagels seeks franchise partners who are passionate about food, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences. The ideal franchisee embodies the brand’s community-oriented spirit and operational excellence.
Ideal Candidate Attributes:
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Proven experience in foodservice, retail, or multi-unit operations (preferred but not mandatory).
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Strong leadership and people management skills.
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Commitment to maintaining high standards of customer service and quality.
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Financial capability to support startup and operating costs.
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A passion for community engagement and local marketing.
Investment Capability:
Franchise candidates should have a minimum net worth of $750,000 and liquid capital of at least $250,000 per unit.
Location Preferences:
Einstein Bros. Bagels franchises perform best in high-traffic suburban, urban, and university areas, as well as near office complexes and retail hubs.
Financial Detail
Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
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Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 | One-time fee granting franchise rights, use of brand name, and access to proprietary systems.
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Total Initial Investment | $600,000 – $1,200,000 | Includes construction, leasehold improvements, equipment, signage, inventory, and working capital. |
Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $250,000 | Recommended available cash to manage initial setup and early operations.
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Net Worth Requirement | $750,000 | Minimum financial strength expected from franchise candidates. |
Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for continued brand support, system access, and operational guidance.
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National Marketing Fund Contribution | 2% of gross sales | Supports brand-wide advertising, promotions, and digital marketing initiatives. |
Local Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 | Initial local store marketing spend for grand opening and community engagement.
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Leasehold Improvements | $250,000 – $400,000 | Includes construction, interior buildout, and design according to brand standards. |
Equipment & Fixtures | $150,000 – $250,000 | Includes baking ovens, refrigeration, counters, POS systems, and furniture.
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Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $15,000 | First supply of ingredients, packaging materials, and consumables. |
Working Capital (First 3 Months) | $50,000 – $100,000 | Covers staffing, utilities, and operational expenses during the ramp-up period.
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Training Expenses | $10,000 – $15,000 | Covers travel, lodging, and training program participation for franchise owners and managers. |
Expected ROI Period | 2 to 3 years | Average time to recover the initial investment depending on location and sales volume.
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Break-even Timeline | 18 – 24 months | Typical time for a unit to achieve operational profitability. |
Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, catering, delivery, drive-thru, and corporate partnerships | Multiple sources of income that enhance long-term profitability.
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