In January 2019, a casual conversation between Jordan Nickerson and Jordan Hawkins sparked an idea that would soon turn into Lynchburg’s beloved bagel destination: Bacon St. Bagels. What started as a simple brainstorming session unexpectedly led to the realization of a shared dream – opening a bagel shop.
“It might sound random, but I’ve always thought a bagel shop would be really cool,” Hawkins recalled mentioning. To his surprise, Nickerson shared that he had just discussed the same idea with his wife, Holly, that very morning during a walk, envisioning how great a bagel shop would be for Lynchburg.
Taking it as a sign, they embarked on their venture, and on November 6, 2020, Bacon St. Bagels opened its doors on Rivermont Avenue. The response from the Lynchburg community was immediate and enthusiastic, and the grab-and-go bagel shop has been a local favorite ever since.
Authentic New York-Style Bagels in Lynchburg
Bacon St. Bagels prides itself on serving authentic New York-style bagels, prepared in the traditional way – boiled before baking. This crucial step gives their bagels the signature chewy inside and slightly crisp outside that bagel aficionados crave.
A close-up of a variety of freshly baked bagels at Bacon St. Bagels, showcasing their chewy texture and golden-brown crust.
The menu at Bacon St. Bagels is designed to satisfy any breakfast craving. Customers can choose from a wide array of bagel types and toppings, along with specialty breakfast sandwiches that are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. To complement their food offerings, they serve coffee sourced from Crucible Coffee, a well-regarded coffee shop based in Staunton, Virginia, ensuring a quality coffee experience.
One standout sandwich, “The Lenora,” holds a special place on the menu. Named after Hawkins’ Italian grandmother, it features mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto, and a balsamic glaze, reflecting his heritage and adding a unique flavor profile to the bagel sandwich selection.
From Liberty University to Rivermont Avenue: A Local Business Story
The story of Bacon St. Bagels is rooted in local connections. Nickerson and Hawkins first met and became friends while attending Liberty University in Lynchburg. Nickerson also founded Rookie’s, a successful ice cream shop in Forest, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. Hawkins brought his experience in local restaurants to the table, and together they decided to create something new for Lynchburg.
When considering locations, downtown Lynchburg, specifically the Rivermont Avenue area, stood out. Nickerson was particularly drawn to the standalone building that now houses Bacon St. Bagels. “I love standalone buildings,” he explained, appreciating the “space for charm, creativity, and flair” that such locations offer.
The Heart Behind the Name and the Brand
The name “Bacon St. Bagels” has a personal touch, originating from Nickerson’s childhood street name in Massachusetts. “I’m a huge breakfast food fan, so it’s ironic that I lived on Bacon Street!” Nickerson shared. Among several name ideas, “Bacon St. Bagels,” suggested by Holly Nickerson, resonated the most.
Beyond serving delicious breakfast, Bacon St. Bagels is committed to fostering a positive work culture. This commitment is a core part of their brand identity. Nickerson emphasizes his passion for “entrepreneurship and creating healthy and exciting workplace cultures.” He believes in challenging the typical food industry work environment and fostering a supportive atmosphere for his employees.
Hawkins echoes this sentiment, stating, “Our motto is ‘bigger than bagels’.” They aim to create a workplace where employees feel valued and cared for, contrasting with the common experience of feeling miserable at work. This people-first approach extends beyond their team to their customers and the wider Lynchburg community.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Community Focus
The team behind Bacon St. Bagels has plans for the future, including adding a takeout window and online ordering to enhance customer convenience. They also have aspirations to expand, aiming to grow the shop while maintaining its quality and community focus.
“We want the shop to grow into its potential, and we want to steward it really well,” Nickerson concludes, highlighting their dedication to responsible growth and continued service to Lynchburg.
Bacon St. Bagels is located at 306 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until they sell out of their fresh bagels. For more information, visit their website at www.baconstbagels.com.
