Boston’s food scene is always buzzing with new and exciting ventures, but few have captured the city’s attention quite like Brick Street Bagels. What started as a neighborhood passion project has quickly become a must-try for Bostonians and bagel aficionados alike. Founded by Jordan Renouf, Brick Street Bagels has taken the pop-up scene by storm, serving up handcrafted bagels that have locals lining up around the block. Looking ahead to 2024, this Instagram-famous bakery is poised for even greater things, promising more pop-ups and the tantalizing possibility of a permanent home.
Brick Street Bagels’ story is a testament to the power of community and delicious, simple food done exceptionally well. In November 2022, South End resident Jordan Renouf identified a gap in his neighborhood: a distinct lack of a dedicated bagel shop. Drawing upon his father’s cherished recipe, he began baking bagels at home, sharing his creations on social media. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. “Within the first couple weeks, I had a couple people reach out about buying them,” Renouf recalls, highlighting the organic, word-of-mouth growth that has fueled Brick Street Bagels from the very beginning.
Two black bins are full of puffy bagels with various toppings.
Image: Assortment of freshly made Brick Street Bagels with various toppings showcased in bins, ready for eager customers at a Boston pop-up event.
Inspired by the charming brick-lined streets of his neighborhood, Brick Street Bagels was officially born. Initially, Renouf managed every aspect of the operation from his home kitchen, personally delivering bagels by bike across Boston. Balancing this burgeoning bagel business with a full-time job in the non-profit sector, it was clear that the demand for Brick Street Bagels was rapidly outgrowing its humble beginnings.
The turning point arrived when Renouf decided to dedicate himself fully to Brick Street Bagels. He left his 9-to-5 job and expanded his team, bringing on a core staff member and drawing in helping hands from the local community. This evolution also marked a shift in the business model towards pop-up events. Moving away from home deliveries to designated locations was a significant change, but one that proved incredibly successful. “It got to a point where it was much more convenient for people to come to me and get them,” Renouf explains, acknowledging the “big leap of faith” that paid off.
Brick Street Bagels now operates primarily through weekend pop-ups, often setting up shop in popular Boston neighborhoods like the South End and South Boston. Each week, eager customers await the opening of the pre-order window announced via Brick Street Bagels’ active Instagram page. Online pre-orders are highly recommended, as on-site quantities are limited and lines form quickly. These pop-up events have become a local phenomenon, with lines frequently stretching to impressive lengths, sometimes reaching 100 to 150 people, all hoping to secure their share of these sought-after bagels.
A brown bag with a stamp that says Brick Street Bagels sits in a bin alongside a few rows of bagels.
Image: Close-up view of Brick Street Bagels branded brown paper bag amidst a fresh batch of bagels at a Boston pop-up location, highlighting the handcrafted quality.
The enduring popularity of Brick Street Bagels in 2024 can be attributed to a combination of social media buzz and positive word-of-mouth. However, the secret to their success truly lies in the exceptional quality of the bagels themselves. Renouf emphasizes the handmade process that sets Brick Street Bagels apart. Each bagel is meticulously hand-rolled, boiled, dipped in toppings, and then baked to perfection. This labor-intensive approach, while more costly and time-consuming, is a conscious choice. “I do think that it makes a difference, and I also just think it forms a connection between you as the producer and the product you’re making. I think you lose some of that with a machine,” Renouf states, underscoring his commitment to quality and craft.
The result is a bagel with a signature texture: a satisfyingly crisp exterior giving way to a perfectly chewy interior. The current menu focuses on classic bagel flavors – salt, everything, plain, and sesame – alongside more adventurous options like rosemary sea salt and asiago. The asiago bagel, with its “intoxicating smell,” is a consistent crowd favorite and often sells out first.
Beyond the delicious bagels, Brick Street Bagels cultivates a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere at its pop-ups. For Renouf, who hails from a small Vermont town, fostering these local connections is a deeply rewarding aspect of the business. “Oftentimes, when I’m at the table serving bagels, I’ll hear people as they’re walking away, and they’ll turn to the person behind and be like, ‘Oh, it’s so good to see you here’,” he shares, emphasizing the role Brick Street Bagels plays in creating a space for community interaction in Boston.
Two lines of bagels – some topped with salt, some plain – sit in a black plastic bin.
Image: Rows of Brick Street Bagels, including salt and plain varieties, displayed in a bin at a Boston pop-up, showcasing the simple yet appealing presentation.
Looking to the future, Renouf is actively seeking new partnerships and opportunities to expand Brick Street Bagels. Having already collaborated with supportive local businesses like Bar Mezzana and Neighborhood Wines, he envisions further collaborations and, ultimately, establishing a permanent home for his beloved bagels. As he puts it, the focus for 2024 is on growth and community engagement: “We’ve got to get through the winter, but when it’s warm again, I’m excited to find new, cool spaces to pop up in and continuing to work myself into the community.” For those seeking the best bagels in Boston, following Brick Street Bagels’ journey is a must – and getting in line at their next pop-up is highly recommended.
Find Brick Street Bagels pop-up schedule and pre-order information on their Instagram: instagram.com/brick.street.bagels
