Big Apple Bagels closes Sheboygan location
The storefront is up for lease according to the strip mall's owner
SHEBOYGAN — It has been over one month since Big Apple Bagels has temporarily closed.
The local franchise of Big Apple Bagels at Calumet Drive and North Avenue in Sheboygan, was owned by 25-year-old Joe R. Kluss of Sheboygan. At the age of 23, he purchased the store in July 2023. Kluss was represented by Habush Habush & Rottier in a personal injury case. After his case was resolved, Kluss used the compensation to purchase the franchise from long-time owner Reed Van Ess.
The phone number for the store is no longer in service. Customers recently have reported inconsistent operating hours prior to the store closing in June. A hand written sign on the door is faded away and unreadable, an indication there has been no activity at the store in over a month. His company, JoJo & Co., has been delinquent with the state's Department of Financial Institutions since last July.
"Discussions regarding the future of the location, with both the current franchisee, and the landlord remain ongoing," said Brian Evans, Director of Franchising. "The store has been temporarily closed due to the oven breaking."
The 1,800-square-foot storefront is actually up for lease according to CBRE. Monthly lease payments would amount to $3,750 per month or $45,000 annually. The strip mall was built in 2009 and includes Jimmy John's Johnny's Vapes, Badger Optical, Verizon Wireless and EdwardJones.
Big Apple Bagels first opened in 1995 in the Taylor Heights Shopping Center on Sheboygan’s northwest side. The store relocated to Calumet Drive and North Avenue in January 2010. The bagel chain has locations in Grafton, Manitowoc, Oshkosh and Appleton.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and Instagram for the latest local news.