Bagel Haven: Jeff's Bagel Run Owner and 127 Haven Founder Ryan McEvoy
From What’s Up, Wake by The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
April 30, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 58
About this episode
Ryan McEvoy discusses his journey from franchise building to the bagel business and his nonprofit work in Uganda.
Ryan McEvoy, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run locations in Wake Forest and Rolesville (with a Raleigh shop opening near Glen Lake), shares how his experience helping build the uBreakiFix franchise led him into the bagel business and helps fund his nonprofit, 127 Haven. He explains 127 Haven’s James 1:27-inspired model in Uganda: rescuing orphaned children from the streets and raising them in permanent family homes with Ugandan parents and legal guardianship rather than operating an orphanage. Ryan recounts how relationships through African Children’s Choir connected him to Lynette, the home’s mother, and shares stories of rescued children now thriving. He discusses navigating local culture, government support, and ways to donate via 127haven.com, noting funds go directly to the family’s monthly needs. 00:00 Meet the Bagel Founder 02:08 Who is Jeff 02:57 From Phone Repairs to Franchises 04:21 Why Bagels in Raleigh 05:18 Business Skills That Transfer 06:21 Favorite Bagel Orders 06:55 What Is 127 Haven 08:14 Building Families Not Orphanages 09:27 Why Uganda and Lynette 11:42 A Miracle Before the Trip 13:48 Growing the Home Model 16:17 Navigating Red Tape Abroad 17:28 Staying Humble and…
People in this episode
Guest: Ryan McEvoy
Topics covered
- bagels
- nonprofit
- orphan care
- Uganda
- entrepreneurship
- community support
Keywords
- bagels
- nonprofit
- orphaned children
- Uganda
- community
- entrepreneurship
- family homes
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Jeff’s Bagel Run, 127 Haven, uBreakiFix, African Children’s Choir
Places: Uganda
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