Bright-O-Bagels Will Attend BagelUp Growth Lab
The Peoria-based business will participate in the New York event on November 14, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Peoria entrepreneur Josh Lanning will take Bright-O-Bagels to New York for the BagelUp Growth Lab on November 14, 2026. The company is one of eight businesses chosen to attend the event at Loft 39.
Why it matters
The Growth Lab provides specialized resources and networking opportunities to help small food service operations survive. This initiative offers critical industry guidance to help founders navigate a sector where roughly 40-50% of new establishments close within five years.
Bright-O-Bagels is one of eight total companies selected for the upcoming Growth Lab. This opportunity is significant as industry data shows 40-50% of new food service establishments typically close within five years of operation.
The players
Josh Lanning
He is the creator of the Peoria-based business Bright-O-Bagels, which operates under the BrightSide Kitchen banner.
Bright-O-Bagels
This is a Peoria-based food service business that was founded in 2025.
The details
At the event, participants will pitch their business concepts, share product samples, and attend educational presentations. Following the event, attendees will receive ongoing support through the Growth Lab Partner Program, which connects entrepreneurs with vendors for long-term guidance.
Timeline
Bright-O-Bagels was created in 2025.
The BagelUp Growth Lab takes place on November 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
The program addresses the volatility of the food industry, where 40-50% of new establishments fail within five years. By participating in this professional development lab, founders seek to solidify their market position against competitors through improved operational knowledge.
The participation of a local Peoria brand in a national growth lab may signal upcoming expansion or improvements to their service offerings. Residents should look for potential new products or service changes stemming from the mentorship provided by the lab.
The takeaway
Entrepreneurs in the competitive food service sector often rely on industry partnerships to improve their chances of long-term success. Small business owners can benefit from actively seeking out mentorship programs that offer direct access to established vendor networks.
What happens next
Bright-O-Bagels will attend the BagelUp Growth Lab on November 14, 2026, which occurs one day before the start of the New York BagelFest.
Further reading
Learn more about local business developments in the Peoria Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indianapolis Star.
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