By: Kaili Cochran

Bagels Up provides Jacksonville residents with a taste of New York without having to leave the city. Just up Atlantic Boulevard, a new small business called Bagels Up receives regular shipments of bagels made directly from New York and sells them to locals of Jacksonville.  

Tes and Jay Fletcher began Bagels Up at the beginning of 2025 and have found a way to bring authentic New York bagels to residents.  

“We asked ourselves, what can we bring to the area?” Tes said.  

Further inspiring their decision, the couple has a son who lives in New York, so they’re no strangers to traveling there multiple times a year and enjoying genuine New York bagels. 

But the Fletchers aren’t just reselling bagel shipments. They’ve added their own spin to the final product, offering something you can’t find in New York: homemade, handcrafted cream cheeses and a wide variety of open-faced and fully loaded bagels. 

When it comes to cream cheese, Bagels Up offers over a dozen unique flavors–some you’ve likely never heard of, like espresso or bacon and chive. For loaded sandwiches options include Philly cheesesteak and pizza bagels. 

“People in this part of Florida, there’s a vast amount of Northeastern people from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and on up the coast who’ve been starving for real bagels,” Jay said. “We feel like we’re answering a need for many people.” 

Many Northeast Florida residents once lived in or frequently visited New York and are familiar with the city’s iconic bagel flavor. 

“I moved here 26 years ago and I’ve missed New York bagels,” said Jim, a regular customer. “They’re just different than bagels made anywhere else.” 

Beyond selling bagels, the Fletchers are connecting with the community through their welcoming shop atmosphere.  

Charlotte, who was visiting from out of town, heard about Bagels Up from a friend in Jacksonville. When she stopped by, she was met with a warm welcome from its employees. 

“Everyone who works here has come up to me and engaged in conversation,” Charlotte said.  

She was even recommended different bagel and cream cheese combinations along with samples of its homemade cream cheeses.  

Bagels Up has brought the community together over something they’ve all missed while living in Florida: authentic New York bagels. Whether you’re a Florida native trying something new or you’ve longed for the New York bagel, Bagels Up is your next spot to try.