Las Vegas’ bagel scene just got a little more East Coast with the February opening of Jeff’s Bagel Run on Eastern just north of Sansone Park Place. The quick-service restaurant offers bagels and cream cheese, both made fresh in-house daily with a limited number of ingredients, in a plethora of unique flavor options not typically seen in a bagel shop. Think Cacio E Pepe paired with Buffalo Cream Cheese, or Rosemary Salt with Cookies & Cream; from savory to sweet, the pairing possibilities are endless. Especially when you add the Bagel of the Day, featuring flavors like French Onion Soup, Baked Ziti, Spicy Cheese-It, or Blueberry Cinnamon Sugar. Pair this with to-go boxes like “Lox in a Box” or “Turkey in a Box,” and you have the recipe for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
A Rebel-Turned-Restaurateur
University of Nevada, Las Vegas and William S. Boyd School of Law graduate and long-time Las Vegas local Marvin Simeon was enjoying a 20+ year career in the legal field when his long-time friend convinced him on a whim to fly out to Orlando, Fl. This is where a small new franchise company Jeff’s Bagel Run was founded.
“He told me about Jeff’s Bagel Run and said, ‘Just buy your ticket and find out.’” Simeon always knew he wanted to start a small business, opening a cafe where friends could meet, but didn’t have a timeline for it. “So I bought my ticket the night before and flew out the next day on a whim and at the insistence of my coworkers, family, and friends.”
While most bagel shops offer a full menu including sandwiches and other cafe fare, Jeff’s Bagel Run recipe for success is in the simplicity of its menu. Offer scratch-made boiled bagels and cream cheese in a variety of fun flavors, along with a craft cup of coffee. Simeon says he was impressed by this simplicity and the quality.
“It’s a fun product in its simplicity. Bagels, Cream Cheese, and Coffee. I grew up in a school where toasted bagels and commissary bagels were the norm. Not that I hadn’t had a fresh bagel, but I was so used to that product in Las Vegas. What I tasted was nice, warm, and chewy. But I went to different stores, and they were so consistent across them, and they had fun flavors that were out of the ordinary from what I typically see at a bagel shop. And it was the simplicity of the menu that allowed them to execute it well. We don’t have this particular model in Las Vegas paired with the customer service.” So Simeon decided to open the first, and currently only, Jeff’s Bagel Run on the West Coast, and west of Houston.
Confessions of an Already Obsessed Fan
We have yet to go to Jeff’s Bagel Run and not see a line out the door. So what makes it so great? Less than a month after opening, and we talked to an already loyal fan, Melissa Jackson, to find out…
Be honest — how often are you going?
Now that one has finally opened in Las Vegas, at least once a week.
Do you remember your very first bite? What was your reaction?
Yes! Wow – I can’t wait to try another bagel!
What made you think, “Okay… Am I hooked”?
The soft fluffiness of the bagel and the richness of the cream cheese.
Las Vegas has no shortage of food options — why do you think this place has taken off so quickly?
I mean, who doesn’t love a good bagel? They have some fun, interesting flavors.
What tips & tricks do you have for a first-time visitor?
Definitely check social media for the different bagel of the day. Also, sign up and order through the app to get your first bagel free!
If you had 10 seconds to convince someone to try Jeff’s Bagel Run, what would you say?
Run… don’t walk. The bagels are warm & delicious, packed with flavor, and if you can’t decide on a specific cream cheese – get a flight of 3!
Simeon adds some tips and tricks of his own for a first-time visitor.
“Have an open mind. Try the cream cheese. Let the staff give you different samples of the flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix the sweet & savory. Ask the employees what’s hot and just out of the oven. And most importantly, have fun!
Rooted in Aloha, Built on Ohana
In addition to offering quality products, Simeon is focused on ensuring employees provide quality hospitality. For this, he draws on his Hawaiian roots. He tries to embody the Aloha spirit of love, kindness, compassion and mutual respect when working with his employees. Marvin is the first one in/last one out of the door, and works alongside the employees every day. He also provides free “Happy Meals” to all employees. “So our shift meal is keyed in to the POS as a “Happy Sarah” or “Happy Carter”.” It’s one of the little things that make a difference in the workday.
And he encourages them to pass that Aloha on to the customers as well. While there’s not much you can localize about a franchise, Simeon encourages employees to make connections with the customers wherever they can – down to the messages they write on the cups.
Simeon employs a wide variety of staff, from high school sophomores earning their first paycheck to college students and moms re-entering the workforce. Many of his employees enjoy the fun atmosphere and the opportunity for growth. Marvin and many of his employees have a growth mindset, preparing for uptraining to eventually manage future expansion locations of Jeff’s Bagel Run in Las Vegas.
As of right now, it seems like the sky is the limit for Simeon and team.
