America’s largest retail bagel chain is the only bagel brand named to the Readers’ Choice Awards
DENVER, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Einstein Bros. Bagels, America’s largest retail bagel chain, has been named one of the nation’s top 10 Best Bakery Chains in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice™ Awards, the only bagel-specific brand on this year’s list.
The consumer-voted recognition reinforces Einstein Bros. Bagels’ position as America’s leading bagel brand, backed by more than 700 locations nationwide and three decades of category leadership.
The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards recognize brands that consumers identify as the best in their category. Newsweek editors and an expert panel first nominate contenders, and Newsweek readers then vote to determine the final honorees, making the recognition a direct reflection of real customer loyalty and satisfaction rather than an industry or media-only accolade.
“Being named one of the best bakery chains in the country, and the only bagel brand on this list, validates three decades of category leadership,” said Einstein Bros. Bagels Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Serrano. “With more than 700 bakeries nationwide and a goal of surpassing 1,000 by 2030, we are proud this recognition comes directly from the guests who make Einstein Bros. Bagels part of their morning routine.”
What Is the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Award?
Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards program is a consumer-driven recognition system built to spotlight the brands Americans trust and choose most often. Every recipient goes through the same two-step process:
- Newsweek editors and panelists select a shortlist of nominees within each category
- Newsweek readers vote directly to determine which nominees are named honorees
- Winners are announced publicly, providing transparent, consumer-backed validation
Why Einstein Bros. Bagels Stands Out on This Year’s List
Einstein Bros. Bagels’ inclusion places the brand among the top 10 Best Bakery Chains recognized nationally in 2026, with one key distinction: Einstein Bros. Bagels is the only bagel-specific brand named among this year’s honorees.
- Recognized in the Best Bakery Chain category
- Named among the top 10 national honorees
- The only bagel brand included on this year’s list
- Determined through consumer voting, not editorial selection alone
A Legacy of Bagel Leadership
Einstein Bros. Bagels has built this recognition on more than three decades of category leadership:
- America’s largest retail bagel chain, operating more than 700 locations nationwide
- One of the fastest-growing brands in the fast-casual breakfast segment
- Plans to expand to more than 1,000 locations by 2030
- Serving millions of Americans daily with fresh-baked bagels, premium double-whipped cream cheese shmear, handcrafted coffee and espresso
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Einstein Bros. Bagels locations are there?
A: Einstein Bros. Bagels operates more than 700 locations across the United States, with plans to grow to more than 1,000 by 2030.
Q: Did Einstein Bros. Bagels win a Newsweek award in 2026?
A: Yes. Einstein Bros. Bagels was named among Newsweek’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards top 10 honorees in the Best Bakery category.
Q: What makes Einstein Bros. Bagels America’s largest bagel chain?
A: Einstein Bros. Bagels operates more than 700 locations across the United States, more than any other retail bagel brand, with plans to surpass 1,000 locations by 2030.
About Einstein Bros.® Bagels
Einstein Bros.® Bagels has been seeing bagels differently since 1995, growing from a single concept into America’s largest retail bagel chain and one of its fastest growing. Known for endless combinations of fresh-baked bagels and premium double-whipped cream cheese shmear, Einstein Bros. has been the go-to breakfast destination for millions of Americans over the past 30 years. With a full menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, handcrafted coffee, espresso, sweets and catering, Einstein Bros. Bagels operates more than 700 locations throughout the United States with plans to run more than 1,000 by 2030. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, one of the nation’s largest fast-casual restaurant companies, comprising Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit www.einsteinbros.com.
Media Contact
Makenzie Holt
makenzie@spmcommunications.com
817-329-3257
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SOURCE Einstein Bros. Bagels
