Bruegger’s Bagels Bites the Dust

So if you haven’t noticed, there’s another dark hole on Franklin Street these days, Bruegger’s Bagels shut its doors recently and does not plan to reopen that location.  Now, if you want a hot, fresh bagel, your only options are Panera, Alpine on UNC’s campus, or get in your car and drive down to the West Franklin Street Bruegger’s in Ram’s Plaza. 

Everytime I went to Brueggers I felt like it was busy, but employees at the West Franklin Street location said the downtown location just was not making any money.  The commercial real estate company just raised the rent per square foot on Franklin Street—I believe that they have claimed another student favorite. 

It’s a shame that such a busy college town does not even have a good bagel shop anymore.  I feel that a good bagel shop is a staple in any bustling community, like Chapel Hill. 

UNC graduate student, Casey Deak, said, “There’s kind of a void on Franklin Street, there should be a good ole’ mom and pop bagel shop where we can get bagels and bagel sandwiches.  I think it would do very well in the area because bagels are quick and easy to take on the go, like to class or to work.”

Franklin Street offers a range of fare from Italian, Chinese, gourmet, and you typical burger joint; but, the area is lacking in quick breakfast options for students and professionals on their way to work.  The typical Chapel Hill resident does not have time to sit down at Ye Old Waffle Shop, Coffee Shop, or Breadman’s for a hot meal in the morning; we need a quick coffee and bagel to get us going to work or to class. 

I continue to see unique stores and restaurants open on Franklin Street, take for instance Bubble Tea and Sugarland.  These stores serve very specific niches in the community.  Many of these niche stores will not meet the bottom line with high rents, high overhead, and a poor student customer base.

So… calling all entrepreneurs, we need you to fill this void and bring something to Franklin Street that the students really want!