Spread Bagelry opens its first location in New Jersey

Ava Richman ('24)

Spread Bagelry recently opened a restaurant in Cherry Hill next to the Crumbl Cookies in the Towne Place at Garden State Park.

Spread Bagelry, a Philadelphia-based mini-chain of bagel shops, opened its Cherry Hill Location at 950 Blvd (next to Crumbl Cookies). Spread Bagelry, known for its hand-rolled, Montreal bagels has eight locations in Philadelphia, and this will be its first location in New Jersey. The 1,564 square foot Cherry Hill store offers 18 seats inside and, in the warmer months, up to 25 seats on the neighboring patio outdoors. The staff are all properly dressed in matching attire, and the space is clean and modern. The wood-fired oven, chandelier over the coffee bar, and baskets of warm bagels right at the entry are sure to catch customers’ attention. Customers can observe the unique bagel-making process up close as their Montreal-style bagels are brought fresh from the oven.

In addition to 15 varying kinds of bagels, Spread also sells several types of homemade cream cheese including plain, maple bacon, veggie, scallion, nova salmon, jalapeño lime, strawberry basil, pistachio honey, apple brown butter, and even a plant-based option. There are additional spreads besides cream cheese such as jam, peanut butter, tuna, whitefish, and more. Montreal-style bagels are made by hand, boiled in honey water, and baked in a wood-fired oven, setting them apart from other kinds of bagels. As a result, the bread is different from the puffier, soft New York bagel, becoming crunchier, slightly sweeter, and denser. The signature sandwiches and all-day breakfast sandwiches should not be overlooked. These homemade sandwiches, whether they contain meat, fish, or neither, are one of a kind. On that note, don’t slip on the bagel grilled cheese with tomato and smoky bacon, you won’t regret it. In addition to serving iced drinks with brands like Natalie’s Juice Co. and La Colombe Coffee, Spread also serves hot beverages including lattes, hot chocolate, and tea.

Montreal-style bagels are boiled in honey water and baked in a wood-fired oven. (Ava Richman (’24))

Although Spread Bagelry has warm and inviting staff and serves customers fast, it can get quite crowded early in the morning, leading to long lines and impatient customers. The later morning hours and the afternoon would be a better choice if you’re seeking an in-and-out service. Spread is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until the bagels sell out. Online orders and catering requests are not available yet, but could be potentially coming in the future. Spread now has five locations in Philadelphia and four outside of Philadelphia with more locations planned to come. You do not want to miss this new bagel shop, so head out and visit the Towne Place at Garden State Park in Cherry Hill.