What was the net change in the number of franchised Big Apple Bagels outlets in 2022?

According to Big Apple Bagels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of franchised outlets during 2022 was a decrease of 2 locations. At the start of 2022, there were 52 franchised Big Apple Bagels outlets, and by the end of the year, the number had dropped to 50. This indicates that more franchises closed or were terminated than new franchises opened during that period.

For a prospective franchisee, this information is crucial as it provides insight into the stability and growth of the franchise system. A decline in the number of franchised outlets could signal potential challenges within the system, such as difficulties in maintaining profitability, franchisee dissatisfaction, or issues with the franchisor's support and training programs. It is important to note that this decrease does not necessarily mean the franchise is failing, but it warrants further investigation.

A potential franchisee should inquire about the reasons for the net decrease in franchised outlets during 2022. Understanding whether the closures were due to voluntary exits, non-renewals, or terminations can provide a clearer picture of the health of the franchise system. Additionally, it would be beneficial to compare this data with previous years and industry averages to assess whether this trend is an anomaly or a consistent pattern for Big Apple Bagels.

It is also worth noting that while the number of franchised outlets decreased, the number of company-owned outlets remained at zero throughout 2022. This suggests that Big Apple Bagels is primarily focused on franchising as its business model, rather than operating company-owned stores. This could impact the level of support and resources available to franchisees, as the franchisor's success is directly tied to the success of its franchisees.