Chattanooga’s Newest Culinary Gem: Brothers Bagel Opens on Hixson Pike

Chattanooga Welcomes Brothers Bagel: A Fresh Addition to Hixson Pike

Chattanooga is buzzing with excitement as a new culinary gem, Brothers Bagel, has opened its doors to the public at 3805 Hixson Pike. This charming bagel shop made its debut over the weekend, and it’s already stirring up quite a crowd! For locals craving a taste of New York-style bagels, this spot is set to be the go-to destination.

A Dream Comes True

Josh Pratt, the mastermind behind Brothers Bagel, has spent nearly a decade in the world of home health care. However, deep down, he always knew he wanted to run his own business. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and harboring a passion for baking, the idea to create a bagel shop took root. With a love for fresh sourdough bagels that he felt the area lacked, he and his wife, Sara, took the plunge.

In January, the couple ventured to New York City, where they explored 20 different bagel shops. Inspired and excited, they returned to Chattanooga, teamed up with Sara’s father, Jim Denton, and bought what was formerly a vacant restaurant. After months of extensive renovations to the 2,150-square-foot space, they proudly opened Brothers Bagel.

A Warm Welcome

The opening day was nothing short of extraordinary. With eager patrons lining up, some waited nearly 45 minutes just to take a bite of these fresh bagels and sip on some delicious coffee. Spencer and Sara Clanin, who joined the queue, were thrilled to be part of the inaugural experience. “We love bagels, and we know these are special,” said Sara Clanin, noting the friendly vibe. “The owners are super nice and came around to greet everyone. There’s a real sense of community here.”

All About the Bagels

Brothers Bagel is all about crafting the perfect bagel. Josh, who describes himself as a “bagel-preneur,” received training in New York to learn the ins and outs of bagel-making. Now, he’s ready to share that expertise with the Chattanooga community. The shop offers a variety of daily baked sourdough bagels and an array of breakfast combinations and lunch sandwiches. Prices are accessible, with bagels selling for just $3 each and sandwiches ranging from $6 to $14. A separate children’s menu starts at $7, making it a family-friendly spot.

With nearly a dozen bagel flavors available and some rotating options, there’s something for everyone. Customers can also create their own sandwich using any bagel or a classic New York kaiser roll, piling on their choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, cheeses, and various toppings, starting at just $6.

Meet the Team

Michael Chambers, a close friend of the Pratts and the manager of Brothers Bagel, glowed about the creativity and focus Josh and Sara brought to their project. “Josh is a big thinker and almost a machine in the way he can fixate on what needs to be done and master it,” Chambers shared. The team of about 20 full- and part-time employees has joined the Pratts on this exciting journey, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Plans for the Future

As for what’s next for Brothers Bagel, Josh is looking to possibly expand the brand by opening more locations in the Chattanooga area. He’s even selling merchandise like T-shirts and coffee mugs featuring the Brothers Bagel logo to spark community interest. For now, the shop will welcome customers from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with hopes of extending hours in the future.

As folks in Chattanooga stop by to enjoy their fresh bagels, it’s clear that Brothers Bagel is here to stay, serving up not just delicious food but also a vibrant sense of community.