Jeff Perera

From Bagel Dreams to Brand Icon: Building a Craveable, Unstoppable Brand

Jeff Perera is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Jeff’s Bagel Run, a rapidly growing brand redefining the bagel experience. With over two decades of leadership in retail management, Jeff has honed his expertise in operations, team leadership, and customer experience. In 2019, following an unexpected layoff, he embraced his role as a stay-at-home dad and, alongside his wife, Danielle, pursued a passion for crafting the perfect bagel. What started as a small-scale delivery operation during the pandemic quickly gained a devoted following, leading to the opening of Jeff’s Bagel Run’s first brick-and-mortar location in Ocoee, Florida, in June 2021. Under Jeff’s leadership, the brand has continued to expand, bringing its handcrafted, hot-and-fresh bagels to new communities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and hospitality.  Today, Jeff's Bagel Run has 12 locations in four states and an additional 69 shops under development.

Join Jeff as he shares the journey from baking bagels in his home kitchen to building a cult-favorite brand with a fast-growing franchise network. Learn how to craft an authentic, unforgettable brand story, create customer loyalty that fuels expansion, and stand out in a crowded market — all while staying true to your vision. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, this session will leave you inspired and equipped with practical strategies to make your brand the one everyone’s talking about (and craving).