The Bagel Shop Little Rock: The Full Story Behind The Closure And Where To Find Your Next Great Bagel
The Bagel Shop Little Rock, a beloved fixture in the city's vibrant SoMa neighborhood, has permanently closed its doors, a fact that still stings for many local food enthusiasts. As of today, December 22, 2025, the popular spot known for its authentic, scratch-made New York-style bagels is no longer operating at its 1501 Main Street location. The news of its permanent closure, which occurred in the spring of a recent year, marked the end of a short but impactful run that transformed the Little Rock breakfast and brunch scene.
The establishment, which quickly grew from a pop-up operation to a sought-after storefront, left an indelible mark on the community with its unique menu and welcoming atmosphere. While the physical shop is gone, its legacy continues to influence the local culinary landscape, prompting a search for the next great bagel in Arkansas's capital city. This comprehensive look explores the shop's history, its celebrated menu, and the current alternatives for Little Rock bagel aficionados.
The Bagel Shop Little Rock: A Brief History and Profile
The Bagel Shop was the brainchild of co-owners Myles Roberson and Trevor Papsadora, who brought a passion for authentic, quality baking to the Little Rock area.
- Names: Myles Roberson (Co-owner and Operator) and Trevor Papsadora (Chef and Co-owner).
- Neighborhood: SoMa (South Main Street) neighborhood, Little Rock, AR.
- Address: 1501 Main Street, Little Rock, AR.
- Concept: Started as a successful pop-up shop before securing a permanent SoMa location.
- Opening Date: Opened its storefront in August of a recent year, following its pop-up phase.
- Closing Date: Permanently closed its doors on April 30 of a recent year, with some reports citing a May closure.
- Specialty: Authentic, from-scratch, NY-style bagels and house-made cream cheese spreads.
Myles Roberson, a Little Rock native who lived in Boston, and Trevor Papsadora, who moved from Portland, Maine, combined their experiences to create a bagel that was truly "unlike any bagel in Arkansas." Their dedication to traditional methods, including boiling and then baking, resulted in a product that garnered a loyal following almost immediately.
The Legendary Bagels and Menu Items
What set The Bagel Shop apart was its commitment to quality and creativity, elevating the humble bagel beyond a simple breakfast staple. The menu was known for its fresh, huge bagels and creative breakfast and lunch options.
The Must-Try Bagel Flavors
The shop’s selection went far beyond the standard plain and everything. Customers would frequently line up for the more unique and flavorful options that rotated through the menu.
- Pretzel Salt: A fan-favorite known for its distinct, savory crust.
- Jalapeño Cheddar: A spicy and cheesy option perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
- Everything: The classic, but executed with high-quality seasonings.
- Plain and Sesame: Perfectly boiled and baked for the purists.
Signature Sandwiches and Spreads
Beyond the bagels themselves, The Bagel Shop was famous for its inventive spreads and hearty breakfast sandwiches. The owners were known to feature special menus and pop-up dinners, including the popular "Rex's" special menu.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Piping hot, customizable sandwiches that were a substantial morning meal.
- House-Made Cream Cheese: A variety of fresh, flavored spreads, often praised for their richness and texture.
- Breakfast Burrito Specials: A popular weekend feature that showcased the chef's versatility.
- Craft Coffee: A perfect pairing for the fresh-baked goods, completing the classic bagel shop experience.
Where to Find the Best Bagels Now: The Current Little Rock Bagel Scene
The closure of The Bagel Shop left a significant void, but the demand for a quality New York-style bagel in Central Arkansas remains high. Fortunately, a new generation of bagel makers and established coffee shops have stepped up to fill the gap, ensuring the Little Rock bagel scene continues to thrive.
Morningside Bagels
Often cited by locals as a top contender, Morningside Bagels, located in nearby Maumelle, has garnered significant praise. They are recognized for providing a genuine New York bagel experience in the South.
Sterling Market and Fidel & Co.
For those seeking a high-quality, artisanal option closer to downtown, Sterling Market is a key player. Their bagels are highly rated, though they can be considered more expensive. Notably, the popular Fidel & Co. coffee shop sources its excellent bagels directly from Sterling Market, offering a convenient way to enjoy them.
Jeff's Bagel Run
Another establishment focused on the authentic NY-style bagel is Jeff's Bagel Run. They emphasize a scratch bakery approach, serving freshly baked bagels and house-made cream cheese daily, ensuring that the tradition of quality bagel-making continues in the region.
Other Local Favorites
River City Coffee is also mentioned as a more budget-friendly option for a good bagel, providing a quick and easy fix for a bagel craving. The continued presence of these businesses ensures that the passion for a perfectly chewy, crusty bagel remains alive and well in Little Rock.
While the loss of The Bagel Shop in the SoMa neighborhood is still felt, its legacy is one of raising the standard for baked goods in Little Rock. Its owners, Myles Roberson and Trevor Papsadora, proved that there is a dedicated market for scratch-made, authentic culinary experiences, paving the way for other local businesses to continue the tradition of excellence. The search for the ultimate bagel in Little Rock is an ongoing journey, fueled by the memory of one of the city's best.
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