Charleston’s New Bagel Shops Surge in Popularity

News Summary

Charleston is witnessing a vibrant bagel boom with the opening of numerous New York-style bagel shops, including Ruby’s Bagels, Jeff’s Bagel Run, and more. These establishments are attracting fans with a range of flavors and innovative offerings. Ruby’s, in particular, is lauded for its fresh bagels and has secured a strong following since its initial launch. As new bagel shops continue to emerge in the region, residents can enjoy a growing selection of authentic bagel options that enhance Charleston’s culinary landscape.

Charleston is experiencing a significant surge in the popularity of New York-style bagels, with several new shops opening across the region. This bagel boom includes the recent establishment of Ruby’s Bagels, Jeff’s Bagel Run, Wakey Bakey Bagels, Bagels by KISS, and Holey City Bagels, all contributing to a vibrant culinary landscape in the Lowcountry.

The latest addition, Ruby’s Bagels, opened its fifth location at Nexton on March 10. Founded by Connecticut natives Joe Harvey and Kevin Roach, the chain has quickly gained recognition since its inception four years ago, when Roach began baking bagels at home. The brand transitioned to a brick-and-mortar presence with its first store in Mount Pleasant. Ruby’s Bagels is known for baking fresh bagels from scratch every day at its North Charleston location, offering a menu that includes over 28 bagel flavors and 12 varieties of cream cheese. The popular “Rico Bagel” has become a signature item, attracting a devoted customer base. In addition to its four existing locations in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and West Ashley, Ruby’s Bagels plans to open a sixth store in Carnes Crossroads by the end of summer. The chain has been consistently honored as “Best Bagel in Charleston County” for three consecutive years and has also claimed the title of “Best Bagel in South Carolina.”

Jeff’s Bagel Run, another growing establishment, is preparing to unveil five new locations throughout the Lowcountry, following the success of its first shop launched in Florida in 2021. Adopting the unique method of “always baked, never toasted” bagels, Jeff’s introduces a rotating menu that changes every week featuring flavors such as funnel cake, salted caramel, and pizza bagels. The first Lowcountry location is slated to open on April 25 at 1721 Clements Ferry Road near Daniel Island. Additional shops will follow in Isle of Palms, West Ashley, James Island, and Mount Pleasant as part of a robust expansion plan, which anticipates a total of 29 locations in the works.

Wakey Bakey Bagels has also entered the competitive field, recently opening its doors at 1116 Metropolitan Ave. in the Nexton development of Summerville. Owned by Christopher Garate and Keila Viera, who have a background operating BKeDSHop, this new venture is a dedicated bagel shop serving fresh bagels made daily from high-quality ingredients, specifically King Arthur Flour. Besides bagels, the menu includes various breakfast and lunch sandwiches, vegan options, and gluten-free choices. The owners aim to create a community-oriented environment, providing a meeting place for diners.

Bagels by KISS is another new player in Charleston’s bagel scene, having opened on February 4 at 19 Broad St., in downtown Charleston. A spin-off from KISS Cafe on Johns Island, this establishment is owned by Tim Wickey and Leslie Mastranunzio. Bagels by KISS is dedicated to serving authentic New York-style bagels that are boiled and baked in a rotating deck oven, promising a unique bagel experience for local patrons.

Finally, Holey City Bagels is set to represent Charleston at New York’s BagelFest, showcasing the Southeastern region among over 40 bagel shops from around the world. Owned by Greg Odachowski, Holey City is the only bagel shop from the Southeast participating in this prestigious festival, where it will share its successful bagels with an eager audience.

The recent influx of bagel shops in Charleston reflects a growing appetite for authentic New York-style bagels, signaling an expansion in the culinary offerings of the region. With local favorites like Ruby’s, Jeff’s, Wakey Bakey, Bagels by KISS, and Holey City emerging, residents and visitors alike are set to enjoy an exciting variety of bagel options that celebrate quality ingredients and innovative flavors.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Jeff’s Bagel Run
• Charleston City Paper: Wakey Bakey Bagels
• Tennis.com: Match Point – Double Bagels in Charleston
• Charleston City Paper: Holey City Bagels
• Eater Carolinas: Best Bagel in Charleston
• Wikipedia: Bagel
• Google Search: Bagels in Charleston
• Google Scholar: Bagel Recipes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bagel
• Google News: Charleston Bagels