Orlando-based Jeff’s Bagel Run is opening its first of seven planned Jacksonville-area shops in Neptune Beach.

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla — Pledging “Always Boiled. Never Toasted,” a popular new contender is entering the Jacksonville-area competition to offer the best New York-style bagels and schmears in Northeast Florida.

Jeff’s Bagel Run will debut the first of several planned Jacksonville-area franchise shops this spring in Neptune Beach. The Orlando-based chain, which launched six years ago in its founder’s home kitchen, is establishing a foothold in the Jacksonville market as part of an ambitious nationwide expansion.

Scratch-made bagels served fresh and hot, plus in-house-made whipped cream cheese spreads and craft coffee, will top the menu when Jeff’s Bagel Run opens at 628 Atlantic Blvd. No. 4 in the Publix-anchored Seminole Shoppes retail center.

“We’re targeting an opening in March. Construction is well underway, and we’re excited to welcome the Neptune Beach community very soon,” Catriona Harris, vice president of marketing for Jeff’s Bagel Run, told the Times-Union via email.

The award-winning bagel bakery is taking over and renovating the 1,260-square-foot space, previously occupied by GNC in the shopping center.


Gateway to Northeast Florida

Neptune Beach is the gateway to the Jacksonville market and the rest of Northeast Florida for Jeff’s Bagel Run.

Harris confirmed that the Beaches location is among a total of seven planned stores being developed by two separate franchise groups in the Jacksonville market.

The Neptune Beach shop is owned and operated by SNP JAX LLC, which Florida corporation records show is headquartered in Orlando. It is among three locations that SNP Jax Inc. is developing in the Jacksonville market, she said.

Harris noted the other four franchise locations are being developed by Moresize Enterprises LLC, which is listed on state corporation records as based in Leesburg, Fla.

“The seven shops will all open over the next three years,” she said.  


On the menu of Jeff’s Bagel Run

Harris said Jeff’s Bagel Run stands out because of “our commitment to freshness, along with a full coffee program and welcoming vibe.”

“Everything we serve is made from scratch in-house, every single day. Our bagels are mixed in-store and proofed overnight. … The next day, they are boiled and baked fresh throughout the day, and served hot, not reheated or shipped in,” she noted.

Jeff’s Bagel Run offers 16 bagel flavors. Fifteen of those are mainstays offered every day. The 16th is a Bagel of the Day, which rotates daily.

The mainstays include Asiago, Plain, Everything, Cinnamon Sugar, Onion, Cinnamon Raisin, Poppy Seed, Cacio e Pepe, Garlic, Jalapeno Cheddar, Sesame Seed, Blueberry, Rosemary Salt, Asiago Everything and Salt, according to its website.

Among the most recent Bagel of the Day offerings were Lemon Blueberry, Cheesey Chili Crisp and Saturday Sprinkles. Previous Bagel of the Day customer favorites ranged from Loaded Baked Potato to Bacon Swiss, and Blueberry Cinnamon Sugar to Churro, she said.

The shop’s selection of cheese spreads ranges from sweet to savory.

“We offer 17 freshly whipped spreads every day, including staples like Plain and Veggie, as well as more playful flavors like Banana Pudding, Roasted Jalapeno and Cookies n Cream,” Harris said.

The coffees at Jeff’s Bagel Run are custom-roasted blends crafted specifically for the chain by Otus Coffee Company of Winter Garden. Signature drinks include Cinnamon Vanilla Oat Milk Cold Brew, Hot Banana Bread Latte and Cinnamon Vanilla Oat Milk Cold Brew.


Home kitchen side hustle becomes acclaimed bagel business

Jeff and Danielle Perera founded Jeff’s Bagel Run in 2019 — inspired by a “longing for the authentic New York-style bagels that Danielle grew up enjoying,” according to the company’s website.

The couple, who had moved to Central Florida in 2016, were “dissatisfied” with the bagel options available back then, so they decided to take matters into their own hands.

When Jeff Perera faced being laid off in 2019, they saw an opportunity. He became the bagel baker while she was the taste tester. Together, they launched their bagel business in their home kitchen after perfecting their recipe.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff Perara initiated what became known as the “bagel run.” He personally delivered their freshly baked, “always boiled, never toasted” bagels door-to-door to friends, neighbors and local businesses, the website says. 

In June 2021, the couple opened the first Jeff’s Bagel Run brick-and-mortar location in Ocoee.

Jeff’s Bagel Run now has 26 shops open nationwide, with the most — 15 — in Florida. The others are in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia and Illinois. On the chain’s radar for future development are locations in Alabama, Colorado and Tennessee. 

In December, the company announced a 26% increase in same-store sales. In addition, it has more than 100 shops in development and projects it will reach 75 open locations by the end of 2026, reported FastCasual.com, an online restaurant industry trade publication.

The company was ranked No. 229 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.


Newest contender in Jacksonville-area bagel brawl

Jeff’s Bagel Run will square off against new and established Jacksonville-area bagel shops.

The bagel brawl contenders include the recently opened PopUp Bagels, at The Strand at Town Center shopping center; as well as BagelsRUs, with six locations; Einstein Bros. Bagels, with at least five shops; and H&H Bagels in Saint Johns, which is opening a second location in Mandarin.  

In addition to Publix, Jeff’s Bagel Run will join Chipotle Mexican Grill, Tokyo Ramen & Poke, Renna’s Pizza and Tropical Smoothie at Seminole Shoppes.

Harris said they’re up to the challenge.

“Jeff’s Bagel Run started in a home kitchen and has grown into a nationally recognized brand by staying true to its roots: scratch-made food, real ingredients, and genuine community involvement,” she said. “We’re excited to bring that same energy, warmth, and great bagels to Neptune Beach and beyond.”

The Neptune Beach shop is expected to be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Editor’s note: This story was first published by our news partners, The Florida Times-Union.