Established
1988
Franchise Units
350
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Manhattan Bagel franchise represents one of the most recognizable and trusted names in the American fast-casual breakfast and café segment. Built on the authentic tradition of New York–style bagels boiled and baked fresh daily, Manhattan Bagel has carved out a powerful niche by delivering premium-quality food, consistent operations, and a loyal morning and lunch customer base.
Unlike generic bakery cafés, Manhattan Bagel focuses on craftsmanship—hand-rolled bagels, house-made cream cheeses, fresh-brewed coffee, and customizable breakfast and lunch options. This commitment to freshness and quality has helped the brand thrive in both suburban and urban markets across the United States.
For entrepreneurs seeking a recession-resilient, daytime-focused food franchise, Manhattan Bagel offers a proven business model, strong brand equity, and an operational structure designed for scalability. With most locations operating primarily during breakfast and lunch hours, franchisees benefit from lower labor complexity and predictable customer demand, making it an attractive opportunity for both first-time owners and multi-unit operators.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Manhattan Bagel franchise in the USA provides a blend of brand recognition, operational simplicity, and consistent customer traffic.
Key reasons investors are drawn to the brand include:
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Established national brand with decades of consumer trust
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Authentic New York–style bagel positioning that differentiates it from generic cafés
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Strong breakfast and lunch demand with limited late-night operations
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Streamlined menu that reduces food waste and operational inefficiencies
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Flexible store formats suitable for strip centers, end caps, and urban locations
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Repeat customer behavior driven by daily breakfast routines
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Scalable model suitable for multi-unit and area development growth
Background
Brand Name: Manhattan Bagel
Founded: 1988
Franchising Began: Early 1990s
Founders: Barry Shapiro and Rick Entenmann
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Bakery Café
Headquarters: United States
Franchise Active Units (USA): 350+ locations
Manhattan Bagel was founded with a clear mission—to bring authentic New York bagels to communities across America. Starting as a single bakery concept, the brand quickly gained traction for its traditional boiling-and-baking process, a method rarely replicated at scale.
Over time, Manhattan Bagel evolved into a strong franchise system, expanding throughout the East Coast, Midwest, and Southern markets. The brand is now part of a larger restaurant group, benefiting from enhanced operational systems, supply chain efficiencies, and strategic growth planning.
Today, Manhattan Bagel is recognized as a leader in the bagel café segment, serving millions of customers annually while maintaining its core promise of freshness, consistency, and quality.
Support Training
Manhattan Bagel offers comprehensive, end-to-end franchisee support designed to guide owners from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support Includes:
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Site selection and lease evaluation assistance
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Store design guidance and build-out coordination
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Equipment specifications and vendor sourcing
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Pre-opening marketing and launch strategy planning
Training & Operational Support:
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Extensive initial training covering food preparation, operations, POS systems, and staffing
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On-site opening assistance during launch
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Standardized operating procedures and food safety protocols
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Inventory management and cost control systems
Marketing & Ongoing Support:
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National and regional marketing campaigns
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Digital marketing, loyalty programs, and local store marketing tools
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Ongoing field support and performance coaching
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Access to proprietary systems, recipes, and operational updates
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Manhattan Bagel franchisee is a hands-on or semi-absentee operator with a passion for food service, hospitality, and community engagement.
Preferred characteristics include:
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Experience in food service, retail, or multi-unit operations (helpful but not mandatory)
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Strong people management and customer service skills
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Ability to follow structured systems and brand standards
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Financial capability to meet investment requirements
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Desire to operate a daytime-focused business
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Interest in single-unit ownership or multi-unit expansion
Manhattan Bagel appeals to entrepreneurs looking for a balanced lifestyle business with strong operational support and long-term growth potential.
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and vary by location, market, and store size.
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $500,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Store Build-Out & Equipment | $250,000 – $400,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | ~2% of gross sales |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 18 – 30 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, beverage sales, online ordering |
With strong breakfast traffic, repeat customers, and growing off-premise demand, Manhattan Bagel locations are positioned for steady revenue performance in high-visibility markets.