The Great American Bagel opened its first bagel bakery in 1987 in Westmont, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. This store was so well received that within a few short years, The Great American Bagel began opening bagel bakeries throughout Chicago and offering The Great American Bagel franchises to those seeking exciting new business opportunities. Today, The Great American Bagel proudly operates many restaurants across the United States, Ireland, Canada as well as in the Middle East.