PODCAST · society
The Weekly Run
by Jeff Perera
The Weekly Run is a behind-the-scenes look at how Jeff’s Bagel Run is built, one week at a time. Hosted by Jeff and Aaron, the show breaks down the real work behind Bake Fresh, Bring Joy, and Build Community, with honest conversations about growth, culture, and the decisions that shape the brand.
-
22
Fit First: The Secret to Franchise Growth | #22
The conversation covers the expansion into the Salt Lake City market, the franchisee selection process, the understanding of risk in franchising, and the viability of franchising as a business model. It emphasizes the importance of fit, alignment, and transparency in the franchisee selection process, as well as the elimination of entrepreneurial risk in franchising.TakeawaysImportance of fit and alignment in franchisee selectionThe appeal of franchising as a business modelChapters00:00 Expanding into Salt Lake City18:12 Franchising and Risk29:19 Franchising as a Viable Option
-
21
Make them Regulars | #21
The conversation covers the experience of speaking at the University of Central Florida, the impact of brand awareness, the importance of hospitality in retail, and the concept of ownership in customer service. It also delves into the significance of making customers feel seen and appreciated, as well as the value of creating regulars through engagement and loyalty programs. The conversation covers a range of topics including customer experience, bagel flavors, and freezer storage tips. It also delves into the excitement around upcoming bagel launches and the success of certain sports teams.TakeawaysBrand awareness impactHospitality in retailCreating regulars through engagement Customer experience is about keeping customers engaged and satisfied, similar to the strategy used at Universal Studios.Freezer storage and reheating techniques for bagels can enhance the bagel-eating experience.Chapters00:00 Creating Regulars through Engagement23:06 Customer Experience and Bagel Shop Strategy28:13 Bagel Roster and Menu Innovation33:29 Interest in Bagel Innovation and Freezer Storage Tips
-
20
Now You See Me! | #20
The conversation covers the excitement of reaching the 20th episode of the podcast, the launch of the summer menu with special collaborations, and the experiences and trends observed at a recent restaurant show. The hosts discuss podcast milestones, summer menu trends, and their experiences at the restaurant show, providing insights into the industry and their own journey.TakeawaysPodcast milestonesSummer menu trendsRestaurant show experiencesChapters00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Milestones
-
19
The Freshness Debate | #19
The conversation covers the hot bagel lineup, the distinction between scratch-made and frozen pastries, and the anticipation of the National Restaurant Association restaurant show and flavor trends. The Bagel of the Day lineup is a highlight, along with the discussion on consumer perception of scratch-made products. The upcoming restaurant show is also a point of interest, focusing on flavor trends and innovation in the industry.TakeawaysBagel of the Day lineup is hotScratch-made vs. frozen, thawed, and serve pastriesNational Restaurant Association restaurant show and flavor trendsChapters00:00 Hot Bagel Lineup06:00 Ice Cream Summer and Flavor Trends
-
18
Don't Forget Mom! | #18
The conversation covers various topics related to Jeff's Bagel Run, including the recent Au-Dough-Mation incident, the end of pimento and peach season, the upcoming Ice Cream Summer LTO, the process of menu creation and innovation, the significance of catering during special events, and the unique experience of Mother's Day at Jeff's Bagel Run. Additionally, the conversation delves into the challenges of handling a surge in catering orders and the humorous experiences of confused dads on Mother's Day. The conversation explores the concept of 'sauce generation' and the evolving preferences of Gen Z for flavor variety. It also delves into menu innovation, flavor experimentation, and the partnership with a syrup supplier. The discussion highlights the joy of creating and enjoying new flavor combinations.TakeawaysInnovation drives guest visits and adds another reason for customers to visit Jeff's Bagel Run.Catering plays a significant role during special events such as Nurses Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Mother's Day, contributing to a surge in orders.The unique experience of Mother's Day at Jeff's Bagel Run involves helping confused dads with their orders and providing a delightful experience for moms.The process of menu creation and innovation involves ideation, creative brainstorming, and collaboration to bring new and fresh offerings to the menu. Sauce generation: Gen Z's preference for a variety of sauces and flavorsMenu innovation: Experimentation with flavor combinations and the joy of creating new productsChapters00:00 Au-Dough-Mation Incident05:45 Menu Creation and Innovation12:42 Mother's Day at Jeff's Bagel Run20:09 Menu Innovation and Flavor Variety
-
17
Show & Tell | #17
The conversation covers a range of topics including nostalgia, the teach-in experience, the peach and pimento LTF, the analog renaissance, the value of imperfection, freshness and experience, and the value of inefficiency. The themes of analog renaissance and the value of imperfection emerge as key takeaways from the discussion. The conversation delves into the resurgence of analog experiences, particularly the return of records and the nostalgia for the past. It also explores the unique lifestyle and community of The Villages, retirement plans, and the concept of 'half back' for retirees seeking a change in location.TakeawaysAnalog renaissanceValue of imperfection Nostalgia for the pastAnalog experiences making a comebackChapters00:00 Nostalgia and Show-and-Tell06:01 Peach and Pimento LTF11:58 The Value of Imperfection16:54 Nostalgia and the Value of Inefficiency24:07 The Villages Community29:07 Every Day is Saturday
-
16
Finally, PICKLE BALL | #16
The conversation covers the experience at the Restaurant Leadership Conference, the impact of lower-level conversations, the pickleball saga, the bagel activation and brand awareness, the importance of real-life experiences, and reflections on the event and future plans.TakeawaysReal-life experiences create a lasting impactBuilding brand awareness through non-traditional methodsChapters00:00 The Restaurant Leadership Conference Experience13:01 The Importance of Real-Life Experiences29:35 Reflections on the Event and Future Plans
-
15
Built on a Bagel | #15
The conversation delves into the evolution of the bagel business, the changing consumer preferences and trends, and the bagel's role as a platform for brand building. It explores the history of bagels, the impact of the COVID-19 era on the bagel business, and the emergence of a new wave of bagel businesses. The discussion also highlights the importance of meeting consumer demands and the value of specializing in a specific product.TakeawaysBagel business evolutionConsumer preferences and trendsThe bagel as a platform for brand buildingChapters00:00 The Bagel Boom14:14 The Bagel as a Platform
-
14
The Ritual of Welcome | #14
The conversation delves into the impact of Bagel Madness and the unexpected victory of Banana Bread, followed by the introduction of the Spring LTO: Peach and Pimento Program. The discussion then shifts to the new Bagel of the Week, Cheddar Bacon Ranch, and concludes with a reflection on the significance of breakfast in morning rituals.Chapters00:00 Bagel Madness: The Underdog Champion07:11 New Bagel of the Week: Cheddar Bacon Ranch17:38 The Role of Breakfast in Morning Rituals
-
13
I'm a little Verklempt | #13
The conversation with Glen Turchin revolves around the passion for coffee, the process of roasting and brewing, and the significance of coffee in the bagel shop experience. Glen shares his journey into the world of coffee, the nuances of different coffee processing methods, and the excitement for the future of coffee beverages. The conversation also delves into the importance of offering high-quality coffee in the bagel shop and the evolution of the coffee program. The conversation covers a range of topics related to coffee, including the process of making coffee, the evolution of the coffee industry, and the impact of coffee on consumer behavior. It also delves into the concept of specialty coffee and the influence of major coffee chains on the market. TChapters00:00 The Love Story of Coffee07:24 Naturally Processed Coffee15:09 Excitement for the Future of Coffee Beverages23:32 Importance of High-Quality Coffee in the Bagel Shop30:19 The Art of Making Coffee46:53 Bagel Flavors and Bagel Madness
-
12
Did someone say Pickleball? | #12
The conversation covers the excitement of a new store opening and its impact on the community, the brand's recognition and expansion strategy, and the growth and recognition of the brand within the industry. It also highlights the importance of community building and the brand's commitment to its core values.
-
11
Banana Bread Bagel, A Cinderella Story | #11
The conversation revolves around the engaging Bagel Madness event and the insights into franchising as a business growth strategy.TakeawaysBagel Madness is a highly engaging eventFranchising as a business growth strategyLeveraging expertiseChapters00:00 Engagement and Future Events20:20 Speed and Complexity in Operations26:23 First Impressions and Validation32:17 Brand Recognition and Community Connection
-
10
Let The Madness Begin | #10
Jeff and Aaron discuss Jeff's upcoming speaking engagement, Bagel Madness. They also share insights on public speaking and the process of preparing for a speaking engagement. A lighthearted and engaging conversation about bagel matchups and customer interactions at a local shop.
-
9
Beach Towns and Bagel Madness | #9
We talk beach towns, the ongoing bagel wars, and unveil the new and improved bagel madness—because the bagel world never sits still. Expect salty air, strong opinions, and a few fresh ideas coming out of the oven.
-
8
Grand Openings | #8
The conversation begins with an introduction and the discussion of new store openings, highlighting the challenges and excitement of the process. The Joy Report and customer reviews are then explored, emphasizing the impact of customer testimonials and the significance of customer feedback. The conversation delves into the impact of customer feedback on the business and the culture and mission of the company. The conversation revolves around finding joy in everyday moments, creativity, and collaboration in the workplace, as well as the exploration of new bagel creations and the art of bagel pairing. It also highlights the joy of mascot races and fun at work, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the little things and fostering a creative and joyful work environment.TakeawaysCommunity ConnectionCustomer Experience Joy in the Little ThingsBagel CreativityChapters00:00 Introduction and Weekly Run09:30 Joy Report and Customer Reviews18:38 Impact of Customer Feedback25:18 The Joy of Creativity and Collaboration in the Workplace32:32 The Art of Bagel Pairing and Creativity
-
7
The Danielle Interview (Part 2) The Long Game
In Part 2, Danielle moves past the highlight reel and into the real work of building.We talk about:Growing a company while raising a familyRoles evolving faster than you expectQuiet imposter syndromeThe constant pressure to innovate without losing the heartWe get honest about the operational chaos of running a bagel shop, the emotional weight founders carry home, and how an unplanned journey somehow became a brand built on community.This one’s about growth.About legacy.About building something that lasts — without missing the moment you’re in.
-
6
The Danielle Interview (Part 1) The Rise of 'Mother Bagel'
The conversation delves into the journey of building Jeff's Bagel Run from the beginning, the pivotal moments that led to its growth, the rise of 'Mother Bagel,' the excitement of franchising and, the joy of developing people.
-
5
Proof, Planes, and Charcuterie | #5
The conversation covers a range of topics including baking at altitude, Valentine's Day celebrations, office culture, and the impact of customer encounters. The speakers reflect on the startup experience, brand consistency, and the joy of connecting with customers. The segment 'Joy Report' is introduced to share impactful customer encounters and grounding moments.TakeawaysBaking at altitude presents unique challenges and requires adjustments in the dough rising process.Valentine's Day celebrations vary, and the speakers share their personal approaches to the holiday.Chapters00:00 Introduction and AI-Generated Music05:28 Gourmet Cheese Bagels and Charcuterie Board Week11:22 Baking at Altitude and Dough Quality17:28 Valentine's Day Celebration23:19 Startup Experience and Trauma Bonding29:33 Joyful Customer Encounter37:05 Upcoming Store Openings and Releases
-
4
Vegas, Pirates, and Shower Curtains! | #4
This is a wild ride. We talk about the Vegas opening and what it takes to bring the bagel energy to a new city, then detour into pirate Jeff. We even try to unravel the eternal mystery of why shower curtains stick to your leg. Business, laughs, and a little chaos in one quick episode.
-
3
She wants bagels, not roses | #3
We talk being a tech company, new store openings, Valentine’s Day behind the scenes, and how Super Bowl weekend shows up at Jeff’s Bagel Run.
-
2
Pizza, for breakfast? | #2
Jeff and Aaron break down National Bagel Day, jump into Pizza Week, and talk through what’s coming next. From celebrating the wins to planning ahead, this episode is all about momentum and what 2026 has in store for Jeff’s Bagel Run.
-
1
It's National Bagel Day! | #1
It's National Bagel Day! We are talking innovation, joy, and pride-in-ownership.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Weekly Run is a behind-the-scenes look at how Jeff’s Bagel Run is built, one week at a time. Hosted by Jeff and Aaron, the show breaks down the real work behind Bake Fresh, Bring Joy, and Build Community, with honest conversations about growth, culture, and the decisions that shape the brand.
HOSTED BY
Jeff Perera
Loading similar podcasts...