Business Details
32 Years
experience
Handcrafted New York-Style Bagels in Pennsylvania
Founded in 1994 by Charlie and Vicki Ard, Fill A Bagel & Breads is a family-owned business dedicated to crafting authentic New York-style bagels using traditional methods. Our commitment to quality begins with hand-mixed, boiled, and baked bagels made daily on-site, ensuring a product that rivals the best in the Northeast. With two locations in Jenkintown and Oreland, Pennsylvania, weve built a reputation for excellence through our use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a menu that caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Our team of nearly 50 employees takes pride in offering exceptional customer service, fostering community connections, and supporting local charities through daily donations.Over three decades, weve earned numerous awards, including recognition from Philadelphia Magazine and the Eastern Montco Readers Choice Awards, solidifying our status as a regional leader in artisanal baked goods. Our partnership with La Colombe Coffee and Dietz & Watson meats ensures every sandwich and beverage meets our exacting standards. By combining time-honored techniques with innovative offerings like avocado toast and arugula salads, we continue to set benchmarks for quality in the bakery industry.
Services
Bagels
Pastries
Deli Sandwiches
Catering
Coffee
Gluten-Free Options
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1994 with decades of baking expertise
- Traditional bagel-making process with no factory production
- Award-winning flavors recognized by local and regional publications
- Catering services for events with custom sandwich and pastry options
- Community-focused business donating daily to local charities
Associations and certifications
- Philadelphia Magazine
- Eastern Montco Readers Choice Awards
- Philadelphia Inquirer
What people say
Best bagels in the area
Superb cranberry walnut chicken salad
Fresh cream cheese spreads
Family-oriented business
Best Nova in town
Services
Bagel Production
We craft New York-style bagels using traditional methods. Our process involves hand-mixing dough, boiling, and baking on-site daily. With 17 varieties including everything, sesame, and pumpernickel, each bagel maintains a chewy texture and rich flavor. Our commitment to avoiding factory production ensures freshness and authenticity.
Deli Sandwiches
Our deli offers hand-crafted sandwiches featuring premium ingredients. We use Dietz & Watson meats and cheeses, fresh salads, and Nova salmon. Sandwiches can be customized with any bagel type, including gluten-free options. Popular items include classic egg salad and specialty hoagies with house-made fillings.
Catering Services
We provide full-service catering for events of all sizes. Our menu includes bagel platters, sandwich trays, and pastry assortments. Clients receive personalized service with advance ordering options. Catering packages accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free requirements for corporate events and private gatherings.
Coffee & Beverages
We serve La Colombe Coffee, espresso, and cappuccino alongside specialty teas. Our coffee program emphasizes quality through partnerships with premium roasters. Beverages complement breakfast and lunch menus, with baristas trained in traditional brewing methods to enhance flavor profiles for regular and specialty drink orders.
Gluten-Free Options
We offer certified gluten-free bagel alternatives through partner suppliers. Sandwiches and salads can be modified to meet dietary needs. Our menu clearly labels gluten-free items, including pastries and bread options. Staff receives training to prevent cross-contamination while maintaining flavor and quality standards for all modifications.
People
Vicki Ard
Co-Founder
Vicki Ard co-founded Fill A Bagel & Breads in 1994 after extensive research across six states. She pioneered the traditional bagel-making process used today. Her leadership earned the Business Woman of the Year award in 1999 from the Eastern Montco Chamber of Commerce.
Charlie Ard
Co-Founder
Charlie Ard established Fill A Bagel & Breads with his wife Vicki in 1994. He developed the original recipe and production methods after visiting over 50 bagel shops nationwide. His expertise in traditional baking techniques forms the foundation of the company's success.
Questions
What makes your bagels different from other local shops?
We use traditional New York-style methods, boiling and baking each bagel on-site daily. Unlike competitors, our bagels never come from factory production, ensuring authentic texture and flavor.
Do you offer catering services for events?
Yes, we provide full-service catering with customizable bagel platters, sandwich trays, and pastry assortments. Our team accommodates dietary restrictions and offers delivery options for events in Montgomery County.
Are there gluten-free options available?
We offer certified gluten-free bagel alternatives through trusted partners. Sandwiches and salads can be modified to meet dietary needs while maintaining our quality standards for taste and freshness.
What awards have you received?
We've earned multiple Eastern Montco Readers Choice Awards for Best Bagels since 1995, three Philadelphia Magazine 'Best Of Philly' awards, and recognition from the Philadelphia Inquirer's 'Best Of' series in 2007 and 2008.
Do you serve coffee and specialty drinks?
Yes, we serve La Colombe Coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and gourmet teas. Our baristas prepare drinks using traditional methods to complement our breakfast and lunch menus.
How can I apply for a job?
Visit our website to download an application or pick one up at either location. We hire motivated individuals for bakery, deli, and customer service positions with opportunities for career growth.
Reviews (6)
Grant
May 20, 2022
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Review is based on 2 visits with my sister. Friendly staff. All bagels perfectly toasted. Yummy novalox cream cheese on one and cream cheese and lox sandwich for another. Nicely chewy everything bagels. La colombe coffee. Will keep returning. Keep up the good work.
Valerie Hinkson
May 13, 2022
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The everything bagel is delicious. The staff is so warm and friendly. I would add a photo, but I ate my bagel too fast!
True Review
May 12, 2022
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Fill A Bagel has fresh and tasty bagels. They offer a lot of options, including Gluten free. Service is excellent and professional. The coffee bar needs more attention. Getting half and half was difficult. Seating available.
Golden Gate Digital
May 06, 2022
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A bit disappointed. Decent service, not great IMHO. The $12 bagel had burned garlic, so it tasted mostly like charcoal. We couldn't get the wrapper off the muffin, was cooked in, and to top everything thing off they had no coffee to dispense after I bought one for the meal. Used to really enjoy coming here, sorry to have had a lame experience
Donna Fedok
Apr 07, 2022
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The food here is amazing. But even more so the people who work there are so friendly and wonderful. This place is a definite must.
Isaac Windle
Mar 18, 2022
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I went there this morning got an early lunch. Had a great chicken salad on egg bagel. Can't wait to go back next time I'm in town! I was eating proper bagels all day. Thanks!
