A growing bagel restaurant chain is planning Columbia locations. What we know
A growing Midwestern bagel chain is planning to break into the South Carolina market and is bringing three locations to the Columbia area.
Barry Bagels, which currently has locations in several states, said in a news release that it has signed a three-unit development agreement to bring the brand to Columbia.
The company has not announced specifically where the Columbia locations will be, but said in the release that the first area location is expected to open within a year and that there are “plans to establish up to three neighborhood-focused stores designed to serve as go-to destinations for fresh bagels, classic deli offerings, and convenient catering options.”
The company was founded in 1972 when partners Barry Greenblatt and Peter Johnson opened their first bagel shop location in northwest Ohio, per a history page on the Barry Bagels website. The company now has locations across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. The Columbia announcement marks Barry Bagels’ first foray into South Carolina.
The Columbia locations will be led by franchisee Carol Kurtz, according to the Barry Bagels release.
“Columbia is a vibrant and growing community, and it’s the kind of market where Barry Bagels naturally fits,” Barry Bagels Franchise Holdings CEO Jim Nusbaum said in a statement. “This is a brand built around consistency, value, and routine. A place people can stop at multiple times a week. We’re excited to partner with an operator who understands that and sees the long-term potential here.”
As the name suggests, the menu at Barry Bagels features a variety of fresh made bagels and bagel sandwiches, as well as soups, sides and more. The restaurants carry breakfast bagel sandwiches, as well as lunch bagel sandwiches featuring pastrami, roast beef, turkey and more.
“This is about bringing great food to the community in a way that’s accessible and consistent,” Barry Bagels Franchise Holdings President Mark Greenblatt said in the news release. “Barry Bagels has been doing that successfully for decades, and we’re confident Columbia will respond.”
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 11:45 AM.
