South Tampa hasn’t had much luck with bagel joints over the past couple of years.
The seemingly snakebit end cap property at 111 S. Dale Mabry Highway formerly housed the first Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. outpost locally, and then after that, Nosh — another short-lived spot for bagels, plus coffee and deli sandwiches. Red Elephant Café even called the building home at one time.
What does the latest venture taking shape inside the space specialize in?
Bagels, of course. Third time’s a charm?
18 Bagels Co. plans to restore the role-with-a-hole in the neighborhood, offering fresh bagels, an extensive coffee bar with locally roasted Brew Life Coffee, deli sandos and desserts.
According to the forthcoming bagel shop’s Facebook page, the husband-and-wife proprietors behind 18 Bagels — Ean and Jaclyn Mendelsohn — aren’t affiliated with the late Nosh or Original Brooklyn Water Bagel. They do, however, also own and operate the nearby Yogurtology on South Church Avenue.
To pull off those signature menu items, 18 Bagels plans to use what it calls a “high-tech water system,” which is, apparently, able to replicate New York City water. We’re intrigued by this gadget as much as the thought of an Oreo bagel with cream cheese frosting.
The bagel shop teased Facebook fans with a dreamy-looking photo of the signature speckled creation last month (see above), but that’s not all.
Leading up to its grand opening announcement — which regionites can receive by signing up for updates online — 18 Bagels has also posted shots of the onion poppy and Reuben bagels, as well as the egg-and-cheese breakfast variety.
Keep ’em comin’.
