Bagel Chains Key Terms

Get your business cooking with the right bagel chain vocabulary

By Catherine Ryan

When running a bagel chain franchise it is important to be knowledgeable about all of the important bagel chains key terms that are essential to your business. From bagel equipment and supplies to all of the accompanying foods, knowing the right terminology will help you keep business running smoothly, and keep your customers coming back for more.

To ensure your business's success, make sure you learn all about bagels, bagel slicers, gluten-free bagels, lox, bagel toasters and schmear.

Bagel

Bagels are a traditional Jewish yeast bun with a hole in the middle. They are available in a wide range of flavors and are the only baked good to be boiled in water before being placed in the oven.
Try: Read the definition of bagel, and get serving and storage tips, at Waitrose.

Bagel slicer

A commercial bagel slicer is a must-have for any bagel chain kitchen. Bagel slicers come in many styles, but most use an enclosed stainless steel blade to allow quick and safe slicing.
Try: See pictures and read the description of the Commercial Bagel Safety Slicer at KegWorks.com.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free describes any food item that is free of wheat and wheat gluten. Providing customers with gluten-free bagels is an excellent idea in today's health-conscious environment.
Try: Look and Taste provides a great description of gluten-free bagels along with a brief video.

Lox

Lox is a very thin filet of cured and cold-smoked salmon. Lox is one of the most traditional bagel toppings and is commonly served with cream cheese, chives, capers and thinly sliced red onion.
Try: Jewish Recipes provides an in-depth definition of lox and the different types that are available.

Bagel toasters

Commercial bagel toasters are basically large toaster ovens that are capable of toasting and warming large quantities of bagels in a matter of seconds. Most use quartz heaters and convection heating systems.
Try: Burkett and Sons provides an excellent description of a conveyor bagel toaster along with a downloadable manufacturer spec sheet.

Schmear

In common bagel-speak, schmear (or schmeer) is used to describe cream cheese flavored with different herbs or seasonings that is spread onto bagels. However, the word actually describes any spreadable food item, such as butter or jam. Any successful bagel business should provide its customers with a wide selection of schmears.
Try: Go to Epicurious to learn the definition and etymology of schmear.