News Summary
Joey’s Bagels has opened its first location in Asheville at 707 Merrimon Ave, beginning a new chapter for the franchise after being purchased by Gabe Willis. With daily production of fresh bagels and a diverse breakfast menu, residents can expect local flavors and high-quality offerings. The shop is already gaining popularity, selling out its lox products on opening day. Citing a strong community connection, Gabe aims to uphold the brand’s traditions while engaging with local tastes.
Asheville Welcomes Joey’s Bagels with Open Arms!
If you’re in Asheville, you might have noticed some exciting new activity at 707 Merrimon Ave. That’s right! Joey’s Bagels has landed in the city with its very first location opening on December 27, 2023. Tucked away at the rear of the parking lot, this new bagel haven is already making waves among the breakfast enthusiasts of Asheville.
A New Chapter for Joey’s Bagels
The journey of Joey’s Bagels took an interesting turn when Gabe Willis decided to purchase the franchise from the original co-founders, Joe and Michael Scarlata, back in February 2024. Gabe, who hails from the Bronx and has a personal passion for all things bagel, originally came to Asheville in 2021 to work in corporate strategy for a manufacturing company. But, as it often goes, he craved a bit more—a life change that would inspire him to connect with the community. And what better way to do that than through small business ownership?
From Newcomer to Bagel Businessman
Now, let’s be real; while Gabe has had a long-standing love for bagels due to his familial roots, he didn’t come equipped with any bagel-making skills before diving into this venture. Fortunately, that hasn’t stopped customers from weighing in with unsolicited advice on how to create the perfect bagel! It sure seems like Asheville locals are passionate about their bagels and are keen to see the new store uphold the high standards they expect.
Family Ties and Bagel Making Traditions
Keeping it in the family, Joe Scarlata’s children are still involved with the Joey’s Bagels chain. One of them is even the designated baker in the Hendersonville location! Those bagels don’t just pop out of the oven; the process includes boiling before baking, ensuring that they have that genuine texture we all crave. At the Hendersonville store, they whip up an impressive 600-800 pounds of dough daily. The Asheville location may be smaller but is still churning out around 400 pounds of fresh dough each day—not too shabby!
More Than Just Bagels
Of course, it’s not just about bagels at Joey’s. The menu is a delightful mix that includes breakfast sandwiches, omelets, subs, wraps, and even a variety of delectable lunch sandwiches on your choice of bread. The fan-favorite around this location? The Regular Joe breakfast sandwich, which features two scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, and cheese piled high on a bagel. Talk about a morning winner!
Flavor Town: What’s Hot?
When it comes to flavor preferences, Asheville’s bagel lovers gravitate toward classic options like everything, asiago, plain, and, of course, the sweet and spicy cinnamon raisin. Over in Hendersonville, they tend to favor a few more of the sweet varieties, proving once again that regional tastes can be quite distinct! Despite being new to the scene, the Asheville location is finding fabulous success with its lox products—so much so that they sold out on opening day!
Keeping the Brand Alive
Now, for a moment of light-heartedness: Gabe considered rebranding to “Gabe’s Bagels” but ultimately decided to stay true to the established brand that Joey’s Bagels has created over the years. This decision reflects his respect for the quality and traditions the original founders have built. The atmosphere is all about fostering community engagement while sticking to the roots that people love.
Good News Around the Corner
Oh, and one more thing! The nearby Radical Hotel has resumed its overnight operations after a temporary closure due to flooding from Tropical Storm Helene. So whether you’re visiting or a local looking for a great breakfast spot, Joey’s Bagels is the perfect destination to start your day right!
All in all, Asheville is buzzing with the arrival of Joey’s Bagels, and it’s already becoming a staple for those who cherish a great bagel. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head on over for a taste of bagel heaven!
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Additional Resources
- Blue Ridge Now: Joey’s Bagels Opens Second Store
- Wikipedia: Bagel
- New York Times: Favorite Restaurant List
- Google Search: Bagel History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bagel
- Google News: Joey’s Bagels Asheville
