At a time when the UK hospitality industry continues to face mounting challenges, one Devon business is taking a different approach, by putting its team at the centre of everything it does.
Harman Bagels, the family-run bagel house with sites in Plymouth and Totnes, has set out a clear ambition: to become the best hospitality employer in Devon.
They’re also on a mission to set the standard for being a positive employer in the county.
Founded by brothers Jack and George Harman and Jack’s wife Emma, the business has built a loyal following not just for its bagels, but for its strong sense of community and positive working environment, even during challenging moments for employers like the rise of Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Jack Harman said:
“Hospitality is a tough industry, especially in 2026. Margins are tight, costs are constantly rising, and it’s in no way possible for small businesses to compete with chain brands or office-based salaries. But what we can do is create an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
For us, that’s the baseline. We believe that if you’re asking people to give their time and energy to your business, you have a responsibility to make it a positive, supportive place to be. We want to promote hospitality as a profession, a career, not just a meanwhile job.”
Harman Bagels has recently introduced a range of initiatives designed to support both the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff and say that other businesses should follow suit where possible. These include paying above minimum wage, having professional development training, attending industry expos, hosting masterclasses for staff, funding training days and hosting free tasting sessions for new menu items.
The business also prioritises the health and fitness of staff, offering staff perks such as staff eBikes, paid-for wellness sessions, installing outside dead hang bars in kitchens to encourage movement and fitness during shifts, and providing free female health essentials, such as vitamins and sanitary products, in workplace bathrooms. The hot kitchens even have bags of electrolytes to keep chefs hydrated during busy service.
Jack Harman continues: “These are small but meaningful touches that should be standard across our industry. Employers might believe these are an unnecessary extra cost, but in reality these benefits mean we have a low turnover of staff, which saves us time and money recruiting. It balances out, and it’s worth the investment to have happy employees that love coming to work. Our staff retention is quite unbelievable.”
Beyond the workplace, Harman Bagels co-founder Emma says it’s important to invest in things that are important to your staff, to support the wider community, and show you care. She says:
“We’re a family-run business, and that’s how we see our team as well. A lot of the things we do, such as sponsoring our local cricket club our team love to support, aren’t big gestures, but they make a difference in how appreciated people feel. We don’t see this as going above and beyond. It’s just what we believe should be normal.”
Speaking from his own experience, George Harman added:
“I worked in hospitality for years before founding Harman Bagels, and oftentimes it was a case of work, work, work – with barely enough time for a break – let alone a chance to enjoy a massage or paid-for staff day out. That was unheard of. So, we want to make that the norm. If we can lead by example, even in a small way, and show that hospitality can be a great place to work, even despite the current challenges, then that’s something we’re really proud of. We hope that businesses across Devon, and the country as a whole, can follow our lead.”
The founders hope their approach will encourage wider conversations across the sector, particularly at a time when recruitment and retention remain key challenges for hospitality businesses across the UK.
Jack Harman added:
“We’re not pretending to have all the answers, and we know every business is under pressure right now, but if more of us can focus on looking after our teams, even in small ways, it can only be a good thing for the industry as a whole.”
The Harman Bagels story began during Jack and Emma’s travels in South America, when a chance stopover in New York City led to their first experience of a traditional salmon lox bagel – a moment that would go on to shape the business.
Back in Plymouth during the Covid lockdowns, the couple – alongside Jack’s brother George – began recreating the bagel from home while opening a café. What started as a small menu addition quickly became the standout success, with queues forming down Cremyll Street and Durnford Street when they first opened, a level of demand that continues today.
Now, with a second site in Totnes having just opened and a growing team, the founders say their focus is not just on expansion, but on building a business that people want to be part of.
Harman Bagels currently operates from Royal William Yard in Plymouth and Ticklemore Street in Totnes, serving freshly baked bagels with both classic and creative fillings.
