H&H Bagels, the iconic New York City bagel brand, is getting ready to open its first Orange County location in Irvine at The Canopy at Great Park.
The company’s first OC location is the latest from franchise owners AKL Bagels, LLC, and is expected to open in late 2026, according to the Orange County Business Journal. The franchise group includes experienced operators Kurt Kuyper, Jimmy Albano, Jay Lowder, and Stuart Lowder, who bring decades of experience managing brands such as Krispy Kreme, Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco, and Rita’s Italian Ice. Customers can expect H&H Bagels’ signature New York-style bagels, classic spreads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and catering options.
Founded in 1972 on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, H&H Bagels has become synonymous with authentic New York bagels, appearing on shows like Sex and the City and Seinfeld. The brand has maintained its original artisanal water bagel method for more than 50 years, with on-site baking throughout the day and a menu that includes cream cheese flavors, smoked fish, egg sandwiches, and specialty sandwiches such as the Horseradish Roast Beef and Avocado Deluxe.
The Canopy at Great Park is a 12-acre retail center under development by Almquist, spanning roughly 90,000 square feet with T&T Supermarket as the anchor tenant in a 34,000-square-foot space. Additional confirmed tenants include In-N-Out Burger, Philz Coffee, Shootz, Chicha San Chen, Osen Urban Table, Solestage, The Taco Stand, JJANG Yakiniku, Social House, Rylee + Cru, Free People Movement, and Sol Studio.
This will be an excellent landing space for H&H Bagels, bringing classic New York flavors to Irvine while complementing the retail center’s mix of dining, boutique, and lifestyle tenants.
