Schmear It

Welcome to the heart of Philadelphia's University City, where your morning meal can be both delicious and meaningful. Schmear It is more than just a bagel shop; it's a unique social enterprise that has woven the pursuit of high-quality, customizable breakfast into a mission of social good. Starting as a beloved food truck, Schmear It has grown into a fixture of the local food scene, offering a distinctive concept that allows Pennsylvania patrons to customize their perfect bagel while simultaneously supporting local nonprofit organizations.

In a city that loves its food trucks and diverse culinary options, Schmear It has carved out a special niche. The core philosophy is simple yet powerful: by enjoying a great bagel and coffee, customers automatically help "spread some good" in the community. A portion of sales is regularly donated to a featured local charity, turning a simple purchase into an act of grassroots fundraising and awareness. This commitment to combining commerce with community service is what truly sets Schmear It apart from a typical breakfast spot, appealing to the modern consumer who wants their purchasing decisions to reflect their values. The shop’s friendly and engaging customer service—often cited by regulars—further enhances the experience, making your routine morning stop feel like a positive start to the day.

The focus on customization is a major draw. Dubbed the "Coldstone Creamery of Breakfast" by some, the menu offers a vast array of possibilities, moving far beyond the simple bagel and cream cheese. From savory creations to sweet indulgences, your breakfast or lunch can be as adventurous or as traditional as you like. Whether you're a student rushing to class, a professional starting the workday, or a resident of the area looking for a quality meal, Schmear It offers an experience that is fast, fresh, and fulfilling, proving that great food and a great cause can go hand-in-hand.

The primary brick-and-mortar location of Schmear It is conveniently situated in the bustling University City area, a dynamic hub of education and innovation in Philadelphia. This location serves the communities around the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and Drexel University, making it a popular spot for students, faculty, and local professionals.

The storefront's address places it right in the heart of this vibrant district. This makes it easily accessible via public transit, which is a hallmark of the University City area. For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available nearby, though as with any busy urban area, it is subject to availability. The shop prides itself on accommodating all guests, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on the go or have a few minutes for a sit-down breakfast, the location at 3601 Market Street is designed for a quick and convenient visit. The shop also maintains a visible presence in the city through its original food truck, which often operates at various locations, continually spreading the good word—and the good schmear—across Philadelphia.

Schmear It is dedicated to providing maximum convenience and flexibility to its customers in the Pennsylvania region. The services offered ensure you can enjoy their unique menu items exactly how and when you need them.

• Delivery: Customers can enjoy the full menu brought directly to their home or office, perfect for busy mornings or office catering needs.
• In-Store Pickup: For those nearby who prefer to order ahead and skip the line, in-store pickup offers a quick and efficient way to get your meal.
• In-Store Shopping: A traditional and welcoming option for browsing the menu and placing your order on site.
• Takeout: Designed for speed, this option is ideal for customers who are in a rush.
• Dine-In: A casual dining option is available for patrons who wish to enjoy their breakfast or lunch inside the restaurant.
• Catering: Schmear It is an excellent choice for catering office meetings and events, providing assorted bagels, signature schmears, and more, all conveniently labeled.
• Payment Options: The shop accepts a variety of payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay), making transactions fast and secure.

Schmear It distinguishes itself through an innovative approach to the traditional bagel shop experience, blending customizable food with a commitment to social responsibility.

• The Social Impact Model: This is the defining feature of Schmear It. The business operates as a platform for social good, donating a percentage of profits and providing marketing exposure to a rotating schedule of local Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. By purchasing your meal, you are directly contributing to the local community.
• Custom-Crafted Schmears: The concept, often compared to an ice cream shop model, allows customers to fully personalize their spreads. You can choose a base (like cream cheese, vegan cream cheese, or a salad) and mix in various sweet or savory ingredients to create a truly unique schmear.
• Signature Schmear Menu Variety: For those who prefer a curated experience, the menu features a wide range of creative and popular signature schmears, such as:
  • Loxsmith (Cream cheese, chopped lox, scallions, tomatoes, and cucumbers)
  • Nutty Naner (Peanut butter, Nutella, and bananas)
  • Stuffed French Toast (Sweet cream cheese, strawberries, bananas, maple syrup, walnuts, and cinnamon on a French Toast bagel)
  • Philly Roll (Cream cheese, chopped lox, wasabi, cucumber, and soy sauce)
  • Dragon (Cream cheese with jalapeños, red peppers, scallions, and walnuts)
• Diverse Breakfast and Lunch Options: Beyond bagels and schmear, the menu includes a full selection of delicious items, including:
  • Egg Sandwiches (e.g., Cali Egg Sandwich, Goldilox Egg Sandwich)
  • Lunch Sandwiches (e.g., Turkey Avo, Slammin' Salmon, Tuna Melt)
  • Yogurt Parfaits (Available in customizable and signature options like the Tropical Retreat and Power Crunch)
  • Quality Coffee Offerings: Serving fresh coffee, including Hot Coffee and Cold Brew, to perfectly complement any breakfast choice.
  • Commitment to Quality: Bagels are sourced from reputable local suppliers (like South Street Philly Bagels), ensuring fresh and authentic taste. Gluten-free bagel options are also available.

For your next bagel, catering order, or simply to learn more about the week’s featured charity, here is the direct contact information for the University City location:

Address: 3601 Market St #5, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Phone: (215) 792-3892

For residents and visitors of Pennsylvania, choosing Schmear It is a decision that satisfies both the palate and the conscience. The primary reason for a visit is the sheer delight of the customizable bagel experience. If you’ve ever wished you could invent your own cream cheese flavor, this is your chance. The fresh, generous add-ins, whether savory like fresh vegetables and lox, or sweet like fruits and Nutella, ensure that every visit can be a new culinary adventure. Customers frequently praise the quality of the bagels themselves and the incredible depth and flavor of the schmears—with some even noting that the add-ins are not skimped on.

Beyond the unique food concept, the profound social mission is the real differentiator. In a time when consumers are increasingly thoughtful about where they spend their money, Schmear It offers a seamless way to contribute to local Philadelphia causes. It is a true for-profit business dedicated to making a tangible, positive impact. By supporting Schmear It, you are not just buying breakfast; you are becoming an active participant in their mission to "spread some good" throughout the community. This commitment, coupled with a focus on fresh ingredients, great customer service, and a quick, convenient dining experience, makes Schmear It a highly recommended choice for a breakfast or lunch that offers a little something extra. Whether you're ordering catering for your next meeting (and appreciate the labeled spreads, as one reviewer noted) or just popping in for a quick, filling, and genuinely tasty meal, Schmear It delivers a high-quality experience every time. It’s an authentic taste of Philadelphia's entrepreneurial spirit and social conscience.

Schmear It

3601 Market St #5, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA