Bagel Shop Coming to OTR this Summer

The Bagelry Signs Lease for Walnut Street Space

 CINCINNATI (March 29, 2018) – A staple at farmers’ markets, pop-up shops, and The City Flea since last summer, The Bagelry recently signed a lease for a 1,220-square-foot space located at 1401 Walnut Street in Over-the-Rhine. For the first time, patrons will be able find these delicious bagels at a permanent storefront, which is scheduled to open this summer.

The Bagelry is family-owned and operated by Richard Huff, along with his brother, Kyle Jones, and his sister-in-law, Colleen Hert. The trio previously pursued different careers before ultimately deciding to follow their collective dream of owning a bagel shop – a dream that they are now making a reality.

“It all started when my wife and I moved to OTR from Louisville in 2013,” Huff said. “While in Louisville, we had trouble finding time for each other because we were both kicking off busy careers. But, the time we did find was often spent at a small bagel shop called Nancy’s. Looking back, I think we both developed an emotional attachment to bagels because of the memories we made talking, laughing and growing together while eating bagels over the years.”

After their relocation to OTR, Huff and his wife, Erin Davren, felt the absence of such a place within the community. So, Huff began making bagels at home, often sharing them with friends and family. Those same individuals enjoyed the bagels so much, they encouraged him to start a business. In 2017, he gave it a shot, selling his homemade bagels at various markets and pop-up shops – and the bagels were an overwhelming hit.

By opening the business in a permanent space, The Bagelry’s mission is to do more than just provide good bagels to the neighborhood – the owners intend to give people a place to start their morning ritual, begin a weekend retreat, or simply break bread with loved ones.

Huff chose the new location, a street-level commercial spaces at the corner of 14^th and Walnut streets that is being leased from Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), because it is convenient for a variety of individuals. It is easily accessible to residents and professionals in both Over-the-Rhine and the Central Business District during the week, and visitors from outside the community on the weekends.

“Our goal is to provide fast, affordable and delicious breakfast and lunch options using simple and wholesome ingredients,” Huff said. “Our breakfast offerings will be the best versions of what you would expect at a bagel shop.”

While Huff and his team are eager to move into a space of their own, The Bagelry is still operating during the build out of the new space, using the same process it has for the past several months. Currently, the rolling and baking happens at Findlay Kitchen, a group kitchen and small business incubator at Findlay Market. Bakers at The Bagelry use quality ingredients while utilizing one key technique during the preparation of their bagels: time. They allow their bagels to rise overnight, giving them extra time to develop flavors, and use traditional methods of hand rolling and kettle boiling.

In addition to bagels and cream cheese, The Bagelry will offer breakfast sandwiches featuring bacon, sausage, and goetta from Avril Bleh. Lunch options will include sandwiches and pizza bagels, that also incorporate meats from Avril Bleh, and showcase their house made spreads.

“The perfect bagel is good for the soul,” said Huff. “But a bagel shop is good for the community. If you love our bagels as much as we love sharing them with you, then we’ll be well on our way to that bagel shop OTR so sorely needs.”

# # #