Key Takeaways Jeff Perera launched Jeff’s Bagel Run from his home kitchen in November 2019.
A few years later, he sold his home to obtain the funds to open his first in-person store.
The company started franchising and now has 25 locations.
Jeff Perera, 48, describes the process of starting his business as a “love story.” It all started with him trying to make the perfect bagel for his wife, Danielle, at a transition point in their lives.
Perera, who had worked in retail for over two decades for big brands like Target, Apple, North Face and Adidas, went to work for a senior living company and was laid off in August 2019. At the same time, Danielle, who had been staying home with their daughter and son, was ready to rejoin the workforce and suggested that Perera be the stay-at-home parent.
Perera agreed to the change, which worked out well. Before Danielle rejoined the workforce, the pair found themselves regularly driving “a really long way to get bagels,” Perera tells Entrepreneur.
“She said, you know, you should just learn to make me one,” Perera says. “And so that’s how I started making bagels.”
Related: This CEO Took a Cult-Favorite Bagel Brand National. Here’s the Top Lesson He Learned.
Fast-forward six years, and Perera’s bagel business, Jeff’s Bagel Run, has 25 locations and is on track to exceed $15 million in total revenue this year. He has plans to open at least 40 stores next year.
Jeff Perera. Credit: Jeff’s Bagel Run
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