Murray Lender

Murray Lender (9781627441)

Murray Lender (1930 – March 21, 2012) was an American businessman and entrepreneur, best known for popularizing the bagel in the United States through his family business, Lender's Bagels.

Early Life

Murray Lender was born in 1930 in New Haven, Connecticut, to a Jewish family. His parents, Harry and Rose Lender, were immigrants from Poland who started a small bagel bakery in 1927. Murray grew up working in the family business, learning the trade from a young age.

Career

After graduating from Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Murray attended Syracuse University, where he earned a degree in business administration. Upon returning to New Haven, he joined the family business full-time.

In the 1950s, Murray and his brothers, Marvin and Sam, took over the operations of Lender's Bagels. They were instrumental in expanding the business from a local bakery to a national brand. One of their key innovations was the introduction of frozen bagels, which allowed the product to be distributed widely and maintained its freshness.

Lender's Bagels

Under Murray's leadership, Lender's Bagels became a household name. The company was one of the first to mass-produce bagels and distribute them across the United States. This was achieved through the development of a freezing process that preserved the bagels' quality. The company also invested heavily in marketing, making bagels a popular breakfast item in American homes.

In 1984, Lender's Bagels was sold to Kraft Foods, but Murray continued to be involved in the business, serving as a spokesperson and consultant.

Philanthropy

Murray Lender was also known for his philanthropic efforts. He was a major supporter of various educational and cultural institutions, including Syracuse University, where he funded scholarships and other initiatives. He was also involved in numerous Jewish charities and community organizations.

Personal Life

Murray Lender was married to name of spouse and had number of children children. He passed away on March 21, 2012, at the age of 81.

Legacy

Murray Lender is remembered as a pioneer in the food industry who helped bring the bagel into mainstream American culture. His innovations in production and marketing set the standard for the industry and left a lasting impact on American breakfast habits.

See Also

• Bagel
• Lender's Bagels
• Kraft Foods
• New Haven, Connecticut
• Syracuse University