According to a recent article, Bears Bagels is making plans to open a brick and mortar concept. The bagel eatery is utilizing a crowdfunding campaign to help offset costs associated with securing a brick and mortar storefront, which includes equipment upgrades, such as a more powerful mixer. The bagel concept is owned and operated by husband and wife Charis and Lo Yost. Started in 2022, the couple has sold their bagels at area events and markets including the Clintonville, Dublin and Upper Arlington Farmers Markets, to name a few.
Charis tells What Now Columbus that while they’re not ready to share the full details on the brick and mortar location just yet, they’ve got their sites set on the Hilliard area. Although all the details are still being worked out, current indicators are pointing to opening within the next few months.
“If everything goes as planned, it’s looking like a late spring or early summer opening,” Yost said.
The brick and mortar will mostly serve as a carryout space, although there will likely be a handful of countertop seats available. Guests can expect to find the core bagel menu, along with some new additions shortly after the storefront opens.
Those core flavors include everything, rosemary sea salt, sesame and plain, in addition to a monthly rotating flavor. The bagels are made in an artisan style, with dough that is rested for 24 hours before being boiled and then baked. Along with the bagels, Bears Bagels offers a selection of cream cheeses, called ‘schmears,’ in a number of flavors, including roasted veggie, toasted everything, as well as plain and a rotating flavor that pairs with the monthly bagel offering. Past rotating schmear flavors have ranged from pumpkin spice latte to bacon scallion.
“We’re going to stick with our current four offerings, plus we will expand the core menu by another three to four bagels and we’ll continue to have monthly bagel and schmear offerings,” Yost said of the menu.
Additionally, there will be a small menu of bagel sandwiches, such as bacon egg and cheese, as well as what Yost refers to as a more “foodie based” selection, like an open face pastrami lox and avocado and other unique offerings. There will also be a few carryout drinks available like bottled soft drinks, juice and drip coffee.
And, although the business plans to pull back its presence at some area farmers markets this season in order to focus on getting the brick and mortar established, Yost promises that the bagels will still be available at the Dublin Farmers Market.
