Bruegger’s Bagels, located a block east of Magness Arena, has ceased operations at the southeast corner of Asbury and University. Bruegger’s was a regular morning stop for student-athletes, students, faculty, staff, and local patrons. The steam from freshly made bagels covered the windows on winter mornings, bagels were made in-store instead of a commissary, and customers streamed into the store for coffee, bagels, and conversation. The store operated for more than a dozen years at the location and was the last remaining Bruegger’s in the state of Colorado.

The site has been through its ups and downs. Service dipped for several years following COVID-19, but operations improved over the past year. A report by The Denver Post on December 25, 2024, cited a judge’s ruling to block the franchisor’s (Bruegger’s Bagels) operating Company’s efforts to close the site pending a jury trial. The home company argued that the facility’s condition needed to be upgraded because it did not meet their image/brand requirements. The store’s franchise agreement, held by Shawn Carter, expired in 2023, and the two sides argued about the condition and operation of the facility. Carter wanted a franchise extension before investing more money into the location, and Bruegger’s wanted to complete capital improvements before extending the franchise agreement.

Ironically, Bruegger’s headquarters are located in Denver. In court documents, the Company stated, “When the company hosts visitors, such as investors and franchisees, we don’t take them to this bakery.” Revenue at the store is said to be 17th out of 48 locations, according to the franchise operator.

Recently, The Athletic interviewed Zeev Buium at Bruegger’s Bagels. Other athletes and teams used the location as a primary off-campus gathering place. One local customer said on Reddit, “We’ve been going there once or twice a month for years. Usually on our way out to go hike. Was so disappointed when we got there this morning. The long-time employees were always so friendly.”

Customers are left with a singular bagel option, Einstein’s Bagels near Evans and Downing. Said another disappointed Reddit reader, “Bruegger’s is generally solid. Einstein’s is universally awful.” Other bagel aficionados liked the freshly made bagels of Bruegger’s vs. the ‘bread circles’ at Einstein’s.

In September, Bruegger’s finally issued a termination notice, and, ultimately, Carter was forced to close the operation. The loss leaves a hole in both the bagel business and the University of Denver neighborhood.

Pete’s Cafe, a DU mainstay at University & Evans, is closing on November 9th. We will have more on the closing of this Denver institution soon.