Bagel shop set to knead its way onto Caroline Street

With the eclectic food and dining offerings to be found in downtown Fredericksburg, it’s hard to imagine that something could have been missing. However, for the hardcore foodie, it has been evident for quite some time that Fredericksburg lacked – of all things – a bagel shop! Fortunately, Brandon Pallen and Harry Pagan intend to change that when they open the Southern Bagel and Provision shop this spring at 619 Caroline St.

The gentlemen are currently renovating that former home of Aspetto – the bespoke men’s clothier that outgrew the space and moved to 1691 Jefferson Davis Highway in the City. A soft opening is projected for early April.

Asked about the motivation behind the endeavor, Pallen alluded to the fact that it’s something Fredericksburg has been missing for a number of years – ever since Einstein Bros. Bagels left Eagle Village about a decade ago. But unlike most bagel shops, their focus isn’t going to be solely on breakfast offerings, as they plan to serve lunch and dinner and apply for an ABC license. They will serve New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches, including staples like bacon-egg-and-cheese bagel sandwiches and fried-chicken bagel sandwiches.

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Pallen said that they are also toying with the idea to one day offer “poutine,” a dish that includes French fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy that originated in Quebec.

We can’t wait for the opening!