Anything Bagel is preparing to open its doors in east Columbus, bringing a familiar bagel recipe back to the community while introducing a refreshed concept of its own.
The new bagel shop is set to debut on August 14 at 6115 McNaughten Road, taking over the longtime home of Block’s Bagels. Owner Tajuan Burkheart, also known as T.J., told What Now Columbus that the concept is built around preserving one of the city’s most beloved food traditions while creating a gathering place for a new generation of customers.
“Anything Bagel is a legacy brand that is transitioning that legacy into something new for the future,” Burkheart said. “I’m bringing a little bit of the old with the new.”
For Burkheart, the project is also deeply personal. Growing up in Columbus, he remembers stopping at Block’s Bagels with his mother during shopping trips on the city’s east side, making the opportunity to continue the business’s legacy especially meaningful.
“I always wanted to own my own restaurant and revive a legacy brand,” he said. “I wanted to put my own spin on something that already existed while continuing that legacy.”
The shop will continue using Block’s original bagel recipes after receiving the family’s blessing. Burkheart also retained third-generation baker Derek, whose father baked for Block’s Bagels, to help preserve the craftsmanship behind the recipes.
“Our recipe has been around since 1967,” Burkheart said. “It’s tried and true. I didn’t want to see that Columbus-style bagel disappear.”
While longtime customers can expect the familiar taste they remember, Burkheart said Anything Bagel will also introduce several new menu offerings, including breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, pastries, espresso drinks, lattes and specialty beverages.
“We hope people find something familiar in the flavor while also finding something new,” he said. “We want to preserve the old and introduce something that carries us into the future.”
The restaurant itself has also received updates. Although much of the original layout has been retained, guests will notice refreshed colours, updated equipment and renovations designed to modernize the space while maintaining its familiar feel.
Beyond the menu, Burkheart said community involvement will play a central role in the business. Through the shop’s “Bake It Forward” initiative, proceeds from a featured specialty bagel will support local charities. During the August 14 grand opening, the company plans to donate $1,000 to a local nonprofit before serving its first customer.
“Our goal is to give before we take,” Burkheart said. “We don’t just want to do business in the community we want to give back to it.”
Opening day will begin with an 8 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first 50 guests will receive complimentary merchandise, while customers purchasing 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. will receive a free bagel with cream cheese.
For Burkheart, the opening date also carries special significance.
He intentionally chose August 14 because it would have been his late mother’s birthday.
“She was always my biggest supporter,” he said. “She can’t be here physically, but I know she’s here in spirit. We shared Block’s Bagels together, so I wanted to launch on a day that reminds me of her.”
Looking ahead, Burkheart hopes Anything Bagel becomes more than a neighbourhood bagel shop.
“I want people to experience great food, genuine hospitality and a sense of community,” he said. “If we do that, we’ll build something that stands the test of time.”
