Community is at the core of Go Bagels, and our mural project with local artists is a perfect example of how we blend brand culture with authentic collaboration. This initiative humanizes us by turning our spaces into canvases for creativity, building loyalty through shared stories and neighborhood pride. If you love art, food, and community, this might spark your interest in getting involved or even joining our team. Let's take a closer look at how it all comes together.
It began with a vision to make our shops more than just places to grab a bagel—they're community hubs. We reached out to local artists through open calls, inviting them to propose murals that capture the essence of bagels, NYC life, or personal inspirations. Selected artists work closely with us, sketching ideas that tie into our brand while showcasing their unique style. For instance, one mural might depict hands kneading dough against a backdrop of bustling city streets, symbolizing the blend of tradition and urban energy. Another could feature colorful abstract patterns inspired by bagel toppings, adding whimsy to the space. The process is collaborative: we host sessions where artists meet our staff, sharing stories that influence the final design. It's personal and real, often incorporating elements like customer-favorite flavors or local landmarks.
Once painting begins, it's a community event—passersby watch the transformation, and we sometimes hold reveal parties with free samples to celebrate. These murals do more than beautify; they spark genuine interactions. Customers often pause to admire them, asking about the artist's background or snapping photos to share online, which naturally builds word-of-mouth loyalty. It humanizes the brand by showing we're invested in the neighborhoods we serve, supporting emerging talent and creating spaces that feel welcoming and alive. From a cultural standpoint, it's about giving back—artists gain exposure, and we gain walls that tell stories, strengthening our ties to the community.
This project also ties into recruitment: it highlights our creative, supportive environment where ideas flourish. If you're an artist or just passionate about collaborative projects, opportunities like this make working at Go Bagels fulfilling. We're excited to expand it to more locations, keeping the authentic spirit alive. Have you spotted one of our murals or worked on a similar project? Tell us in the comments—let's connect over creativity!
