Island Bagel Paradise Hits St. Pete Beach

Hey, guess what’s popping up this summer in St. Pete Beach? A slice of New York right here in the tropics! Yep, you heard it right. Get ready to sink your teeth into some authentic Brooklyn-style bagels with a sunny twist.

Opening its doors at 455 75th Avenue, Tiki Bagel is gearing up to take over the spot where Sunrise Tacos used to be, and before that, the legendary Gayle’s Diner. These bagels aren’t just any old food items, though. They’re coming straight from Noshman’s Bagel of NYC, a big name in bagel wholesaling.

What’s the secret behind these bagels? Well, they’re made from a recipe that dates all the way back to the 1890s, crafted by Jewish immigrants. P.J. Powell, the brains behind Tiki Bagel, is pumped to bring these doughy delights down south. And don’t worry, they won’t just ship them down fully baked. Nope, they’ll finish ‘em off fresh here.

Now, Powell isn’t a local beach bum. He’s originally from Atlanta but decided to swap the hustle and bustle for the laid-back vibes of St. Pete Beach five years back. Both he and his wife, Karen, are tech buffs, but they wanted to shake things up and dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

Speaking of which, Tiki Bagel isn’t just about bagels. They’ve got avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and a whole lot more on the menu. Plus, they’re teaming up with Tampa’s Elevation Coffee to keep you buzzing.

And hey, parents, listen up! There’s a cereal bar for the kiddos. Let them load up on sugar and then send them off to the beach—what could go wrong, right?

Prices won’t break the bank either. From classic bagels with cream cheese to craft offerings with all the fancy fixings, there’s something for everyone. And get this, they’re even serving up deconstructed bagel buckets, a handheld meal perfect for a day by the waves.

When it comes to vibes, Tiki Bagel’s got it covered. With space for up to 60 guests, indoor and outdoor seating, a surfboard-shaped community table, and booths inside, it’s all about that laid-back island feel.

Looking ahead, Powell’s got big dreams. He’s eyeing up more Tiki Bagel spots, with a focus on the west coast of Florida. And get this, he wants to make franchising accessible for young entrepreneurs—none of those sky-high fees here.

So mark your calendars for June 15th, folks! Tiki Bagel will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, giving you plenty of time to get your bagel fix. And for all the latest updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram.

Visit their website!