Some friendly carb competition appears to be coming to Ballston as a second bagel spot has announced plans to open on Glebe Road.
Bagel Uprising, based in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, plans to open its second location at 901 N. Glebe Road in May, co-founder Chad Breckinridge told ARLnow. That’s just half a mile from D.C.-based bagel chain Call Your Mother’s planned location at 4000 Wilson Blvd.
Although Bagel Uprising’s announcement comes less than a week after its competitor’s, Breckinridge says he’s not planning on any schmear campaigns.
“The CYM news was a pleasant surprise: it tells us Ballston is hungry for good breakfast, which speaks well of the neighborhood’s palate and is good for everyone,” he said.
Bagel Uprising specializes in traditional bagels boiled and baked in small batches. Customers can expect flavors like sesame, poppyseed and everything, along with a gluten-free option.
Breakfast sandwiches at the Del Ray location include egg and cheese, as well as salmon, egg and avocado. The business got its start at the Four Mile Run farmers market in 2015.
“Everything is made from scratch, including our babka,” Breckinridge said. “We’re not a chain and we’re not trying to be. We’re trying to be Ballston’s neighborhood bagel shop.”
Call Your Mother, which has a wider selection of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, has locations throughout Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland, including another spot in Crystal City.
“No competitors in this game, just bagel buddies,” Call Your Mother co-founder Andrew Dana told ARLnow. “We’re fans of Bagel Uprising and are firm believers that there is plenty of bagel love to go around. All carb filled boats rise with the tide.”
Bagel Uprising signed the lease on its new location in October and broke ground last week, targeting a mid-May opening, Breckinridge said.
“The new location will expand production, add seating, and introduce additional house-made items including more babka,” he said.
The spot at 901 N. Glebe Road is located just feet away from the planned second entrance to the Ballston Metro station.
