A Lightning-Fast Rise from Humble Beginnings (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Florida – Jeff’s Bagel Run crossed the 30-unit threshold this month, fueled by a fresh wave of openings that introduced the brand to Alabama and Colorado for the first time.[1]
A Lightning-Fast Rise from Humble Beginnings
The chain’s journey started in 2019 when founder Jeff Perera began baking New York-style bagels from his Orlando-area home kitchen following a layoff. Demand surged during the pandemic as he delivered fresh batches door-to-door, an operation dubbed the “bagel run.” That grassroots effort evolved quickly. The first brick-and-mortar store opened in Ocoee, Florida, in June 2021.[2]
Co-founder Danielle Perera joined full-time, leaving her corporate role to help scale the business. Franchising launched in 2024, accelerating growth across multiple states. Today, the brand boasts locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and now Alabama and Colorado. More than 100 additional sites remain in development nationwide.[1][3]
Signature Flavors Driving Customer Loyalty
Jeff’s Bagel Run sets itself apart through meticulous, in-house production. Bagels undergo traditional boiling before baking multiple times daily to ensure peak freshness. House-whipped spreads complement the menu, paired with specialty coffee from Otus Coffee, which the company acquired in 2024 to control quality.[1]
The focus remains on authentic New York-style bagels – always boiled, never toasted. This commitment earned national recognition in 2023 as one of “America’s Best Bagels” at NYC Bagelfest. Stores operate from early morning until early afternoon, streamlining operations with a single-shift model. Such efficiency appeals to franchisees seeking sustainable growth.[2]
New Openings Spotlight Strategic Expansion
Four recent announcements highlight the brand’s targeted approach to suburban markets in the Southeast and Mountain West. Madison, Alabama, marked the chain’s Huntsville-area debut when it opened earlier this week. Colorado Springs, Colorado, follows on February 25 as the state’s first outpost.[1]
Jacksonville, Florida, and Rolesville, North Carolina, both launch on March 4, extending coastal and mid-Atlantic presence. These moves build on prior successes in diverse regions.
- Madison, AL: Opened this week (Huntsville market entry).
- Colorado Springs, CO: February 25 (state debut).
- Jacksonville, FL: March 4 (coastal growth).
- Rolesville, NC: March 4.
Vision for Sustainable National Growth
Jeff Perera emphasized deliberate scaling in a company statement. “We’ve grown by staying focused on the fundamentals – baking everything from scratch, investing in great operators and becoming part of each community we join,” he said.[1]
The strategy prioritizes quality partnerships over sheer volume. “Our goal isn’t just to open more shops,” Perera added. “It’s to open the right shops, with the right partners, in communities where fresh baking and genuine hospitality still matter.”[1] Several more sites are slated for 2026, positioning the chain as a breakfast contender nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- Jeff’s Bagel Run now exceeds 30 open locations, with over 100 in the pipeline.
- First entries into Alabama and Colorado anchor a four-shop expansion wave.
- Scratch-made bagels and vertical supply chain integration fuel rapid, quality-driven growth.
This milestone underscores how a simple passion for perfect bagels can propel a brand toward national prominence. What do you think of Jeff’s Bagel Run’s trajectory? Share your thoughts in the comments.
