Villagers are rejoicing at the arrival of a new shop here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown offering authentic New York bagels.
Residents from all around The Villages turned out for the “soft opening” of Jeff’s Bagel Run on Wednesday at Southern Trace Plaza. Jeff’s Bagel Run is located in the former home of Giovanni’s restaurant.
Many of the eager bagel samplers were from New York and were delighted by what they were tasting and smelling.
New York native Laurie Eisenstock said her social media feed has been overwhelmed with excitement about the arrival of the new bagel haven.
“I’m a New Yorker and I know a good bagel and these bagels are delicious. It was definitely worth the drive up,” said Laurie’s husband, Mark.
The Eisenstocks live in the Village of Shady Brook, south of State Road 44.
Susan and Keith Ebel made the 54-minute golf cart trip from the Village of Citrus Grove to investigate the bagel selection. Susan, a Boston native, said she really appreciated the freshly made bagels and the variety of bagels for sale.
Jeff’s Bagel Run began in 2019 when the founder of the company, Jeff Perera and his wife Danielle, started to make bagels at home during the Covid lockdown. They made deliveries during the lockdown and rapidly grew the bagel business which is celebrated for its handcrafted, hot and delicious bagels paired with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In 2023, the shop was honored as one of America’s Best Bagels at NYC Bagelfest. In 2024, Jeff’s Bagel Run acquired Otus Coffee, its longtime coffee supplier. This strategic acquisition marked a milestone in the company’s mission to enhance its menu offerings and streamline its supply chain, ensuring an even better experience for its customers. Today Jeff’s Bagel Run has 34 shops across Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
The Villages’ Jeff’s Bagel Run franchise owners are Rob and Teresa Shuffield who have 25 years in the restaurant business.
“We have 16 different flavor of bagels freshly made every day along with 17 different cream cheese spreads and speciality coffees as well,” Shuffield said.
The grand opening is set for Friday, April 24. The official ribbon-cutting will be at 9 a.m.
The shop will be hosting a raffle for anybody in line when the doors open at 6:30 a.m. One winner will be drawn to receive a dozen bagels, plus spreads, once a month for 12 months.
If a customer shows staff that they have downloaded the Jeff’s Bagel Run app, they will have a chance to spin the wheel for a prize. Prizes include tote bags, coffee mugs, free bagels and more.
During the opening weekend, Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, customers who order any large iced beverage will receive a free koozie (while supplies last.)
Jeff’s Bagel Run will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days per week.