The Kent location of Cleveland Bagel Company is set to open in the former Starbucks building, located on the corner of Main Street and South Lincoln Street.

Partners of the Kent location include Michael and Nicole Awad, advertising professor Evan Bailey, Mike Beder and Charlotte Varney. Beder owns Water Street Tavern and Venice Cafe and managed Tree City Coffee with Varney. Beder sold Tree City Coffee in 2020.

“The president of the university [Todd Diacon] reached out to Michael Awad and asked him if he was interested [in doing something with the building],” Varney said.

Cleveland Bagel’s original storefront is located on Detroit Road in Cleveland.

“We served their bagels for a couple years [at Tree City Coffee] until the new ownership took over,” Varney said. “We just love their bagels, the quality and the guys are great.”

Kent’s location will feature more lunch and dinner, including sandwiches and vegetarian options on the menu.

There is no set opening date for the bagel shop as of April 21. The inside is under construction, and the owners are waiting for important pieces of equipment before opening. The location, directly across from Rockwell Hall, offers convenience for the campus community.

“You couldn’t get a better spot, you really couldn’t,” Varney said.

Cleveland Bagel Cafe will be hiring. Inquiries can be sent to Charlotte Varney at [email protected].

Emma MacNiven is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].