Bruegger’s Bagels is a fast-casual bakery-café known for authentic New York–style bagels and premium coffee. The company was founded in 1992 by Nordahl Brue and Mike Dressell, who opened their first location in Troy, New York. Today, the brand is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, and operates as Bruegger’s Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company.

Bruegger’s began offering franchise opportunities in 1993, helping the brand expand across the United States and Canada. At its peak, Bruegger’s operated over 300 bakery-cafés in 26 states, Washington D.C., and Canada. Currently, the chain has about 190 locations in 16 U.S. states and D.C.

The menu features kettle-boiled bagels baked fresh daily, along with a variety of made-in-Vermont cream cheeses. Customers also enjoy breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, and a full beverage menu including coffee and espresso drinks. ‍

Bruegger’s sets itself apart by sticking to traditional methods—using only five core ingredients in its bagels and boiling them in small batches every morning for a fresh, authentic result.

Training

Bruegger’s Bagels provides detailed training for its franchisees to ensure successful operation of their bakery locations. The training programs offered by the franchisor include the following:

1. Initial Training: Bruegger’s requires franchisees, including their general managers and key personnel, to complete an initial training program. This training is conducted at a designated company facility and includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job experience, focusing on all operational aspects of the business.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance: Around the time of the bakery's opening, Bruegger’s sends representatives to the franchisee’s location to assist with on-site training and provide operational guidance during the critical launch phase.
3. Ongoing Training and Support: After the bakery is open, Bruegger’s may provide additional training sessions, updates, and workshops to ensure that franchisees stay informed about operational changes, new products, or updated business practices.

Territory Protection

Bruegger’s Bagels does not grant exclusive territories to its franchisees. The franchise agreement permits Bruegger’s to establish additional franchises or company-owned bakeries at any location, even in close proximity to an existing franchisee’s bakery.

This means franchisees do not have a contractually protected geographic area where competition from other Bruegger’s outlets is restricted. However, while the franchisor reserves broad rights to open new locations, they typically consider market saturation and demographic factors when awarding new franchises.

Franchisees are encouraged to perform due diligence about their intended area and assess potential competitive risks before signing. This arrangement provides Bruegger’s with the flexibility to expand but may limit territorial security for franchisees.