After starting as a small Orlando bakery, Jeff’s Bagel Run now operates 30+ locations and is expanding into new markets nationwide.
What started as a modest bagel passion project has become one of the fastest-growing breakfast brands in the U.S. Now, Jeff’s Bagel Run is sprinting past 30 operating locations with new shops opening weekly across multiple states. Founded in 2019 in Orlando as a local scratch bakery with a simple menu of freshly boiled and baked bagels, house-whipped spreads and specialty coffee, the franchise has now eclipsed a major milestone while maintaining the community-focused ethos that made it a local favorite.
A Growth Story Fueled by Quality and Community
According to a recent report by Fast Casual, Jeff’s Bagel Run is expanding its footprint into markets including Madison, Alabama; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rolesville, North Carolina. This is all part of the brand’s continued push beyond its Central Florida roots.
Founder Jeff Perera credits the brand’s explosive growth to a blend of traditional baking methods, boiling bagels throughout the day before baking them, combined with modern franchise operations and an emphasis on community connection at each new location. The company also strengthened its internal supply chain and product quality in 2024 with the acquisition of Otus Coffee, which now supplies specialty coffee to Jeff’s Bagel Run stores and helps differentiate the concept nationwide. In a Founderology Podcast interview, Perera shared insights into the company’s scaling strategy, revealing how early operational decisions, from staffing to technology investments, helped take the brand from a garage-style startup to the brink of national recognition with nearly 30 locations open.
Central Florida: A Hub of Bagel Culture
While Jeff’s Bagel Run continues to grow across the country, Central Florida remains one of its most concentrated markets, with multiple locations serving residents and visitors alike. The Orlando metro area alone hosts several outlets in neighborhoods such as:
- Jeff’s Bagel Run – Celebration, Kissimmee, FL location info — just a short drive from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disney’s Celebration community, this shop offers freshly baked bagels, inventive spreads, and coffee for locals and tourists alike.
- Other Jeff’s Bagel Run locations near Orlando-area theme parks are: 11012 Daryl Carter Pkwy. #130 Orlando, FL, 32836 and 5814 Conroy Rd. Orlando, FL, 32835.
For visitors to Walt Disney World, the Celebration location, roughly 10–15 minutes from major theme parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot, has quickly become a go-to breakfast or coffee stop. While bagels inside Walt Disney World property are relatively scarce and sometimes criticized by locals, Jeff’s Bagel Run has filled that niche with high-quality offerings just outside the resort area.
The Menu: What Can You Expect at Jeff’s Bagel Run?
Photo Credit: Jeremy Stein
The Jeff’s Bagel Run menu is a masterclass in focused, high-quality simplicity. Rooted in the tradition of authentic New York-style bagels, every bagel is boiled and baked on-site throughout the day, ensuring a signature chewy exterior and soft, airy center. While you can always find staples like Plain, Sesame, and Everything, the menu truly shines with its bold, signature creations.
Savory highlights include the Asiago Everything, Rosemary Salt, and the spicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack. For those seeking a unique twist, the Cacio E Pepe and Tomato Grilled Cheese bagels offer a gourmet experience. Sweet options are equally tempting, featuring flavors like French Toast, Blueberry, and Cinnamon Sugar.
Whipped Spreads and Craft Drinks
No bagel is complete without a handcrafted spread. The Jeff’s Bagel Run menu features over a dozen house-whipped cream cheeses. You can choose from savory classics like Chive & Onion and Veggie, or indulge in dessert-inspired flavors such as Cake Batter, Banana Pudding, and Cookies and Cream. For a lighter touch, they also offer flavored butters like Garlic Herb.
To round out your meal, the beverage program features Otus Coffee roasts. Popular choices include:
- Iced Banana Bread Latte (sweet banana, hazelnut, and nutmeg)
- Cinnamon Vanilla Oat Milk Cold Brew
- Lavender Lemonade
Whether you’re grabbing a “Lox in a Box” for a full meal or a “Spread Flight” to sample multiple flavors, the menu delivers a fresh, artisan experience every time.
Jeremy’s thoughts about Jeff’s Bagel Run
Our own Jeremy Stein had some thoughts about Jeff’s Bagel Run…
“Jeff’s Bagel Run has become one of those places where you just know what you’re getting — no matter which location you walk into. It’s always fun, always clean, and always staffed by some of the friendliest people around. The menu is packed with incredible choices, the ‘Bagel of the Day’ keeps things interesting, and every single visit delivers what I genuinely believe is the best bagel I’ve ever had.
Over time? It’s been wildly consistent. We’ve visited at least half a dozen Central Florida locations, and the experience doesn’t waver. That kind of reliability is rare — especially when you start expanding.
Photo Credit: Jeff’s Bagel Run
The only ‘problem’ with Jeff’s is that everything is good and the menu is big… so choosing is tough. I usually try the Bagel of the Day, but favorites like Asiago Everything, Cinnamon Raisin, and Rosemary Salt are hard to pass up. And if Old & Bay Cheddar shows up as the bagel of the day? This Maryland kid is grinning ear to ear. For cream cheese, Roasted Jalapeño and Banana Pudding are my go-tos — both absolute winners.
Where does it rank for me? Let’s just say Jeff’s Bagels have ruined all other bagels. So yes… I need a St. Augustine location ASAP.”
What’s Next for Jeff’s Bagel Run
Industry watchers note that Jeff’s Bagel Run’s success isn’t slowing down. With more than 100 additional locations currently in development nationwide and plans to continue expanding into new states, the brand is positioning itself as a national player in the breakfast and fast-casual segment.
Jeff Perera’s vision remains focused on thoughtful growth, carefully selecting franchise partners, and ensuring consistent quality across all stores. For more information about Jeff’s Bagel Run, visit the company’s official website.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!
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