The Queens-based bagel shop touted by top food critics as having the best bagels in New York is making its big move to Manhattan.
Utopia Bagels was debuted by founder Anthony Pantaleo in Whitestone in 1981 and has since cemented itself as a local staple that attracts tourist crowds, using the traditional hand-rolling and kettle-boiling technique to make their bagels. Over four decades later, its team announced that it will be launching its second outpost in Murray Hill.
Co-owner Jesse Spellman told What Now New York that the team is currently working on building out the new space and is aiming to open within the next six months. He teased that the relatively big space for a Manhattan bagel shop will be “beautifully designed” with “modern touches” while still maintaining an “old school feel.” Similar to its flagship, it will have a window for customers to get an inside looking into the bagel baking process.
He continues explaining that the brand prides itself on being a family-oriented neighborhood shop, which is why the team felt this Murray Hill location was the perfect fit.
“This location in Murray Hill is still in the middle of Manhattan, but there’s a neighborhood aspect to it, [which is] something we pride ourselves on,” Jesse tells What Now New York. “I’ve always dreamt of opening up in the city, and the right deal came across. We didn’t want to rush, but we love this location.”
He adds: “It was a good time, good deal, all of our boxes were checked.”
The concept was founded by Anthony Pantaleo who has since brought on Jesse and his father Scott to run daily operations.
To help launch this next chapter, the Spellmans paired up with Jimmy and Angelo Tsoulos of the Avra Group – which is behind a successful high-end Greek chain – and sons of restaurateur Nick Tsoulos, according to Eater.
“We want everyone to stay tuned because we have a lot in store with this concept,” Jesse teased. “We’re going to keep everyone entertained at this new location.”
