What started out as a hobby during quarantine has turned into a bread-winning business opportunity for one local couple—and we mean literally.
For Jacob and Alexandra Cohen, Kismet Bagels began in May 2020 as an idea and a way to keep themselves busy while out of work. Soon enough, the homemade carb-filled treats then advanced to become a super successful pop-up/wholesale business, expanding early on to GoPuff, and then eventually, a sought after item for Philly food pop-ups. And the expansion keeps growing.
Early last summer, Fishtown Social teamed up with Kismet to offer a new limited-time sandwich shop offering three different options on their “Sunday Sammies” menu, plus standalone bagels, bialys and schmear. Kismet’s mark on that area of the city specifically grew, and the community called for a more permanent feature. They now have it.
According to a release, the Cohens will open their first Kismet Bagels brick and mortar location at 113 E. Girard Ave., between Shackamaxon Street and Frankford Ave., on Friday, April 8 at 7 a.m. The 540 square-foot space will feature takeout ordering, and the store will be open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.—or whenever they sell out—and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout.
“All of the people who came to work for us over the past two years have helped build this into a community where people are blossoming,” said Jacob Cohen in a statement. “We’re so excited to expand our business and allow more people who have been with us during the pandemic to come onboard full-time. This is a big step for us, and we are ready to finally open our doors.”
Following suit with the handmade feel, the shop will feature a fresh bread program with Sam McNamara making sourdough loaves. Pastry chef Erica Pais will also providing fresh pastries daily, as she also manages the shop. Additionally, there will be drip coffee from Moonraker Coffee Roasters, grab-and-go items, rotating salads, various bagel sandwiches, loose bagels, loose bialys, schmears, spices and more. As a final touch, all sandwiches will have the option to add a potato latke for $2.50 as well.
“Everybody in the city opened their doors to us during the pandemic, and we’re looking forward to doing the same,” continued Alexandra Cohen in a statement. “We’ve been keeping up with pop-ups and our regular business, but now we are excited to open our doors and help other small businesses. It was truly kismet that Jacob and I even launched this business, and that’s how we feel about opening our own shop. We are so thrilled to finally have a permanent home.”
For those who can’t make it out to the brick and mortar, the release also states that Kismet will continue to wholesale bagel packs and schmears at businesses such as Di Bruno Bros., Riverwards Produce, GoPuff, Rally, Steap and Grind, various farmers’ markets and more.
For information, visit kismetbagels.com
