Bagel Cafe NJ Opens Third Location in Westfield

Bagel Cafe NJ cut the ribbon on its third location Monday at 272 North Avenue East in Westfield, a parking lot shared with Walgreens. Mayor Jeremy Berman joined friends, family, and representatives from the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Westfield Corporation for the opening ceremony.

Co-owner Christina Bass, who has lived in Westfield for 28 years, said opening the café there carried personal weight. "We've lived in Westfield for 28 years, so the fact that we could bring the business home means a lot," she said.

The shop's two other locations are in New Providence and Fanwood. Craig Bass, her co-owner, said the Westfield location itself drove the decision to expand. "I wasn't looking for a third store, but then this lot came up and we just had to do it," he said.

Bagel Cafe NJ operates far beyond a traditional bagel shop. The business roasts its own turkey, bakes its own breads, makes its own poppy scones, and works exclusively with its own coffee roaster. The café offers hand-rolled bagels in a variety of flavors along with a carefully curated menu built largely in-house.

Christina Bass described the shop's full scope: "We are so much more than a bagel shop." Craig Bass expressed confidence in what the café brings to Westfield's dining scene: "I think we could be the best place in town for breakfast and lunch."

The new Westfield location serves the community with crafted food and beverage options rooted in quality ingredients and in-house preparation.

FAQ

Q: What is Bagel Cafe NJ?

A: Bagel Cafe NJ is a café specializing in hand-rolled bagels, house-roasted meats, in-house baked goods, and coffee roasted by the business itself. The owners describe it as "so much more than a bagel shop," emphasizing the full range of prepared foods and beverages.

Q: Where is the new Westfield location?

A: The new location is at 272 North Avenue East, Westfield, in a parking lot shared with Walgreens.

Q: When did Bagel Cafe NJ open in Westfield?

A: The location had its grand opening on Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Jeremy Berman, community representatives, and local business leaders.

Q: How many Bagel Cafe NJ locations are there?

A: There are three locations: Westfield (new), New Providence, and Fanwood.

Q: Who are the owners?

A: Co-owners Christina Bass and Craig Bass operate the business. Christina has lived in Westfield for 28 years.

Q: Why did the owners choose Westfield for their third location?

A: Christina Bass said having grown up in Westfield for 28 years, opening there "means a lot" to the family. Craig Bass said the specific location opportunity drove the decision: "I wasn't looking for a third store, but then this lot came up and we just had to do it."

Q: What is on the menu?

A: The café offers hand-rolled bagels in multiple flavors, house-roasted turkey, house-baked breads, homemade poppy scones, and coffee roasted in-house. Most of the menu is prepared on-site.

Q: Does Bagel Cafe NJ just serve bagels?

A: No. According to Christina Bass, "We are so much more than a bagel shop." The business emphasizes quality in-house preparation across a full breakfast and lunch menu.

Q: What times is Bagel Cafe NJ open?

A: Specific hours are not provided in the opening announcement. Contact the business directly for current hours of operation.

Q: Who attended the opening ceremony?

A: Mayor Jeremy Berman, friends, family, representatives from the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Westfield Corporation attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Q: What makes Bagel Cafe NJ different from other bagel shops?

A: The café roasts its own turkey, bakes its own breads, makes its own scones, and works with its own coffee roaster. Everything is built on in-house preparation rather than purchasing prepared items.