Starting a Bagel Shop

Do you want to start a food business, but afraid you don’t have enough capital to start one? A bagel shop is one business you can pursue. Learn how you can open a business selling bagels without buying a lot of equipment and renting a large space to hold these.

You may have seen a small bagel shop and you think starting one is easy enough, you can do it yourself.

But even a small business like this could be complicated to run for a first-timer and even for those who have an experience working for a bagel shop that is in a different location with a different set of customers. So, if you really want to put up your own bagel shop, here are some tips:

  • First try working for one for a few months (or a similar food business such as a donut shop) to know how to operate the business, and determine whether you really want to do it. You will be investing money on it, and so it is wise to know whether you want to pursue bagel selling for the long term.
  • After getting enough training and experience, determine how much capital you have or you can get from others to start a bagel shop. Knowing this will help you determine how big your operation will be. While it may be nice to open a full sit-in store, it would require a large capital and involve greater risk. Typically, if you are starting off, it is wise to start small and build from there. Many businesses that eventually became big started as a small operation.
  • One way to start with less capital is to operate a takeout shop. Rent a small space where you can put a bagel display stand, cash register and your bagel baking equipment. You don’t have to run a full kitchen to do this. You can buy pre-formed dough and bake on site. This way you don’t have to spend a large investment in dough-making equipment, or rent additional space to hold them. Also, by baking onsite, you can attract customers to the smell of fresh bagel baking.
  • You can augment the income from your rented space by selling other products together with your bagels, like coffee, and muffins.
  • You can operate your bagel stand in the mall, in vacation or tourist area, or in any location with high visibility and heavy traffic, especially where people pass on the rush to go home or to the school or office.
  • Be patient in learning the ropes of how to operate the business. You will encounter mistakes and may not make a profit for a while, but every experience should be an opportunity for you to learn and improve.

59 Comments

  • Evan Tziazas said on November 20, 2009
    I plan to buy a bagel shop in Oceanside, New York. The store has already an establish clientele. What can I do to increase the business before and after I take over. I am working on the menu and advertising. thank you
  • Mark Long said on December 17, 2009
    Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 United States. Looking to open up a bagel shop in Ca. Please contact me. T 562-941-7575
  • Joe Arce said on October 8, 2010
    I am planning and looking for a good location for a bagel shop in Northern New Jersey. I see people love to eat. Any tip for advise? I think it's "bingo" for a good business.
  • vicky galas said on January 14, 2011
    I have a location fully equipped for deli/bagel store in toms river,nj.Looking for working partner with minimal investment.Great opportunity for someone who knows bagel/deli business.Any ideas as to where I can find this partner.Thanks,vicky
  • Catherine said on January 27, 2011
    To Vicky Galas: I find this interesting. I live in Bayonne, NJ. Please email me at mc3valles@aol.com and we'll see where it'd lead us. Thanks!
  • eric said on February 4, 2011
    does anyone have any information as to startup costs? perhaps a business plan outlining industry costs and potential annual income?
  • Mia said on February 7, 2011
    Vicky, Could you email if your still looking for a working partner. I am located in the Toms River area. email address is miamorella@hotmail.com Thxs.
  • henry Pena said on April 6, 2011
    location is Bronx NY. I am opening up a skate shop and included a bagel,Coffee and tea shop. My rent is going to be about 500 per month and I am going to purchase the bagels from a bagel
  • Jay said on May 9, 2011
    I am looking to open a bagel store in Port Charlotte, Fl. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • todd meli said on May 11, 2011
    i have been making brooklyn style water bagel for the past 23 years and owned 2 companies in those years, most recently in marlton nj, i am living outside the states but would like to move back , i have limited funds but much experience, love like to find a partner to start a full operational bakery making bagel from scratch
  • Joann said on May 31, 2011
    I am looking interested in opening a bagel shop in Benicia, CA. Would like the attention of a potential partner or investor.
  • Uncle Billy-O's Bagels said on June 19, 2011
    We have a unique style of bagel-making, and our customer's love it. Come stop by, or give us a call. 973-970-5638 We are interested in partnerships and franchise options!
  • Fausto said on July 6, 2011
    I have no experiences. And I would love to give a try. I live in Jersey City, NJ. I work in the big apple (New York City).
  • A&S Bagels said on September 21, 2011
    Hi, I work at A&S Bagels in New York. We supply bagels, bagel dough, and par-baked bagels to bagel shops. If interested in learning more about us, you can e-mail me at bagelmail@aandsbagels.com.
  • mark fressell said on October 8, 2011
    Miramar Beach, FL. Last week I contacted your corporate office inquiring about wholesale purchase of raw bagel dough for a bakery I'll be opening in early 2012. I was told information and pricing would be forwarded via email. I'm still waiting. Is there a problem in your sales department?
  • sue said on November 19, 2011
    Thinking abt purchasing a bagel shop in nj. Can anyone tell me what the average cost of making a bagel would be?
  • Julius Goldman beginner adviser said on January 2, 2012
    The cost of making a bagel is approximately 15 cents.

    Ph: 661-533-8051
    Begal Business Consultant

  • steve said on January 4, 2012
    Hello i was thinking about opening a bagel shop somewhere in the tri-state area, and was wondering what the average revenue per day would be (appox.) if it was located in a medium traffic suburban area with a pop density of 800 per square mile. thanks
  • John T. said on January 4, 2012
    Aprox. what is the ratio of mom and pop bagel shops (not including franchises) that bake frozen bagels to shops that make there own from scratch.
  • Jill R said on January 4, 2012
    I am looking to open a bagel shop in Waynesville, NC west of Asheville. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you!
  • bobby said on January 8, 2012
    Does anyone have any info that can help me open a bagel shop in or near fort mill sc I have? I picked a great location but need help on which steps to take. Please help I know this can work. Thanks, bobby
  • Aykaz said on February 18, 2012
    I am interested in opening up a bagel shop in Hollywood, CA...I would like more information and partnerships if available.
  • Kelly Coppola said on March 5, 2012
    I live in Manhattan and my husband and I are looking to open a bagel store upstate. He is a GM of a restaurant and went to culinary school, but doesn't have much experience making water boiled bagels. Anyone know of bagel stores in NYC that would let someone intern to learn?
  • Mitzi Shaw said on January 14, 2013
    Want to open a bagal shop in Casa Grande, AZ. This is a town that is growing. Interested in any information to help me. 310-755-4544.
  • David Bergman said on February 26, 2013
    Does anyone know who makes ready to go for wholesale bagels in Southern California. Already baked. Looking to open a store and do not want to do any baking at all.
  • jeremy said on March 19, 2013
    BROOKLYN, NY. I am in the wholesale ingredient business in brooklyn ny. Supplying flour sugar seeds and all the ingredients for a finished baked product if anyone in the tri state area needs some advice on costs of ingredients please contact me at jrosen5057@aol.com. Please only contact me if you are in the trisate area.
  • Kevin said on March 21, 2013
    I am possibly looking for a working or silent partner. I have an existent bagel shop that I am close to purchasing that has done great in the past but needs a makeover and management to turn it around! It's in a great location with over 100,000 cars drive by daily and a High school directly across the street!!!
  • Alan Miltz said on April 19, 2013
    I am looking to start a bagel Shop in the Pico Robertson area in West LA. Any one got any pricing information on machines I would need
  • Julius Goldman beginner adviser said on April 22, 2013

    @Mitzi Shaw, Are you still looking for information on opening a bagel shop? 

    Ph: 661-533-8051
    Begal Business Consultant

  • dan said on April 23, 2013
    if anyone is interested in opening a Bagel/deli/Catering store anywhere in florida area and need a good experienced consultant who would consider investing in the right situation please contact me at bagelbiz@yahoo.com. I have 25 years experience and have open and operated 6 retail stores here on long Island N.Y. I have had stores that i have sold that AVERAGED 50,000 per week and can back this up with actual facts. If interested please contact me. DANNY
  • Danielle said on April 28, 2013
    Hi, I am looking to open a bagel shop, takeout only. Great location but the space available is only 1000 sq.feet and 2000 sq. feet. I want to go with the smaller one and minimize the cost. This is my first time opening a bagel shop. Could someone give me some tips. Also is it a good idea to buy a bagel maker or should I just buy them par,made. I really need some good advice. I want to only have bagels, breakfast sandwiches and wraps for lunch. Along with fresh smoothies and coffee. Thanks for any advice.
  • Dennis said on May 1, 2013
    Can anyone estimate what a 'decent' income would be if running a successful small-ish (takeout and just a few seats) bagel shop? Is there no income for the first few years?
  • Julius Goldman beginner adviser said on May 3, 2013

    @Dennis, depending on how much you invested to open the shop you could start seeing income in three to six months.  

    Ph: 661-533-8051
    Begal Business Consultant

  • Lumen C. Thomas said on May 21, 2013
    I would like to start up a business like bagels coffee and deli, my question is; it is too expensive to franchise like NY bagels coffee and deli, is anybody able to supply the ready to cook bagels, muffins, dough, of course coffee smoothie without franchising? Please help me out for 1st time business. Thank you and looking forward to hear from you.
  • Benjamin Levy said on October 6, 2013
    I am looking to open a wood-fired bagel shop in Los Angeles and am looking for a partner. If there is any one out there that would be interested in having a conversation on the matter please contact me. I have over 20 years of experience as a chef and general manager in the restaurant business and am looking to begin my own business. nannook44@gmail.com
  • Marisa said on October 9, 2013
    Like almost everyone else here, I am planning to open a bagel shop in the Denver area. I am hoping to gain some experience working in a shop. Does anyone have an interest in helping me out? I am willing to travel and work for free. I have great management and customer service skills, and would be a huge asset for the extent of my apprenticeship.marisajcox@gmail.com
  • Arsenio said on December 8, 2013
    I live in São Paulo Brazil. I have always been a fan of bagels and bagel shops and delis in general. I have been discussing this idea with a closed group of friends and we believe it could be a good niche here in the city, as until recently muffin shops have sprouted up everywhere. What are some steps I should consider taking. thanks
  • chris said on December 28, 2013
    Hey looking for some advise on opening up a bagel shop. owned my own store several years ago in long island ny that was a bagel shop already. need some help on vendors and start up from scratch.
  • Al said on January 25, 2014
    I would like to open a bagel/muffin/donut shop. Feature various flavors of bagels along with cream cheeses. I would also be doing sandwiches for lunch....not sure about dinner food expect a possible pizza place centered around the use of bagels also. I live in Southern Louisiana near Baton Rouge and New Orleans - my fear is leaving my job to open my own business. I make $85,000 a year with benefits....Can that income be wrapped up in a business plan as start up expenses and is it even possible to recoup that salary? If you have advice I'd love to hear it
  • Abdul said on April 11, 2014
    I'm planning to have a bagel bakery out of the US (Saudi Arabia). I need assistant for an expert in that field to guide me opening the bakery and make NY style bagel from scratch. Currently, I live in CO. Any help experts? almulhem_900@hotmail.com
  • Kecia Liguori said on April 22, 2014
    I'm Interested in opening a bagel shop in the Tampa area of Florida. Can someone give me a little advise, as to whether it's wise to buy dough all ready made, or make yourself? I wanna have a take out store serving Breakfast and Lunch coffee tea's sandwiches muffins and possibly doughnuts. Can someone steer me in the right direction. I can be reached at Kblizzwell@gmail.com. Thanks
  • Scott said on July 5, 2014
    Hello. I'd be interested in talking to people who have started 'carry out' bagel shops. How you sourced suppliers, pitfalls to watch out for and etc. Thanks for your time in advance.
  • Scott said on July 5, 2014
    I'm looking at starting a place in the greater Chicagoland area.
  • Scott said on July 5, 2014
    Not sure why my posting is separating everything but my email is soltendorf@gmail.com. Again, thanks for your time in advance.
  • marlon said on July 9, 2014
    i'm trying to open up a bagel shop in richmond hill ga. and would love to get some advice or pointers or tip. i would love to speak to someone that has vast experiences. the closest bagel shop is 50 miles away and not that good.
  • Sam K. said on August 22, 2014
    Looking to open a bagel shop in Manhattan. Does anyone have data for revenue based on segmentation (bagels, spreads, displays, coffee, etc.) for a bagel shop in Manhattan? Really appreciate the help
  • Jamie.c said on September 22, 2014
    Hi I am looking to start up a bagel shop in london in the uk but was wondering how much I would need to get started. I thought a bagel shop would do really well over here as every one I know loves a bagel but there are no bagel shop around was hoping to be one of the first in the uk if I can get any tips or business plans it would be most appreciated
  • vaughan said on January 15, 2015
    Sam K . email me i am looking for a business partner vjdf822gmail.com
  • vaughan said on January 15, 2015
    Looking for a business partner with a little experience to open a bagel shop email me vjdf82@gmail.com. this is for New York, maybe west Harlem
  • Natan K said on June 3, 2015
    Looking for a business partner with experience making bagels to open a shop in Baltimore, MD area. Email me at natankahane@gmail.com if interested.
  • Ryan said on June 28, 2015
    I am looking to open a bagel/deli in Austin, TX and looking for a manager to run the day to day. This person will become an equity partner over time. I am a very experienced baker with an excellent business plan and bagel recipe and unique concept. Please contact me if you would like to talk further. Rym0828@gmail.com.
  • Adam Israel said on September 12, 2015
    You can operate your bagel stand in the mall, in vacation or tourist "areas," or in any location with high visibility and heavy traffic, especially where people pass on the rush to go home or to the school or office. Monticello, New York, U.S.A.
  • Louie P said on October 22, 2015
    I am interested in purchasing a bagel store in NY. If anyone is interested in selling or is looking to retire from the business please email me at Parkviewcafe65@gmail.com. Thank you
  • Steve batitsas said on February 28, 2016
    I have 30 years experience in bagel business, I'm looking for clients that need help to open bagel business.
  • lou said on June 11, 2016
    Hi @Steve Batitsas, I am almost ready to finalize a location for a new shop. Email me because I might be looking to take on a working partner and/or consultant to help with any aspects I could be missing. Would love to talk to someone with your years of experience. Anyone else (w/o capital OK) looking for an opportunity please feel free to contact me. xraytwo@verizon.net
  • Robert Goldberg beginner adviser said on July 30, 2016
    Hi , my name is Robert Goldberg... i'm one of the owners of Goldbergs Famous Bagels..we have over 20 stores in the New York and New jersey area.. in 1985 i started consulting and building bagels stores for people who wanted to learn and own bagel stores ... i am building stores in california and arizona at the present time...if you are interested in opening a bagel store please call me at 201-838-8240..ty

    bobbybagels@optonline.net || +1 201-838-8240 || Bagel Shop Consultant

  • Sandra Spinosa said on October 1, 2016
    I'm thinking of opening a bagel shop in florida
  • Dee said on October 26, 2016
    I'm looking to open a bagel, sandwich, coffee shop in Charleston SC. I'm looking to do pre made bagels.. Any tips
  • John P said on April 18, 2019
    Looking for an experience bagel person and baker to make part owner! In Jupiter Florida! Have a great location, no other bagel shops around for miles! Want to make the best Jersey Style Bagel! Not like the ones they have here! Like the bogus Brooklyn water bagel! Crap!

    Need bagels cooked, not doughy! Need a crunchy and textured, air pockets inside! Only Quality Ingredients! 50,000 car pass by this shopping center every day! Thruway and Turnpike 1/2 mile away! Very Busy parking lot! Contact me if you have a high standard! We will Make a Bundle!

    I have no experience in the food industry! But was self-employed for 32 years in my own business! Just not food! Total Gold Mine!

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