Advertise on podcast: The Weekly Run

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Perera and Chris Cohen discuss their shared love for bagels, the intricacies of running a restaurant, and the importance of community support in the food industry. They explore the challenges and rewards of being restaurant owners, emphasizing the personal connections that develop within local communities. Takeaways Community support is vitalRestaurant ownership is challenging Chapters 00:00 Bagels and Beginnings03:13 The Restaurant Family Experience05:46 Navigating Community and Competition08:57 Understanding Restaurant Economics12:03 The Myths of Restaurant Wealth14:56 The Reality of Restaurant Life17:51 Community Connections and Support

The conversation explores the evolution of a bagel shop into a community-centric brand, emphasizing the importance of guest feedback and emotional connections. Jeff and Aaron discuss how real-time feedback tools enhance customer service and operational insights, ultimately shaping a culture that transcends traditional restaurant experiences. Takeaways Building community mattersFeedback drives improvement Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Provocative Take01:00 Feedback and Guest Interaction02:51 Understanding the Brand's Impact05:58 Personal Connections and Community08:59 Guest Experiences and Emotional Connections11:56 Feedback Mechanisms and Operational Insights14:46 Building a Culture Beyond Bagels18:03 Real-Time Feedback and Customer Service20:47 Addressing Challenges and Team Dynamics23:52 The Importance of Order Accuracy27:03 Recovering from Negative Experiences29:57 Looking Ahead and Future Growth

The conversation revolves around Jeff's nostalgic reflections on his early days running a single store, contrasting it with the complexities of managing multiple locations. He shares insights on the joys of direct customer interactions, the challenges of scaling, and the importance of maintaining a personal connection with the community as the business grows. The conversation explores the importance of maintaining a local feel in a growing franchise business, emphasizing the balance between expansion and personal connection with customers. Jeff and Aaron reflect on their experiences, the challenges of franchise operations, and the significance of remembering their roots while adapting to growth. Takeaways Nostalgia for simpler timesImportance of customer connection Local feel in franchise growthImportance of remembering roots Chapters 00:00 Nostalgia for the Early Days09:54 The Joys and Challenges of Scaling20:11 Maintaining Community Connections22:02 Building Local Connections25:58 The Balance of Growth and Community30:56 Nostalgia and Team Traditions33:31 Franchise Challenges and Learning37:56 Looking Ahead: Future Growth

In this conversation, Jeff and Lauren discuss the journey of Jeff's Bagel Run, Lauren's transition from teaching to working at the bagel shop, and the importance of mental health and community support. They also touch on personal opinions regarding social etiquette, particularly in the context of air travel. Takeaways Embrace personal transitionsPrioritize mental health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bagels and Guests00:58 The Journey of Jeff's Bagel Run06:03 Transitioning from Teaching to Bagels11:49 Mental Health and Self-Prioritization17:58 Community and Support Systems19:53 Airplane Etiquette and Personal Opinions

In this conversation, Jeff and Ken discusses his journey as a real estate agent and content creator in Orlando, emphasizing the importance of community and storytelling. He shares personal anecdotes about his early jobs, the significance of food in building relationships, and his vision for fostering community in Orlando through his media company. Takeaways Building community through storytellingThe importance of food in relationships Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Bagel Preferences02:47 Early Experiences and Lessons Learned05:46 Creating a Media Company in Real Estate09:12 Community Building in Orlando

In this episode, Jeff Perera and Glen share their journey through coffee and bagels, exploring the evolution of their businesses, the importance of quality and simplicity, and their vision for the future of coffee. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:17 Celebrating National Coffee Day with free coffee 01:11 The story of Jeff's Coffee Run and Otis brand 02:20 Glen's journey into coffee roasting in 2017 03:41 Early days of roasting in an apartment 05:29 First roaster and the evolution of coffee roasting 06:25 First experiences with hot bagels and cold brew 07:47 Transition from cold brew to espresso and drip coffee 09:19 Opening the first store and early challenges 11:25 The growth of the franchise and brand recognition 13:01 Glen's team and passing on the roasting craft 15:25 Celebrating the expansion and future plans 18:39 Plans for National Coffee Day and future of coffee 19:44 The future of coffee: back to basics and quality 21:27 Balancing convenience and quality in coffee 22:44 Innovative ideas for coffee shops and concepts 24:00 Closing thoughts and friendship in coffee

The conversation delves into the theme of constant evolution and change, highlighting the thoughtful approach to innovation and the impact and responsibility associated with it. It explores the journey from idea to execution, the importance of thoughtful planning and execution, the process of triage and prioritization, the franchisee experience and feedback loop, and the significance of real-time feedback and adaptation. The conversation delves into community engagement, sponsorship, and the impact of catering on business. It then transitions to strategic planning, customer demand, marketing, and upcoming events, concluding with a discussion on interactive features and the loyalty program. Takeaways Constant evolution and changeThoughtful approach to innovation Community EngagementProduct Development Chapters 00:00 The Hottest Thing Right Now03:01 From Idea to Execution06:54 Impact and Responsibility09:56 Thoughtful Planning and Execution13:06 Triage and Prioritization17:13 Franchisee Experience and Feedback Loop20:11 Real-Time Feedback and Adaptation21:41 Community Engagement and Sponsorship23:12 Catering and Business Impact24:14 Strategic Planning and Software Updates26:03 Customer Demand and Gift Card Program27:08 Marketing and Store Openings28:15 Interactive Features and Marketing Ideas29:36 Upcoming Events and Loyalty Program

The conversation covers the excitement and challenges of new store openings at Jeff's Bagel Run, as well as the complexities of health insurance and the operational intricacies of running a bagel shop. It also delves into the experiences and learnings from setting up and operating new stores, as well as the community support and challenges faced by franchisees. Takeaways New store openings bring excitement and challengesOperational intricacies of running a bagel shopCommunity support and challenges faced by franchisees Chapters 00:00 New Store Openings: Excitement and Challenges05:00 Operational Intricacies of Running a Bagel Shop07:01 Experiences and Learnings from Setting Up and Operating New Stores21:21 Community Support and Challenges Faced by Franchisees

A conversation between Jeff Perera and Lindsay, a working mom and dance teacher, covers topics such as career transitions, bagels, family, and the challenges of infertility. The conversation also delves into the creation of bagel flavors and the joy of indulging in unique food combinations. Takeaways Career transitions and pursuing passionsThe impact of infertility on personal growth and empathy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Transitions04:20 The Journey of a Theater Kid06:21 Creating Content and IVF Journey08:27 Motherhood and Family Dynamics10:35 The Impact of Infertility18:16 Bagel Creations and Flavors

The conversation explores the impact of free giveaways on consumer behavior and brand loyalty. It delves into the power of brand identity and the evolution of branded merchandise, highlighting a shift in consumer engagement and the creation of brand loyalty through giveaways. The conversation delves into the influence of FOMO and social momentum, as well as the sensory experience of bagels. It also explores the evolution of bagel flavors and the anticipation of Thanksgiving bagel creations. Takeaways Brand loyalty through giveawaysThe shift in branded merchandise FOMO and social momentumThe sensory experience of bagels Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Free Stuff03:04 The Power of Brand Identity12:01 The Evolution of Branded Merchandise20:59 The Influence of FOMO22:10 The Bagel Experience24:06 The Evolution of Bagel Flavors33:08 Thanksgiving Bagel Creations

The conversation revolves around the current trend of opening bagel shops and the growing competition in the bagel industry. It explores the reasons behind the bagel boom, the consumer sentiment driving it, and the different categories of bagel shops emerging in the market. The conversation delves into the evolution of the bagel business and its parallels with the chicken industry. It explores the challenges of starting and growing a business, the importance of customer experience, and the impact of changing consumer trends on the food industry. Takeaways Bagel shops are experiencing a boom driven by consumer interest in craft and elevated food experiences.The bagel industry is segmented into different categories, including mom and pop shops, bagel delis, breakfast spots with bagels, and specialized bagel-focused establishments. Business evolutionCustomer experience Chapters 00:00 The Bagel Boom01:16 Consumer Sentiment and Food Trends16:06 The Different Categories of Bagel Shops21:32 Evolution of the Bagel Business22:36 Starting vs. Growing a Business23:32 Adapting to Changing Consumer Trends25:02 The Importance of Customer Experience26:22 Predicting the Future of the Business27:11 Staying Relevant in the Market30:01 Lessons from Other Food Industry Trends31:35 Challenges of Business Growth32:33 Maintaining Brand Identity33:09 The Fun of Problem-Solving in Business34:09 Looking Ahead to the Future42:02 Humorous Reflections on Predicting the Future

The conversation delves into the influence of seasonal flavors on consumer behavior, the impact of retail and e-commerce on seasonal product availability, conditioning and societal expectations around seasonal consumption, and the role of seasonal foods in shaping consumer preferences. Takeaways Seasonal flavors drive consumer demandRetailers and manufacturers influence seasonal product availability Chapters 00:00 The Influence of Seasonal Flavors09:58 The Impact of Retail and E-commerce20:03 Conditioning and Societal Expectations30:09 The Role of Seasonal Foods

The trio discusses their podcasting debut and the dynamics of their collaboration. They then delve into the concept of scheduling creativity and the challenges of planning innovative bagel flavors. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity, strategy, and customer engagement in the context of bagel development. The conversation delves into the creative process of themed weeks, exploring new bagel flavors, innovation, testing, cream cheese flavors, operational efficiency, audience testing, and the launch of pumpkin season with new flavors. Takeaways Collaborative Podcasting DebutChallenges of Scheduling CreativityInnovative Bagel Flavors and Customer Engagement Innovation and creativity drive the exploration of new bagel flavors.Operational efficiency and audience testing play a crucial role in the development and testing of new flavors. Chapters 00:00 The Trio's Podcasting Debut02:09 Scheduling Creativity15:23 Bagel Flavors and Creativity21:51 Creative Process and Themed Weeks22:39 Exploring New Bagel Flavors23:23 Innovation and Testing New Flavors26:06 Cream Cheese Flavors and Customer Feedback31:48 Operational Efficiency and Audience Testing36:38 Pumpkin Season Launch and New Flavors

Jeff and Aaron discuss the new pumpkin bagels at Jeff's Bagel Run, tasting and reviewing each flavor. They explore the flavor profiles, pairings, and the experience of pumpkin season. Takeaways Pumpkin bagels offer a variety of flavor profiles, from sweet to savory.Pairing bagels with different spreads enhances the overall taste experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pumpkin Season01:46 Exploring New Pumpkin Bagel Flavors02:37 Tasting and Reviewing Pumpkin Bagels03:37 Pairing and Flavor Profiles04:24 Discussion on Bagel Tasting Experience05:29 Exploring Sweet and Savory Bagel Flavors09:25 Controversial Pumpkin Bagel Flavor16:29 Final Thoughts and Future Tastings

The conversation delves into the impact of operational execution on sales, the importance of in-store engagement, and the challenges of implementing kiosks in the restaurant industry. It also explores the evolution of store layout and processes, as well as the balance between speed and customer engagement. The conversation delves into the operational and experiential aspects of running a bagel shop, highlighting the impact of customer behavior, store routines, and the importance of being 'rush ready'. The focus on experience over optimization and the resilience of the system to adapt to changes are key themes throughout the discussion. Takeaways Operational execution and in-store engagement significantly impact salesImplementing kiosks in the restaurant industry presents challengesBalancing speed and customer engagement is crucial for a positive customer experience Experience over optimizationResilience to adapt to changes Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Operational Execution on Sales03:05 The Importance of In-Store Engagement07:58 Challenges of Implementing Kiosks in the Restaurant Industry14:06 Evolution of Store Layout and Processes20:05 Balancing Speed and Customer Engagement33:24 The Challenge of Predicting Customer Behavior