A local bagel shop is venturing into franchising.
The Bagel Hole, which has been open in Cumming since 2020, has a couple locations opening up this year, including its first franchise location. Franchise owners Raegan and Elise Wexler will be bringing their first location to 3560 Browns Bridge Road, Suite 300, in the Coal Mountain Shops in Cumming. Raegan told What Now Atlanta that they are aiming to open in the 1,400-square-foot space in November or December.
This location will be the third for the brand, following a company-owned location planned for Alpharetta that will be opening within the next month. The Bagel Hole founders Gary and Cathy Trentacosta will be opening that shop.
Wexler said he was attracted to franchising with the brand not only because he loved the product offerings, but also because he connected with the concept and sentiment behind the brand.
“[I’m excited] to be the owner of such an awesome product and to be part of such a great family,” Raegan said. “It’s not just a bagel shop. One of the things that really brought me to the brand was that it’s not just the quality, which is amazing, but the service, the friendliness and the family vibe, and I was really attracted to that from the beginning.”
Raegan approached the Trentacostas about getting involved with the brand just as they became interested in growing through franchising. It turned out to be a good fit, so Raegan moved forward as the first franchisee.
At his location in Cumming, Raegan intends to stay true to the brand, maintaining the friendly atmosphere and the popular offerings. Customers can expect to see a variety of bagels on the menu, as well as schmears, bagel sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, salads and baked goods.
“When I first went to their location, I was impressed with how friendly they were, how well they knew their customers and how clean the place was, and those are important things to me,” Raegan said. “I was just blown away. I became a fan of the place right away.”
Moving forward, Raegan is looking to connect with the community through The Bagel Hole. He sees possibility for growth with the company, and as The Bagel Hole’s first franchisee, he hopes to help the company succeed as it builds its footprint. Eventually, he envisions operating more franchise units for the brand as it expands.
“I’m excited to be part of the community and to be able to bring a product that is desired in the area,” he said. “I want to be able to help the community, do some donating and help with some good causes in the area.”
