EXHIBIT 23.4

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-0000) and related prospectus of
Manhattan Bagel Company, Inc. for the registration of 291,500 shares of its
common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports (a)
dated February 14, 1996 with respect to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 1995 of Manhattan Bagel Company, Inc. included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) and (b) dated October 30, 1995 with respect
to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 of
Manhattan Bagel Company Inc. which reflects the pooling- of-interest transaction
with Specialty Bakeries, Inc. included in its Current Report on Form 8-K dated
May 23, 1996, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Princeton, New Jersey
October 30, 1996