Ugly Bagel Expands to Franklin: Fresh Baked Favorite Opens New Location
Ugly Bagel has arrived in Williamson County, opening their second location at Meridian Cool Springs in Franklin, TN. The new shop, located at 2000 Meridian Boulevard, Suite 100, marks the brand’s next chapter following their Downtown Nashville debut. The co-founders and team celebrated the milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 10th, welcoming the community into the space for the first time. Their first brick-and-mortar opened inside The Arcade just over a year ago, introducing the concept to a broader audience. Now, the focus shifts toward building a stronger presence in the communities that surround Nashville, Tennessee.
The brand’s roots, however, go back even further. Before opening a storefront, Ugly Bagel built a loyal following at local farmers markets across Middle Tennessee. Their early success helped shape Ugly Bagel’s identity and refine their approach to customer experience. Moving from pop-ups to a permanent space in Nashville was a natural progression, but Franklin represents a more intentional step forward.
Co-founders Jeff Crabiel and Jake Strang, both longtime Nashville residents, bring decades of hospitality experience to the concept. “We’ve spent our careers focused on service,” Crabiel said. “That’s always been the priority.” Ugly Bagel reflects that mindset, blending fast-casual convenience with a more thoughtful, people-first approach. In a market often driven by speed, they take a different approach by slowing things down just enough to make the experience feel personal.
Built on Service: A Hospitality-Driven Approach
Before launching Ugly Bagel, Crabiel and his co-founder Strang spent decades in the hospitality industry. Each brought more than 20 years of experience working in hotels and resorts across the country. That background continues to shape how they approach every aspect of the business, from operations to customer interaction. Service, they say, is not an afterthought, it’s the foundation.
“We spent 20 years each in hotels and resorts,” Crabiel said. “And the thing we always had in common was that service really mattered.” Over time, however, they watched as that focus began to fade across the broader industry. Cost-cutting measures and efficiency-driven models often pushed hospitality to the sidelines. For Crabiel, that shift created an opportunity rather than a limitation.
“What we’ve seen over the years is that service has taken a back seat,” he explains. “And we just don’t believe that’s going to last.” Instead, Ugly Bagel is built on the belief that customers still value meaningful interactions. The goal is to reintroduce hospitality into the fast-casual space, creating an environment where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. It’s a return to basics, but with a modern approach.
Why Williamson County is the Right Fit
Choosing Franklin was not random, it was a deliberate and strategic decision. Crabiel and his team wanted to expand into a market that aligned with their long-term vision. Williamson County stood out immediately for its strong sense of community, engaged residents, and growing demand for locally driven concepts. It offered the right balance of opportunity and authenticity.
“Williamson County was the number one choice,” Crabiel said. “It just fits the quality of people we wanted to serve.” The area’s reputation for supporting local businesses made it an ideal testing ground for Ugly Bagel’s next phase. Unlike Downtown Nashville, where foot traffic often comes from visitors, Franklin provides a consistent base of repeat customers who value connection and familiarity.
The location itself also plays a role in the brand’s success. Positioned within a thoughtfully developed space, Ugly Bagel benefits from a setting that encourages community engagement. “They saw early on what we were trying to do,” Crabiel said of their development partners. “They knew we were creating an experience, not just a transaction.” That shared vision has helped shape a seamless fit between brand and environment.
More Than a Bagel Shop: Creating an Experience
From the moment customers walk through the door, Ugly Bagel aims to deliver something beyond the expected. The space is designed to feel approachable, energetic, and welcoming. It’s not just about grabbing breakfast or coffee, it’s about how that moment fits into someone’s day. Crabiel described it simply: the goal is to make people feel better when they leave than when they arrived.
“When you walk in, you’ll see the tile says, ‘spread joy,’” he said. “You should walk out feeling a little bit better.” That message reflects a broader philosophy that guides Ugly Bagel. Every interaction, from ordering to pickup, is an opportunity to create a positive experience. It’s a subtle shift, but one that resonates with customers looking for more than convenience.
Crabiel is realistic about the challenges of delivering on that promise. “We’re not perfect,” he admitted. “But our goal is to turn fast food upside down.” That means rethinking what fast-casual dining can look like, especially in a market saturated with quick-service options. By focusing on experience over efficiency, Ugly Bagel positions itself as something different and memorable.
A Menu That Keeps Things Fresh
While the experience drives the brand, the menu plays an equally important role in shaping Ugly Bagel’s identity. The lineup blends classic staples with creative, rotating flavors, keeping things familiar yet unexpected. Signature items like the jalapeño cheddar bagel anchor the menu, giving first-time customers an easy entry point. At the same time, the kitchen leans into originality, ensuring there is always something new to try.
“Our unique thing is the monthly drop,” Crabiel said. “Every month, we introduce two new bagels and two new cream cheese flavors.” These limited-time offerings create momentum and give regulars a reason to come back. The concept is simple but effective: once the month ends, those flavors are gone. That sense of newness keeps the menu feeling fresh and encourages repeat visits from the Franklin community.
When asked about their favorite bagels, both founders point to options that reflect both flavor and personal connection. “This month is a chocolate-covered cherry bagel, and it’s an ode to my mother,” Crabiel said. “Growing up, every Christmas, my dad would get her those chocolate-covered cherries.” The flavor carries a sense of nostalgia and meaning beyond the menu. “It has a special place in my heart, because it means more than just a bagel,” he added. Still, he keeps a go-to classic in rotation. “If it’s our normal menu, I’m a jalapeño cheddar guy.”
Co-founder Jake Strang shared a similar mix of creativity and nostalgia in his pick. “I also enjoy the monthly drop, but it’s the pepperoni pizza bagel,” he said. “With buffalo cream cheese, because I am a Buffalo native, and it reminds me of childhood and those flavors.” Together, their answers highlight the balance between inventive offerings and familiar comfort, giving customers a menu that feels both personal and consistently fresh.
What’s Next for Ugly Bagel
With the Franklin location now open, the team is already looking ahead. Expansion remains a key priority, but it will be approached with the same intentionality that guided their move into Williamson County. The next confirmed step is a third location in Mount Juliet, expected to open in early summer. From there, the possibilities begin to widen.
“We are expanding one more time in Middle Tennessee,” Crabiel said. “Mount Juliet will open this summer.” The goal is to continue building a strong regional presence before branching out further. Once that foundation is established, the team hopes to explore opportunities in cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga. The vision is clear: grow without losing the brand’s identity.
“We want to be Tennessee’s bagel,” Crabiel explained. “Not just a hometown hero, but a home state hero.” That ambition reflects both confidence and a deep connection to the region. By staying focused on community, service, and experience, Ugly Bagel aims to build something lasting. For now, the focus remains on Franklin—and making sure every customer walks out just a little happier than when they walked in.
