Marx Bagels, a Blue Ash-based bagel shop, is preparing to “preserve and carry forward their shared legacy” by taking over the Block’s Hot Bagels storefront at 6115 McNaughten Road in Columbus.
Founded in 1967 by Columbus legend Hal Block, Block’s Bagels became a staple in Central Ohio, eventually expanding to Cincinnati, according to a news release. The Cincinnati location was later sold to John Marx, whose ‘wonderful and wacky’ approach built Marx Bagels into a beloved institution over many decades, before selling the business in 2019. Now, in 2025, this passing of the torch brings the story full circle, uniting the two brands once again. Marx Bagels owner Y.Y. Davis hopes to open Marx Bagels in the space in early April.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Block family for this opportunity and for their tireless efforts in making this transition seamless,” Davis said in the news release. “I had the honor of knowing Hal Block – a truly remarkable man – and his grandsons, Jake and Jason Block, who have become dear friends. Our hope is to honor Hal’s memory, as well as that of Audrey and Steve Block, by continuing to serve the Columbus community with an authentic kosher bagel experience.”
Block’s Bagels announced their “indefinite” closure in February to evaluate whether to remain open after Harold “Hal” Block, the longtime owner and founder of the kosher bagel deli, died on January 17 at age 91. Block’s held its last day of service after 58 years of operations on March 2, which Jason Block, grandson of its founder, said was its “busiest day ever” after selling over 1,000 dozen bagels, according to the Columbus Jewish News. Hal Block founded the first Block’s Bagels location in 1967 at the corner of Kellner Road and Broad Street.
“Our family is delighted to continue Hal’s legacy of serving fresh, kosher bagels and fostering a welcoming gathering place for the community by passing the torch to Marx Bagels,” Jason Block said in the release. “With Hal having founded both locations in the 1960s, this transition feels like a natural fit and an exciting next chapter for Columbus bagels. It was essential to us that whoever carried this legacy forward embodied integrity, cared deeply about customers and employees, and upheld the highest standards of quality. YY and the Marx team are the perfect fit, and Central Ohio is fortunate to have them at the helm.”
