The Rise of Jeff’s Bagel Run: A Journey from Home Kitchen to Expanding Franchise

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. From Home Kitchen to Franchise
4. A Focus on Quality and Process
5. An Innovative Menu and Experience
6. Leadership with a Vision
7. The Role of Technology in Growth
8. Enhancing Customer Experience
9. Expanding Footprint and Opportunities
10. The Future of Jeff’s Bagel Run

Key Highlights:

• Jeff’s Bagel Run began as a home-based venture during the pandemic, evolving into a popular bagel franchise with 15 locations and plans for rapid expansion.
• The brand emphasizes quality and freshness, with bagels made in-house and a diverse menu featuring unique cream cheese flavors and specialty coffee.
• Utilizing technology, Jeff’s Bagel Run streamlines operations through an innovative system called Au-dough-mation, enhancing customer experience and efficiency.

Introduction

In the heart of Florida, a culinary venture is transforming the way bagels are perceived and enjoyed. Jeff’s Bagel Run started as a heartfelt initiative to bring joy to one family and has blossomed into a burgeoning franchise with a commitment to quality and community. Founded by Jeff Perera during the COVID-19 pandemic, this brand has not only filled a breakfast void but has also captured the imaginations of bagel enthusiasts across several states. As the company gears up for ambitious growth, its story is one of innovation, community connection, and a steadfast focus on crafting the perfect bagel.

From Home Kitchen to Franchise

Jeff Perera’s journey began in his home kitchen, where he crafted New York-style bagels to surprise his wife, Danielle, after work. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for Perera, who, as a stay-at-home dad, sought to connect with friends and family through freshly baked goods. This grassroots approach quickly gained traction, and as demand surged, Jeff’s Bagel Run was born.

The initial concept of delivering bagels directly to doors evolved into a thriving business model that began with Facebook "drops" and local farmers' markets. By June 2021, the first official store opened in Ocoee, Florida, followed by a second location in College Park in August 2022. The brand's growth trajectory was remarkable, moving from a home-based operation to a multi-unit franchise, with plans for 100 additional stores by 2025.

A Focus on Quality and Process

At the core of Jeff’s Bagel Run is a commitment to quality. Unlike many fast-casual concepts, the brand prides itself on a meticulous preparation process. Bagels are mixed, proofed, rolled, boiled, and baked on-site, ensuring freshness with each order. This dedication to the craft resonates deeply with customers, as the product is seen as the centerpiece of the brand's identity.

Justin Wetherill, the brand’s president, emphasizes that the focus is on the bagel itself rather than the toppings that can be added. This philosophy stands out in a market increasingly driven by creative sandwich combinations and fusion cuisines. Jeff’s Bagel Run remains true to its mission—providing high-quality bagels that customers can enjoy simply or as part of a meal.

An Innovative Menu and Experience

In addition to traditional bagels, Jeff’s Bagel Run offers a variety of unique cream cheeses, including cake batter, roasted jalapeno, and banana pudding. The menu also features innovative spreads like sweet cinnamon-honey and savory herby-garlic whipped butter. Coffee lovers can indulge in specialty drinks, including banana bread- and pumpkin spice-swirled lattes, alongside refreshing beverages like lavender lemonade.

The brand’s commitment to quality extends to its coffee offerings, having acquired Otus Coffee, a local roastery, which enhances the overall customer experience. The combination of fresh bagels and expertly crafted coffee creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers, whether dining in or grabbing a quick bite.

Leadership with a Vision

Wetherill’s journey to bagel entrepreneurship is as fascinating as the brand itself. He founded uBreakiFix at just 21, and after stepping back from the tech world, he was drawn to the food industry through his appreciation of the Perera's bagels. His transition from technology to quick-service restaurants (QSR) has been marked by a clear vision of growth and innovation.

Wetherill’s leadership style focuses on building a scalable model while maintaining the brand's artisanal roots. He recognizes the need for a streamlined operational approach and has introduced technology to enhance efficiency and consistency across locations. This forward-thinking mindset is crucial as the brand lays the groundwork for its ambitious expansion.

The Role of Technology in Growth

A significant aspect of Jeff’s Bagel Run’s growth strategy is the implementation of technology to optimize operations. The Au-dough-mation system, developed internally with the assistance of artificial intelligence, is a game-changer for the brand. This system predicts sales and volume for each unique store and flavor of bagel, allowing bakers to prepare the right amount at the right time throughout the day.

This innovative system contrasts with traditional bakery models, where products are often pre-baked early in the morning, leading to staleness later in the day. With Au-dough-mation, bakers can respond dynamically to customer demand, ensuring that bagels are fresh and readily available for patrons throughout their operating hours.

Enhancing Customer Experience

The integration of technology also extends to the customer experience. Jeff’s Bagel Run launched a customer app that allows for seamless ordering, loyalty program participation, and easy access to menu offerings. This app has already made a significant impact, accounting for 26% of total orders, a remarkable figure for a growing brand.

The emphasis on a user-friendly experience reflects the company's understanding of modern consumer preferences. Customers can order ahead, redeem loyalty points, and enjoy personalized interactions, enhancing their overall connection to the brand.

Expanding Footprint and Opportunities

As Jeff’s Bagel Run expands its footprint, the company is focusing on strategic locations and partnerships. With 15 stores currently operational across Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Texas, the brand is set to open six new locations, including in Nevada and Illinois. The decision to franchise has resonated well with prospective business owners, showcasing the brand's market viability.

Wetherill acknowledges the challenges of expanding in the restaurant sector compared to tech startups, but the interest from experienced restaurateurs indicates the brand's potential for success. The growth plans are ambitious, and the team is currently hiring to support the influx of new stores, ensuring that each location maintains the quality and experience that customers have come to expect.

The Future of Jeff’s Bagel Run

Looking ahead, Jeff’s Bagel Run is poised for a remarkable future. The combination of artisanal quality, innovative technology, and strong community ties sets the stage for continued success. As the brand navigates the complexities of expansion and franchise development, its commitment to maintaining a genuine connection with customers remains paramount.

The journey from a home kitchen to a rapidly expanding franchise is a testament to the power of passion, quality, and innovation. Jeff’s Bagel Run is more than just a bagel shop; it represents a community-driven movement that prioritizes the customer experience and the art of bagel making.

FAQ

What inspired Jeff Perera to start Jeff’s Bagel Run? Jeff began making bagels as a way to treat his wife during the pandemic, which led to a community-driven business model that quickly gained popularity.

How does Jeff’s Bagel Run ensure the quality of its bagels? The brand makes its bagels fresh in-store, with a meticulous process that includes rolling, boiling, baking, and topping them daily.

What is Au-dough-mation? Au-dough-mation is an innovative system developed by Jeff’s Bagel Run that uses artificial intelligence to predict sales and optimize bagel production throughout the day.

How is the brand expanding? Jeff’s Bagel Run is focused on opening new locations through franchising, with plans to grow its footprint in various states across the U.S.

What types of cream cheeses and beverages does Jeff's Bagel Run offer? The brand features a range of unique cream cheeses, such as cake batter and roasted jalapeno, along with specialty coffee drinks and refreshing beverages like lavender lemonade.

How does the customer app enhance the experience? The app allows customers to order ahead, join a loyalty program, and easily access menu offerings, contributing to a more personalized and convenient experience.