Startup cost
$150k–$400k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Bagel Shop
Decision Snapshot
Bagel Shop
Idea Score
32
Profit margin
3%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Very high
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Bagel Shop business - Background
Bagels are a classic breakfast food that became famous in New York City but are now enjoyed throughout the country. A bagel shop business provides bagels, which are a convenient, tasty and filling meal, to patrons for breakfast and lunch. In addition to bagels, most bagel shops also have beverages and sides, so customers can get a complete meal quickly.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Bagel Shop business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a bagel shop?
The startup costs for a bagel shop usually total tens of thousands of dollars. Some of the largest expenses include rent, equipment costs and employee salaries (if hiring employees). Other expenses include bagel-making supplies, expenses for other foods and beverages, supplies to put bagels in and cups.
Business owners who want to keep their startup costs minimal can find a small retail location so their rent is lower. A small location will also make it easier to grab items for customers, so business owners may be able to do all the work themselves and might not need to hire an employee. Purchasing used equipment, which costs substantially less than new, can also provide significant savings.
What are the ongoing expenses for a bagel shop?
The ongoing expenses for a bagel business include rent, licensing fees, employees’ salaries, costs for bagel-making supplies and other foods, costs for beverages, and costs for serving supplies.
Who is the target market?
An ideal customer for a bagel shop business is someone who eats breakfast but doesn’t have much time. Bagels are a quick, satisfying food. Bagel shops often appeal to both people with lots of discretionary income and those on tighter budgets, because bagels are relatively inexpensive.
How does a bagel shop make money?
A bagel shop business makes money by selling bagels, other food items and beverages to customers. Some businesses may also cater events.
How much can you charge customers?
An article by Serious Eats looked at the price of a bagel at several bagel chains in New York (and Dunkin’ Donuts). A plain bagel ranged in price from $1.80 to $3.00, and a bagel with cream cheese ranged from $1.65 to $4.50. Prices elsewhere might be slightly lower, as New York City is known both for its bagels and high prices.
The other foods and beverages sold by bagel shops, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, coffee and tea usually cost about the same as a bagel or a bagel with cream cheese.
How much profit can a bagel shop make?
How much a bagel shop business can make depends on how many customers a business serves in a day, week, month or year. For this reason, location selection is extremely important when starting up a bagel shop. In order to succeed, a shop should be located in a busy area.
How can you make your business more profitable?
A bagel shop business can increase its profitability by upselling customers. Featuring bagel sandwiches, which sell for more than a bagel with cream cheese, and offering other options, like espresso beverages and granola, can increase the average ticket price.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a bagel shop?
A bagel shop business owner starts their day in the early morning making bagels, brewing coffee and preparing other food items. As the morning progresses, business picks up and business owners transition from prepping foods and drinks to serving customers. As business slows later in the day, work usually focuses on cleaning and getting ready for the next day (although any customers that come in while the business is open are still served).
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful bagel shop?
Bagel business owners should, first and foremost, know how to make bagels. Many companies sell bagels wholesale that can be baked in-store, which is relatively easy to do. Business owners that want to bake their own bagels, however, should take a bagel-making course to learn the craft. There are many companies that offer short classes on bagel making. Sour Flour and the International Culinary Center are two companies that hold workshops.
Business owners should also be familiar with how to manage their workflow and employees. Visiting other bagel shops and observing how they run their operations is a free way to get some insights. Bagel shop owners in other cities may be willing to sit down and talk, as a bagel shop in a different city won’t create competition for them.
What is the growth potential for a bagel shop?
A bagel shop business can be as small as a single location or as big as a national chain. Many successful bagel shops are regional, having a few locations in a particular area.
How and when to build a team
A small bagel shop business can be run with just one person, but it involves a lot of work. As soon as possible, at least one employee should be hired to help expedite service during busy hours and relieve the owner of some day-to-day duties.
The next person hired is usually someone who can bake, although they may also perform other duties. Once a baker is hired and trained, the owner can take an occasional day off.
Depending on how big and busy a bagel shop is, it may be necessary to hire additional employees. A bagel shop business may have anywhere from just a few to a dozen or more employees.
According to PayScale, a baker at a bagel shop makes an average wage of $11.24 an hour. A cashier who doesn’t bake bagels earns about $8.85 per hour. Other employees’ wages may range between these two figures, depending on the level of responsibility that an employee has.
Part 2 - Is a Bagel Shop business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Bagel Shop business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Bagel Shop Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Bagel Shop business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.