CASE STUDY: KISMET BAGELS REDUCES WASTE & GROWS CUSTOMER BASE

Kismet Bagels is a multi-location shop in Philadelphia known for its kettle-boiled bagels and house-made spreads. When they increased production to improve the guest experience, they needed a reliable way to handle the surplus food and a smart way to reach new customers at the same time.

Find out how they partnered with Too Good To Go to put surplus to good use, grow in-store traffic, and reach new customers.

THEIR RESULTS

• $19,544 in Revenue. Earned from Surprise Bags made with surplus bagels.
• 5,622 Meals Saved. Fresh bagels that would’ve been thrown away, now rescued by new customers.
• 78% Customer Return Rate. More than three out of four Too Good To Go users said they’d come back to Kismet Bagels.

"Not only were we looking to find homes for our leftover bagels, but we were also looking for an additional way to find potential new customers. Quite often, people will come purchase additional items when they pickup their orders."

-Jacob Cohen, Co-Owner, Kismet Bagels

The Challenge: Kismet Bagels' Daily Battle With Surplus Bagels

Kismet Bagels made a strategic decision to increase production to ensure every flavor of bagel would be available at the end of every day. This commitment to customer experience meant higher inventory, but it also meant more leftover bagels that couldn't be sold.

The team knew they had a food waste problem on their hands. They needed a partner that could help them redirect surplus inventory while also opening doors to new business opportunities.

The GOALS

Kismet Bagels had four main priorities when they began exploring solutions

• Reduce Food Waste: Turn leftover bagels into impact rather than letting them go to waste and do it in a way that aligns with their values.
• Boost In-Store Sales: Convert Surprise Bag customers into repeat visitors who make additional purchases, turning a waste-reduction problem into a revenue opportunity.
• Expand Customer Base: Use surplus inventory as a gateway to meet potential customers who might not otherwise visit their locations.
• Stay Agile: Make a positive impact that aligned with their values as a local business.

The Results: Turning Bagel Food Waste into Opportunity at Kismet Bagels

Since launching with Too Good To Go, Kismet Bagels has seen measurable impact across operations, revenue, and customer reach. They've rescued more than 5,622 meals that would have otherwise gone to waste. What was once lost product is now a new revenue stream, with over $19,544 earned through Surprise Bags. Those bags aren't just clearing shelves; they're bringing new customers through the door.

Of 1,313 surveyed customers, 51% said they were visiting Kismet Bagels for the first time through Too Good To Go. Even more telling, 78% said they planned to return. The program didn't just drive one-time pickups; it built a pipeline of new loyal customers.

More than one in three customers also made an additional purchase during their pickup, adding an average of $11.71 to each transaction. It's proof that Surprise Bags are doing more than reducing waste—they're creating incremental value.

WhY TOo GOOD TO GO?

When Kismet Bagels was evaluating partners, two factors stood out: Too Good To Go's brand reputation in the sustainability space and the platform's cost structure. Both aligned with what they were looking for.

Implementation: From First Chat to First Bag

From first contact to first Surprise Bag, Kismet Bagels went live with Too Good To Go in less than two weeks. The onboarding process was straightforward, and the team quickly got into a rhythm that worked for them.

The team offers an 8 Bagel Surprise Bag featuring two 4-packs of their kettle-boiled bagels. The selection changes depending on what's left at the end of the day, but they always make sure it's fresh and high quality.

From Surprise Bag to Brand Love

What started as a simple way to cut down on leftover bagels has become a new channel for visibility and brand connection. Customers regularly discover Kismet Bagels through Too Good To Go and keep coming back.

The partnership has strengthened the bagel shop's brand, expanded its reach, and given the team a meaningful way to act on their values without changing how they operate. By turning surplus into opportunity, Kismet Bagels has built deeper connections with their community while making a real impact on food waste.

The Bottom Line: Less Waste, More Revenue, and Stronger Community Ties

Too Good To Go helped Kismet Bagels solve a problem that had no good answer before. Instead of wasting unsold bagels, they found a way to put that food in the hands of people who appreciate it while bringing in new revenue, new customers, and stronger community ties.

"We decided to increase our production in order to ensure we have every flavor of bagel available at the end of the day everyday, so our customers get the best experience. That has resulted in more leftover bagels, and Too Good To Go was the perfect partner to help solve this leftover problem," says Jacob Cohen, Co-Owner of Kismet Bagels. "We have met all kinds of new customers that I'm not certain would have visited us previously, which we love!"

With Too Good To Go, Kismet Bagels can now put surplus food into Surprise Bags instead of letting it go to waste. It has helped them make a positive impact and reduce waste.