Baltik's Bagel Will Open Church Hill Location
The bakery plans to expand into the historic Church Hill neighborhood with a walk-up window at 2202 Jefferson Ave.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Baltik's Bagel is set to open its second location in Richmond this November 2026. The new shop will occupy the former Alamo BBQ building in the Church Hill neighborhood.
Why it matters
The expansion addresses identified consumer demand for a bagel shop in the area while providing a convenient walk-up service. The company aims to leverage existing restaurant infrastructure to streamline its production and retail operations.
The new 500-square-foot facility at 2202 Jefferson Ave will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business currently supplies bagels to approximately 50 markets and restaurants.
The players
Baltik's Bagel
This local business operates a wholesale network supplying approximately 50 markets and restaurants in the region.
VCU Health
This major healthcare institution maintains a large workforce that the bagel shop may target with extended morning hours.
The details
The site will feature a walk-up window with outdoor seating and utilizes a pre-existing hood, grease trap, and walk-in cooler. Owners may adjust hours to start earlier than 6:30 a.m. to accommodate VCU Health employees.
Timeline
2023: Alamo BBQ closed at the Jefferson Avenue site.
2024: The first Baltik's Bagel location opened on Forest Hill Avenue.
Summer 2026: The building at 2202 Jefferson Ave was purchased.
November 2026: The target opening month for the new shop.
Market Landscape
This move follows the trend of repurposing vacant, infrastructure-ready restaurant sites to lower overhead costs for growing independent businesses. By capitalizing on existing kitchen facilities, the company is positioning itself to scale production while expanding its retail presence.
Church Hill residents will gain access to a new walk-up bagel shop with outdoor seating starting in November 2026. Commuters may also see adjustments to store hours designed to better serve local healthcare workers.
The takeaway
Small businesses often expand by acquiring sites that already contain essential equipment like hoods and grease traps. This strategy reduces setup time and capital investment, allowing shops to focus on scaling their production output.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the city, visit the Richmond Openings & Closings section.
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