The Bagel Project

Introduction / Overview

For those in Utah searching for an authentic, traditional East Coast-style bagel, The Bagel Project in Holladay is a destination that delivers. Born from a New Jersey transplant’s mission to bring the taste of a genuine, Old-World bagel to the Salt Lake Valley, this shop has quickly become known as a true standard-bearer for quality breakfast and bagel artistry. Unlike many commercially produced varieties, The Bagel Project adheres to traditional methods, including a crucial pre-fermentation process, hand-shaping, and the vital step of boiling the dough before baking it on bagel boards. This dedication results in the dense, chewy interior and glossy, crusty exterior that customers swear is the closest you can get to a New York bagel without leaving the Beehive State.

The shop’s extensive menu goes far beyond a simple cream cheese schmear. It functions as a full-service breakfast restaurant, specializing in creative, gourmet bagel sandwiches that utilize high-quality and even locally sourced ingredients, such as the famous Trout And Truffle sandwich featuring smoked Utah trout. Their commitment to inclusive options is also a highlight, with bagels being entirely vegan—free of sugar, egg, and preservatives—and a selection of offerings catering to various dietary needs, including house-made hummus and a Sun-Butter and Jam option from their dedicated NUT-FREE preparation area.

The Holladay location serves as a welcoming hub for the community, reflecting the brand’s strong reputation established at its sister location. It offers a cozy space for dine-in breakfast, quick takeout, or stocking up on a Baker's Dozen for the week. For Utah locals passionate about authentic baking and innovative flavor combinations, The Bagel Project stands out as a clear choice, though patrons should note that such hand-crafted popularity sometimes means a brief wait for perfection.

Location and Accessibility

The Bagel Project’s Holladay location is strategically positioned at 1919 E Murray Holladay Rd, Holladay, UT 84117, USA. This placement makes it easily accessible for residents across the southeastern corridor of the Salt Lake Valley, sitting on a key thoroughfare and serving communities like Holladay, Murray, and Millcreek. Its neighborhood spot is a popular addition, giving local users a much-needed, high-quality breakfast option.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of the service model at this location, ensuring a comfortable experience for every customer. The facility is fully equipped with comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance for easy access from the street or the parking area. Furthermore, The Bagel Project provides dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces right on site, along with a wheelchair accessible restroom and seating areas within the dining space. This full suite of amenities, combined with the convenience of free, on-site parking for all vehicles, makes visiting the shop—whether for a quick takeout or a relaxed dine-in breakfast—as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Services Offered

The Bagel Project is dedicated to providing flexible and comprehensive service options that fit various daily schedules, making it a reliable destination for the Utah community seeking an authentic morning meal or a quick pick-me-up:

• Dine-in: A comfortable, amenity-rich option for enjoying a full signature sandwich and a Coffee while utilizing the available Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Takeout: Ideal for customers on the go who want to grab a bagel, schmear, or a breakfast sandwich quickly before heading to work or outdoor activities.
• In-store Pickup: Designed for speed and efficiency, allowing pre-orders of single bagels, a Half Dozen, or a Baker’s Dozen to be collected without a significant wait time.
• Onsite Services: The option for booking or inquiring about services for events, catering, or larger community needs.
• Breakfast Dining: As a dedicated breakfast restaurant, they offer a specialized morning menu focused on savory and sweet bagel creations, from simple Bagels W/ Schmears to complex Signature Sandwiches.

All transactions are simplified through modern payment systems, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a truly "Quick visit" experience.

Features / Highlights

The Bagel Project stands out among Utah’s breakfast spots due to its commitment to Old-World authenticity and inventive, locally-inspired menu items:

• Old-World Bagel Craftsmanship: The bagels are made from scratch using traditional fermentation, hand-shaping, and the vital boil-then-bake method, resulting in a distinctly superior texture—crusty outside, chewy inside—that is rare in the region.
• Signature Gourmet Sandwiches: The menu features unique, full-meal creations that elevate the bagel, such as the fan-favorite Trout And Truffle (smoked local trout, fried egg, truffle salt), the savory Hava Tequila (soy chorizo, tomatillo salsa), and the new The G.O.A.T. (herbed goat cheese, hot honey).
• House-Made Schmears and Spreads: The shop prepares its own wide array of fresh cream cheeses (Scallion, Veggie, Lox, Strawberry, Honey) and spreads (House-Made Hummus, Smoked Trout Salad, House-Made Jam), ensuring quality control and unique flavor pairings.
• Allergen-Conscious Menu: The basic bagels are entirely vegan-friendly, and they offer a dedicated Sun-Butter & Jam sandwich from a NUT-FREE preparation area, making it a safe choice for those with peanut/tree nut allergies.
• Inclusive Community Space: The Bagel Project actively promotes an inclusive environment, proudly identifying as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, making it a comfortable spot for all members of the Holladay community.
• Specialty Bakery Items: Beyond bagels, they offer authentic Jewish-style pastries like Mandelbread (a twice-baked, cookie-like treat) and Challah (a rich, braided bread loaf), adding a unique cultural layer to their offerings.

Contact Information

For those in the Holladay area ready to experience the authenticity of a true East Coast bagel, or to inquire about catering a Baker's Dozen for an office event, The Bagel Project can be reached using the following details:

Address: 1919 E Murray Holladay Rd, Holladay, UT 84117, USA

Phone: (801) 820-6040

Mobile Phone: +1 801-820-6040

What is worth choosing

When selecting a bagel shop or breakfast spot in the Utah area, The Bagel Project in Holladay is worth choosing for its uncompromising commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovative flavor. You are not just buying a bagel; you are buying a product made with a difficult, Old-World process—hand-shaped, boiled, and baked fresh every day—a rarity in the region that results in the highly-coveted crusty-and-chewy texture. For East Coast transplants and curious locals alike, this is the closest you will get to the genuine article.

Furthermore, the menu offers a gourmet evolution of the simple breakfast item. The depth of flavor in their Signature Sandwiches, like the fan-favorite Trout and Truffle, showcases a dedication to sourcing quality ingredients and creating memorable meals. Whether you are craving the classic Bacon, Egg and Cheese or the inventive, vegetarian-friendly Poblano Picasso, the menu provides a sophisticated, delicious upgrade to the standard breakfast fare.

While some fast-food patrons might occasionally experience slower service—a side effect often associated with popular, scratch-made operations versus pre-made fare—the consensus remains that the quality and authenticity of the final product are well worth the wait. Coupled with their fully accessible facility and their dedication to being an LGBTQ+ friendly community hub, choosing The Bagel Project means supporting a local business that takes pride in its craft, its quality, and its community values.