It’s been a busy few years for Pete’s Bagels. Originally called Pete’s General, the bagel shop has been expanding quickly in recent years, with openings like its first drive-thru location and its spinoff eatery, Seymour’s—plus a new production center that’s opening in the coming weeks in Gulfport.
Building on that increased production capacity, Pete’s Bagels is expanding with a new location in Tarpon Springs.
Or, as coverage by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay puts it, “St. Petersburg-born breakfast spot, Pete’s Bagels, is continuing towards world domination.”
If anything, though, Pete’s Bagel’s Tarpon Springs expansion is unusually democratic. It was financed with help from investments raised on the platform SMBX.
“SMBX is a platform that allows a business to crowdfund investments by giving the community back a return,” Pete’s Bagels co-owner Steven Peterman told What Now on Friday. “My wife and I own Pete’s, and we love being independently owned. But it is hard to fund things without very difficult short-term debt or bringing in private investors. This is a way to stay independent and stay community-focused and -minded in how we grow.”
The Tarpon Springs location will feature two stories—and with them, two outdoor seating areas.
“It’s a really cool building right on the river. Downstairs is kind of a smaller cafe where you can get your bagels, and then upstairs we’ll have more indoor and outdoor seating. Some people were nervous about parking, but the building has its own parking lot. Parking is free for Pete’s for up to one hour, and there are some all-day spots too.”
The new location isn’t all Peterman is excited about. He also shared some new drink specials launching at Seymour’s, Pete’s sister eatery located at 407 Central Ave. There’s the Hot Chocolate Latte with marshmallow whipped cream, of which there is also a peppermint version. Then there’s the Gingerbread Chai Latte, with a gingerbread topping. And finally, the Cookie Butter Latte, with crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs.
You can keep up with Pete’s Bagels and Seymour’s Bagel Shop by following @petes_general and @seymours_its_good on Instagram.
