People have been buzzing about Philly Style Bagels ever since they started doing pop-ups on Sunday mornings at Pizzeria Beddia. But we never got to sample the goods because they always sold out before we found our way over there. But now they've opened a retail operation at 1451 E. Columbia Ave., and supply should start to catch up to demand. We even got to try a bagel yesterday and it was delicious.
This space, on Palmer Park and only a few steps from the excellent Steap and Grind, was previously a pizza place and became available a little over a year ago. By the time it came to our attention, it already found a buyer, but we didn't know what was coming into the space. Last summer, word came out that bagels were on the way for this location, and the store opened its doors over the weekend.
This new business sits just half a block from the former Brownhill Kramer Hosiery factory, currently being converted into apartments after many years of vacancy. We last checked in on that project a couple months ago, when we wondered what had happened to the plans for a City Fitness on Columbia Avenue, next to the old factory. Passing by now, we can see that work is progressing at the future apartment building and new construction homes have appeared in lieu of a gym. Worry not, the gym is coming to Frankford Avenue, per some commenters.
Once this project is finished and occupied, the new residents will have some great amenities nearby, with a little green space, an excellent coffee shop, and a trendy new bagel spot. And that's not even counting the numerous businesses a stone's throw away on Frankford Avenue. So, uh, Fishtown's looking better by the day. And more delicious, too.