Established
2009
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$535,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$905,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is a distinctive fast-casual bagel café franchise that blends old-world Brooklyn bagel traditions with modern café culture. Known for its authentic kettle-boiled bagels, proprietary water filtration system, and premium coffee program, the brand has built a loyal customer base across multiple U.S. markets.
Unlike typical bagel shops, this concept positions itself as a premium yet approachable neighborhood café. The menu is designed for all-day relevance, featuring fresh-baked bagels, house-made spreads, breakfast sandwiches, gourmet lunch options, and specialty coffee beverages. This diversified offering allows franchisees to capture strong morning traffic while maintaining steady sales throughout the day.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. stands out in the crowded café market due to its clear product differentiation and proven operating systems.
Key investment advantages include:
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Authentic Brooklyn-inspired brand story that resonates with customers
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Proprietary water filtration system that ensures consistent taste nationwide
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Strong breakfast demand supported by lunch and coffee sales
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Familiar, high-demand menu with wide demographic appeal
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Flexible store formats suitable for urban and suburban locations
Background
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. was founded in 2009 with the vision of bringing authentic Brooklyn-style bagels to markets beyond New York. The brand’s defining innovation is its proprietary water filtration and mineralization system, designed to replicate the mineral content of Brooklyn water and deliver consistent bagel quality across all locations.
Founders: The brand was founded by Steven Fassberg and his team, driven by the belief that true New York-style bagels could be successfully scaled nationwide with the right systems and controls.
Brand Journey & Growth: Beginning with company-owned stores, the concept evolved into a franchise model to support controlled expansion. Over time, the brand refined its menu, operational standards, and franchise support structure, enabling growth across multiple U.S. states.
Franchise Active Units: The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. currently operates approximately 30 active units across the United States, including a combination of franchised and company-owned locations
Industry Category: Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) | Fast-Casual Café | Breakfast & Bakery Franchise
Support Training
Franchisees receive a comprehensive support framework designed to reduce startup risk and streamline daily operations.
Pre-Launch Support:
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Assistance with site selection and lease review
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Store design guidelines and build-out specifications
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Equipment sourcing and supply chain coordination
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Pre-opening marketing and launch planning
Training Programs:
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Initial training covering operations, baking procedures, food safety, and customer service
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Hands-on instruction at approved training locations
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Access to proprietary recipes, preparation methods, and quality standards
Operational & Ongoing Support:
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Field support and performance evaluations
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Ongoing operational coaching and best-practice sharing
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Centralized purchasing and approved vendor programs
Marketing & Brand Support:
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National brand positioning and creative assets
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Local store marketing strategies and promotional planning
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Guidance on digital marketing, loyalty programs, and online ordering
Ideal Candidate
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is well-suited for hands-on owner-operators and experienced multi-unit investors.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Entrepreneurs passionate about food service and customer experience
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Investors seeking a scalable café or breakfast concept
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Operators with strong leadership and team management skills
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Franchisees with adequate capital and a long-term growth mindset
Location Preferences:
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High-visibility retail centers
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Suburban areas with strong commuter traffic
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Lifestyle centers and mixed-use developments
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $535,000 – $905,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000+ |
| Minimum Net Worth | $400,000+ |
| Leasehold Improvements | $180,000 – $350,000 |
| Equipment & Baking Systems | $140,000 – $210,000 |
| Proprietary Water Filtration System | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $90,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Percentage of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund | Percentage of gross sales |
| Average Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 30 months |
| Expected ROI Potential | Market and operator dependent |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, lunch items, catering |
