Would bagels sell in Hong Kong? Laura Beth Trust and Alan Litchman planned to find out. Trust was in Hong Kong working in the garment manufacturing industry, and Litchman was in real estate, but they were eager to start their own business. They were particularly interested in running a business where they would have direct customer contact and be able to get first-hand feedback about their products and services. And no matter what kind of business they started, it would be a family undertaking: The two entrepreneurs recently had decided to get married.

1. How has the business cycle affected Finagle A Bagel?
2. What is Finagle A Bagel doing to differentiate itself from competitors that want a share of customers’ dining dollars?
3. Why would Finagle A Bagel donate bagels to local charities rather than give them away to customers or employees?
4. If you wanted to open a bagel restaurant in Hong Kong, would you license the Finagle A Bagel brand? Why or why not?