Select New Store Openings will celebrate with a special giveaway for the first 50 guests on Grand Opening Day!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked bagels first thing in the morning—and now Einstein Bros. Bagels is turning that moment into something even bigger. As the brand continues to grow nationwide, we’re taking our grand opening celebrations up a notch with a brand-new promotion: Shmear for a Year.
That’s right—at select new store openings, the first 50 guests in line on Grand Opening Day will score the ultimate prize: a free bagel & shmear every week for 52 weeks. Think of it as our year-long invitation to make breakfast your favorite meal of the day.
Testing Big in Cincinnati
The first official Shmear for a Year Giveaway kicks off in Cincinnati, Ohio. As part of our celebration supporting our new Elevate the Morning store design, the team is excited to witness our fans’ energy as they seek to unlock the ultimate bagel reward, with plans to expand the giveaway to more new store openings in late 2025 and 2026.
We’ve always believed that opening a new bakery isn’t just about unlocking the doors, it’s about giving the community a reason to truly celebrate. And with this giveaway, we’re letting our earliest fans enjoy a chance to start their mornings with us every single week, all year long.
140+ Ways to Enjoy Your Prize
Winning Shmear for a Year means you’ve got 52 weeks to mix, match, and discover your go-to order. Some fan-favorites and funky pairings to try:
- Everything Bagel + Garden Veggie Shmear – the classic that never misses.
- Asiago Cheese Bagel + Jalapeño Salsa Shmear – cheesy, spicy, and downright addictive.
- Maple French Toast Bagel + Honey Almond Shmear – the sweet treat breakfast lovers can’t resist.
- Blueberry Bagel + Strawberry Shmear – fruity, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
- Cinnamon Sugar Bagel + Plain Shmear – simple, sweet, and a timeless classic that never disappoints.
Pro tip: Switch it up week to week. With over 140 bagel & shmear combos, you could go an entire year without repeating an order! (Unless, of course, you find “the one.”)
How to Claim Your Bagel & Shmear Spot
Here’s the terms & conditions fine print in plain talk:
1) Be one of the first 50 guests in line on the Grand Opening Day at select locations.
2) To claim and redeem your prize, you’ll need to be (or become) a member of Einstein Bros. Rewards, this is our free rewards program that makes every bite more rewarding.
3) Winners will unlock a Free Bagel & Cream Cheese Shmear, once per week for 52 consecutive weeks – or, as we like to say, Free Shmear for a Year – via a reward loaded onto their reward account. This reward can be redeemed in-bakery or when ordering ahead online at einsteinbros.com or through the Einstein Bros. Bagels App on IOS or Android.
Still want more? Read our full ‘Shmear for a Year’ Terms & Conditions.
Joining Einstein Bros. Rewards is simple, and beyond this giveaway, it’s your ticket to exclusive offers, surprise perks, and faster ordering in the app.
A Taste of What’s Ahead
We know a good bagel is meant to be shared and this promo is our way of welcoming new neighborhoods into the Einstein Bros. family. If you’ve ever dreamed of calling dibs on your breakfast for a full year, this is your chance!
Stay tuned as we announce more cities where Shmear for a Year will pop up next. In the meantime, if you’re in Cincinnati, set your alarm, grab a spot in line, and get ready to make your mornings unforgettable.
Because sometimes, the best things in life really do come with a shmear that owns the morning in more ways than one!
