Master Bagel Maker Opening North Park Bakery

A master bagel maker has relocated to San Diego to open a new bakery and eatery in North Park. Owner Jeffrey Wang emigrated from his native Taiwan and settled first in Long Island, New York, where he took over a bagel shop and taught himself how to bake; by the late 90s, Wang was running three bagel shops on the East Coast. In 2006 after moving to the Pacific Northwest, he launched Kettleman Bagel Company in a 10,000-square-foot central kitchen in Southeast Portland. His bagels, boiled and baked on a stone hearth in the classic New York style, were an instant hit, and his bagel empire eventually grew to five stores in the Portland area.

Kettleman’s success drew the attention of the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, which owns the national chain Einstein Bros. Bagels. In 2011, the bagel giant, which had also acquired the Bay Area’s famed Noah’s Bagels, offered Wang an undisclosed amount to purchase Kettleman Bagel Company.

Though he might have retired after the sale, Wang tells Eater that he wants to be part of the local movement to bring back hand crafted bakeries. The shop, which will likely open in two months, will offer 14 varieties of bagels as well as bialys and pastries ranging from croissants, danishes to apple turnovers. The cafe will also make doughnuts and serve sandwiches at breakfast and lunch. Solomon Bagels & Donuts, currently under construction in a 4,000-square-foot space on 30th Street, will include a display case for the bagels and doughnuts as well as an indoor seating area and patio.