EXHIBIT 23.4

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Pre-effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No.
333-15587) and related prospectus of Manhattan Bagel Company, Inc. for the
registration of 341,500 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, 1996 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
February 3, 1997