Baltik's Bagel is bringing its award-winning bagels to Church Hill
Baltik's Bagel is opening a second location in the former Alamo BBQ in Church Hill.
Why it matters: In the two years since Baltik's debuted in South Richmond, the bagel shop has racked up multiple awards, including taking home the coveted People's Choice award at NYC Bagelfest.
State of play: The Church Hill Baltik's should open in November, owner Yero Rudzinskas tells Axios.
Once it does, the neighborhood should expect the same scratch-made bagels, the shop's signature "softie" bagel for sandwiches and Rudzinskas' commitment to "lightning-fast service." He's also working out the logistics to hopefully add an espresso bar to the tiny takeout-only space. On the menu: Bagels (.99 cents-$1.90) and schemer ($1.25-2.95), plus sandwiches ($6.95- $12.95) like the elevated bacon, egg and cheese River City Sunrise and newcomer the Ooh...Lala (basically a very fancy French dip on a bagel). Baltik's Bagel OG location at 6801 Forest Hill Ave. Photo: Karri Peifer/Axios
Fun fact: Church Hill might also offer some kind of "dog bagel" or dog treat, Rudzinskas says.
The dog-friendly addition is driven by the number of dogs he's spied walking by the iconic Jefferson Avenue space. Plus, it fits in with Baltik's mission of ensuring all customers can find something to eat (see also their gluten-free bagels and house-made vegan cream cheese). The old Alamo at 2211 Jefferson Ave. in Church Hill. Image: Courtesy of Google Street View
Yes, but: Like the Stratford Hills location, Church Hill won't be open on Sundays.
Rudzinskas says he promised his family and staff at the start of Baltik's that they'd all have one weekend day away from work, and he's keeping that promise.What's next: Baltik's Church Hill should open next month. Once it does, it hours will be the same as the Southside location: Monday-Saturday, 6:30am-2pm.
It'll offer takeout service and patio seating. 