Bruegger’s opens, bringing KC bagels closer to respectability

Unlike barbecue, there’s not a lot of competition for best bagel in Kansas City. So, whether my expectations were lowered or I’m finally starting to show my East Coast bias, I think we’ve got a real contender in Bruegger’s Bagels.

The Vermont-based chain opened its first area location (13713 Metcalf) last Thursday in Overland Park’s Corbin Park development. On Saturday, the wait was as long as 20 minutes, and the metal bins behind the counter were empty as soon as a new batch of kettle-boiled bagels was ready. 

The scene in the middle of the week was a lot calmer. Bruegger’s has a good system: Customers order at the far right of the counter, grab a cream cheese package from a refrigerated case in the center of the counter, then receive and pay for their bagels by the door. The space is slightly tight, so it’s probably better to get an order to go rather than trying to eat them there.