Franchise Deep Dive: Einstein Bros. Bagels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: July 2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.einsteinbros.com/contact/franchise/

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 656 (8% franchise, 45% license, 47% company-owned)

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $564,300 - $935,850

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $885,001 (Average Gross Sales)

Einstein Bros. Bagels is a popular American chain of bagel shops known for its wide variety of bagels and bagel sandwiches. Founded in 1995 by the chain restaurant corporation Boston Market, Einstein Bros. Bagels quickly expanded to become a favorite spot for breakfast and lunch. The chain offers an array of bagel flavors, from classic plain and everything bagels to more unique options like asiago and six-cheese. Alongside its bagels, Einstein Bros. serves a range of toppings, spreads and fillings — including cream cheeses, smoked salmon and deli meats — making it a versatile choice for different tastes.

The ambiance of Einstein Bros. Bagels is typically cozy and inviting, designed to create a relaxed environment where customers can enjoy their meals. Many locations also offer a selection of fresh-brewed coffees and other beverages, enhancing the café experience. The chain is committed to providing high-quality products, often using fresh ingredients and baking their bagels on-site. With a focus on convenience and quality, Einstein Bros. Bagels has established itself as a go-to destination for bagel enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

How Many Einstein Bros. Bagels Locations Are There?

According to the Einstein Bros. Bagels website, there are 655 locations across 43 states (and Washington D.C.) in the U.S. Einstein Bros. also has a location on the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

What Is the Einstein Bros. Bagels Business Model?

Einstein Bros. Bagels operates on a business model focused on quick-service dining, emphasizing convenience, quality and a diverse menu. Here are the key components of the business model:

Product Offering: Einstein Bros. Bagels specializes in bagels and bagel-based sandwiches, offering a variety of flavors and styles that appeal to a wide range of tastes for both breakfast and lunchtime crowds.

In-House Baking: The onsite baking of bagels ensures freshness and quality, which are central to the Einstein Bros. Bagels brand promise.

Franchising and Corporate Ownership: Einstein Bros. Bagels operates through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations, which allows for both brand consistency and rapid expansion.

Convenience and Location Strategy: The chain focuses on high-traffic locations such as urban centers, suburban areas, college campuses and airports. This strategy ensures high visibility and accessibility, catering to on-the-go customers and those looking for a place to sit and enjoy a meal.

Customer Experience: Einstein Bros. Bagels aims to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in its stores, encouraging repeat visits. The brand emphasizes friendly service, a cozy dining environment and efficient operations to enhance the overall customer experience.

Catering Services: Einstein Bros. Bagels also offers catering services, providing bagel bundles, sandwich platters, coffee and other items for meetings, events and parties. This additional revenue stream leverages the brand’s core products to reach customers in different settings.

How Much Can Einstein Bros. Bagels Franchise Owners Make?

According to Item 19 of Einstein Bros. Bagels’ 2022 franchise disclosure document (FDD), franchised restaurants had average gross sales of $885,011 in 2021. Franchises restaurants with a drive-thru fared better, with average gross sales of $964,996 compared to $791,695 for those without a drive-thru.

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Einstein Bros. Bagels?

The 2022 FDD gives an initial investment range of $564,300 to $935,850. This breaks down as follows:

Development Costs

• Construction: $210,000 - $310,000
• Computer Equipment and Electronics: $26,000 - $54,000
• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $175,000 - $261,000
• Signage and Graphics: $10,000 - $50,000
• Professional Fees: $30,000 - $35,000

Pre-Opening Costs

• Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Design Review Fee: $2,000
• Real Estate Leasing: $25,000 - $56,250
• Opening Inventory, Smallwares and Supplies: $15,000 - $25,000
• Initial Marketing and Promotion: $10,000
• Insurance: $7,500 - $15,000
• Training Expenses: $1,000 - $14,000
• Miscellaneous Opening Costs: $1,300 - $3,600
• Business Licenses: $500 - $5,000
• Security Deposits: $4,000 - $10,000
• Additional Funds (3 Months): $12,000 - $50,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Einstein Bros. Bagels?

The initial franchise fee is $35,000, which must be paid in full when the franchise agreement is signed.

Who Is on the Leadership Team of Einstein Bros. Bagels?

• Jose Duenas — President and CEO (Panera Bread)
• Jessica Depetro — President (Bagel Brands)
• Ivona Adkins — Chief People Officer
• Hector Briones — Chief Marketing Officer
• Debbie Pagliai — Chief Supply Chain Officer

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More? 

• Einstein Bros. Bagels Launches First Limited Time Offer Since 2021
• Einstein Bros. Bagels Positions Itself as Leading Franchise Concept in Breakfast Category
• Einstein Bros. New Pull-Apart Bagel Laughs in the Face of Bagel-Slicing Purists
• North Platte Quality Growth Fund Committee Endorses Loan to Aid Development of Einstein Bros. Bagels
• Einstein Bros. Bagels Celebrates National Bagel Day with Free Fresh-Baked Bagel & Cream Cheese

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