Branded Hospitality Media Releases New Hospitality Hangout Episode With Bagel Brands COO Adam Modzel

Branded Hospitality Media has released a new episode of The Hospitality Hangout featuring Bagel Brands COO Adam Modzel, recorded live at QSR Evolution in Atlanta. The conversation covers menu simplification, breakfast-daypart strategy and how Bagel Brands runs four bagel chains with different brand identities.

Why it matters: - The episode offers a look at how a major quick-service breakfast operator manages four distinct bagel brands under one portfolio. - The discussion centers on menu focus, brand positioning and staffing advantages in the breakfast daypart. - The episode is available on The Hospitality Hangout website and major podcast platforms, widening its reach across the restaurant industry.

What happened: - Branded Hospitality Media released a new episode of The Hospitality Hangout, its flagship restaurant industry podcast. - The episode is titled "Einstein Bros., Bruegger's, Noah's and Manhattan: Four Takes on the Morning Bagel." - Adam Modzel, chief operating officer of Bagel Brands, is the featured guest. - Branded co-founders Michael "Schatzy" Schatzberg and Jimmy Frischling host the conversation. - The episode was recorded live at QSR Evolution in Atlanta. - The episode is available now on The Hospitality Hangout website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio and Pocket Casts.

The details: - Bagel Brands operates Einstein Bros. Bagels, Bruegger's Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel. - Modzel discusses how one operator manages four bagel brands with different identities and what each brand means to its guests. - Modzel talks about what he learned working behind the counter at Starbucks and how that experience shaped his approach to operations. - Bagel Brands trimmed its menus, and the episode explores why menu simplification matters. - Modzel points to the breakfast daypart as a recruiting and retention advantage because team members can get home for dinner. - The conversation also examines what customers mean by a "New York bagel." - Modzel describes Bruegger's as the traditional New York-style bagel brand and Einstein Bros. as the more experimental brand. - Modzel says at Einstein Bros., "we play with our food." - The episode touches on which bagel sells the most at Einstein Bros. - Branded Hospitality Media produces live episodes at QSR Evolution with restaurant executives, operators and investors.

Between the lines: - The episode shows how bagel chains are using sharper menu strategy and brand differentiation to stand out in a crowded breakfast market. - The staffing angle matters because breakfast-focused concepts can offer a work schedule that may appeal to hourly workers seeking more predictable evenings. - The contrast between Bruegger's and Einstein Bros. suggests Bagel Brands is balancing consistency and experimentation across its portfolio.

What's next: - Branded Hospitality Media will likely continue using live conference recordings to generate operator-focused content for the restaurant industry. - The episode may drive more listeners to The Hospitality Hangout across podcast and streaming platforms. - Bagel Brands' portfolio strategy and menu approach will remain relevant as breakfast competition stays intense.

The bottom line: - The new episode uses one operator's playbook to show how bagel brands can simplify menus, sharpen identities and compete for the breakfast customer.