Bagels & Co. Names Kevin Armantrout Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth and Franchise Expansion

An experienced restaurant and franchise executive brings operational leadership, brand development expertise, and a focus on building scalable systems as Bagels & Co. prepares for franchising.

Bagels & Co., the growing bagel and café concept known for its authentic Brooklyn-style bagels, signature house-made schmears, and freshly prepared breakfast and lunch offerings, has announced the appointment of Kevin Armantrout as Chief Executive Officer.

Armantrout, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer, brings extensive experience in restaurant operations, franchise brand development, and multi-unit growth. His appointment marks an important milestone as Bagels & Co. strengthens its leadership and operational infrastructure in preparation for its next phase of expansion, including plans to launch franchising in 2027.

Since joining Bagels & Co. as COO, Armantrout has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company's operational foundation and positioning the brand for sustainable growth. Under his leadership, the company has improved product quality and consistency across its locations, implemented strategic supply chain improvements to reduce system costs, and introduced new operating processes designed to support efficiency and scalability.

A significant accomplishment has been the development of Bagels & Co.'s first Learning Management System (LMS), a comprehensive training platform supporting front-of-house, back-of-house, and general management teams. The program establishes a more structured and consistent approach to employee training and development, creating a foundation for maintaining brand standards as the restaurant network expands.

Building the Foundation for Franchise Growth

Armantrout's leadership experience with franchise brands and multi-unit restaurant operations will be instrumental as Bagels & Co. prepares to introduce its franchise opportunity. His understanding of franchisee operations, brand standards, and the systems required to support growing restaurant networks brings valuable expertise to the company's development strategy.

With a focus on operational consistency, efficient restaurant design, team development, and supply chain optimization, Bagels & Co. is building the infrastructure necessary to support franchise partners and expansion into new markets.

The company's growth strategy combines its differentiated menu of Brooklyn-style bagels, signature schmears, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and specialty beverages with a streamlined operating model designed to support both individual restaurant performance and multi-unit development.

As CEO, Armantrout will oversee the company's strategic direction, restaurant operations, brand development, and franchise growth initiatives, with an emphasis on maintaining the quality and guest experience that define Bagels & Co. while preparing the organization for expansion.

His appointment reinforces Bagels & Co.'s commitment to disciplined growth, operational excellence, and building a franchise system designed to support long-term relationships with its future franchise partners.

About Bagels & Co.

Bagels & Co. is a growing bagel and café concept serving authentic Brooklyn-style bagels, signature house-made schmears, freshly prepared breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffee, and specialty beverages. With locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida, Bagels & Co. combines traditional bagel craftsmanship with a modern café experience, offering dine-in, takeout, digital ordering, delivery, and catering.

For more information about Bagels & Co. and its franchise development opportunities, visit www.bagelsandco.com.