The Bagel Jar — Restaurant in Town of Evans

The Bagel Jar has very tasty bagels. I don’t live nearby, but I’ve been stopping anytime I pass through Derby. Unfortunately, the wait has gotten longer and longer with each stop. There is a sign at the front that says something along the lines of “for faster service place order online” and they mean it.

Here’s what happened - I ordered a bagel (not toasted, cream cheese) at the counter at just before 10:00 AM. At 10:30, I still didn’t have it. The guy who’d been behind me in line (bagel, toasted with butter) was angry enough to get a refund. The seating area was not enjoyable as it was overflowing with folks staring in the direction of the kitchen, waiting. Each order was delivered with an apology.

The patron that got a refund said something to the staff, wanting his order checked on and openly doubted orders were being worked in order. A shaking angry or scared young employee brought out receipts to prove the wait time for people in the shop was really 30 minutes and to show in shop waits for online orders. (Sir, you ordered at 10:03. The last live order we filled was placed at 9:59. All of the other orders were online and placed around 10:15). It was 10:30.

What I noticed - there were five employees in the kitchen and one at the counter. It seems like no more would fit. Employees seemed engaged in the work, though not in sync, not the well oiled machines some restaurants become, but no obvious problem.

Recommendation - do something differently. I felt like the processes in place put the young staff at risk. Of course you’re going to have angry customers if it takes 30 minutes to turn out a single bagel for an in store customers. Maybe lean into online orders only? The staff was also apologizing to folks ordering online. Maybe do something differently rebalancing in the ordering app to have it better space orders to set customer expectations more realistically? Or lean way into this, maybe if is a problem you like - take out the cafe seating and install a waiting room. At least then folks wouldn’t be standing for so long. If you do it right, the wait could even be fun. Maybe bring in some magazine? Or some sort of game that can move you up the list if you win?

As it stands, 30 minutes standing and awkwardly avoiding eye contact with a bored and restless crowd were too many minutes standing around for even a...

I have stopped here 3x's , First time about 8 months ago with my wife , the food was great , but the wait time for a sandwich was 14-20 minutes, Yes the place had a line of 10+ people ordering food , but with 10+ workers I felt the wait was long ! (We ate inside ) The second time there was a very short line with a very short wait , (sandwich Togo ) , very pleased this time The last time my wife and I stopped in we were disappointed, Two of there employees were sick , the girl that took are order had the sniffles, Ok no big deal with that , with everything becoming cashless I did not have to touch anything that she would need to , But what was not cool with us was the guy that I'm guessing was stocking the bagels was sick sniffing and at a point he sneezed, with out covering himself standing by the open air bagels, he did not go and wash his hands , he just kept on working , I felt both should not have been working that day, especially considering it's a food place! The tables were dirty & food on the floor! They claim to be a sit-down restaurant! In my eyes, it's more of a dine-in or takeout fast food, No different then McDonald's , Tim Horton's or a sub shop! After ordering food you feel as if you need to leave a tip, (well sorry) if I need to stand at a counter and order my food and after eating in I am to clean up after myself , it's no different then self checkout , I'm doing half the work , if I was seated at a table and waited on with refills brought to us and so-on this is how a tip is earned, Don't worry (The Bagel Jar) it's not just you it has become the the norm to ask for more money from your patrons and your doing less for it, it's like that at auto part places also , After you read this you may not want me back , but that's ok this is how improvement in some areas will happen Your food is 4 star good with a Ok Service and Atmosphere, This younger generation need to care more to help...

I recently visited The Bagel Jar as soon as I walked in, I could tell this place was special. The bagels are made with just five simple ingredients, hand-rolled, boiled to create a perfect crust and chew, and then baked until golden brown. The result is a bagel that’s unlike anything else in the area.

I tried a few different options, but my favorite was the Buffalo Bagel, a plain bagel dipped in hot sauce and cheddar cheese. It was unique and absolutely delicious. The bacon, egg, and cheese bagel was also fantastic, as was the bagel and lox. Every bite was fresh and flavorful.

The service was friendly and efficient, even though the entrance and waiting area were a bit crowded. It’s clear that The Bagel Jar is a popular spot, and for good reason. The quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere make it worth the visit.

Also, the coffee and espresso are way better than you will find anywhere else in Derby or Lake View.

The shop is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 7 AM to 2 PM. It’s located in the Tops Plaza, which is convenient. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area—you won’t be...