Established
1993
Franchise Units
52
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$750,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Great American Bagel is a well-established fast-casual bakery café brand that has built a loyal customer base across the United States by focusing on authentic, fresh-baked bagels made using traditional techniques. Known for its classic New York–style bagels, premium cream cheese spreads, breakfast sandwiches, and café-style menu, the brand combines old-world baking craftsmanship with modern operational efficiency.
Positioned in the highly resilient breakfast and quick-service restaurant segment, the concept appeals to busy professionals, families, commuters, and on-the-go consumers seeking consistent quality and trusted flavors. The Great American Bagel performs particularly well in high-traffic environments such as downtown business districts, shopping centers, universities, airports, and mixed-use developments, making it a flexible and scalable franchise model.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
The Great American Bagel stands out in the competitive QSR space due to its strong breakfast demand, repeat customer traffic, and operational simplicity.
Key reasons to invest include:
• Proven bagel and breakfast concept with national recognition
• Strong morning and daytime sales with consistent customer demand
• Simplified operations compared to full-service restaurants
• Daytime-focused operating hours that support work-life balance
• Multiple revenue streams including dine-in, takeout, catering, and delivery
• Scalable model suitable for single-unit and multi-unit ownership
• Established supply chain and standardized systems
• Resilient performance due to everyday affordability
Background
Brand Name: The Great American Bagel
Established Year: 1993
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Bakery Café
Franchise Active Units: 52
Founded in the early 1990s, The Great American Bagel was created to bring authentic kettle-boiled, New York–style bagels to a broader American audience. The brand quickly gained popularity for its commitment to freshness, hand-crafted baking processes, and a welcoming café environment.
Over the years, the company refined its franchise systems, expanded into multiple states, and built a strong reputation for consistency and quality. Today, the brand maintains a solid presence across the United States, operating in traditional storefronts as well as non-traditional locations such as airports and campuses.
Support Training
The franchise provides end-to-end support to help owners launch and operate successfully.
Pre-Launch Support:
• Site selection and territory evaluation
• Store layout and design guidance
• Equipment specifications and vendor coordination
• Pre-opening planning and launch timelines
Training Program:
• Comprehensive initial training for owners and managers
• In-store operational training covering baking, food preparation, and service
• POS systems, inventory control, and labor management training
• Food safety and quality assurance education
Operational Support:
• Detailed operating manuals and standardized procedures
• Ongoing field support and performance reviews
• Access to proven systems and best practices
Marketing & Brand Support:
• National and regional marketing initiatives
• Local store marketing guidance
• Promotional calendars and seasonal campaigns
Ongoing Support:
• Continuous training updates
• Product development and menu innovation
• Business coaching and franchisee communication
Ideal Candidate
The ideal franchisee is a driven entrepreneur or investor who values structure, consistency, and customer experience.
Best Suited For:
• Owner-operators or multi-unit investors
• Individuals with business, retail, or hospitality backgrounds
• First-time franchise owners willing to follow systems
• Operators passionate about food quality and guest satisfaction
• Investors with the financial capacity to support startup and early operations
Preferred Locations:
• High-traffic urban and suburban markets
• Shopping centers, office hubs, campuses, and transportation areas
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $350,000 – $750,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Franchise Active Units | 30–40 Locations (USA) |
| Expected Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Estimated ROI Potential | Strong long-term returns with efficient operations |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, takeout, delivery, catering, beverages |
