NEW YORK — The second annual BagelUp Growth Lab is the opening act for this year’s New York BagelFest, created by BagelUp and presented by King Arthur Baking. The business incubator is scheduled for Nov. 14, the day before the New York BagelFest at Citi Field in NYC.
This year, Growth Lab programming features an expanded agenda that features business education, access-to-capital discussions, live pitches, product sampling, direct connections with experienced operators, suppliers and other industry professionals, and a networking mixer.
BagelUp Growth Lab expands into year-round program
BagelUp also launched the year-round Growth Lab Partner Program, with the intention of creating a more continuous path of support for founders. The Partner Program provides bagel entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections and industry resources they need to build a sustainable company. Throughout the year, partners will host webinars on everything from equipment selection to store design to choosing packaging, payment processing, and understanding the operational infrastructure needed to open a brick-and-mortar location.
“The Growth Lab helps rising stars of the bagel industry survive the leap to their first brick-and-mortar,” said Sam Silverman, president of BagelUp. “According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, roughly 40 to 50 percent of new accommodation and foodservice establishments close within five years. That’s why we connect these founders with industry veterans who’ve already been through it — and back again — so they get the candid feedback and mentorship that can make the difference in those critical early years.”
2026 Growth Lab Entrepreneurs
2026 Growth Lab Partners
– King Arthur Baking Co. (flour)
– All Bake Technologies (bakery equipment and services)
– Philadelphia Cream Cheese (cream cheese)
– Malt Products Corp. (malt and sweeteners)
– Bettani (plant-based alternatives)
– Manischewitz (kosher foods)
– Echelon Payments (merchant services)
– noissue (packaging)
– thinkDESIGN Architecture (architecture and design)
“Building a bagel shop that lasts takes solid business fundamentals, a well-planned space with the right equipment and access to the right capital,” said Karen Bornarth, executive director of the Bread Bakers Guild of America (BBGA). “The BBGA is thrilled to be part of the Growth Lab, sharing what we’ve learned so early-stage owners and operators can build resilient businesses that thrive for years to come.”
