Southbourne’s high street is set to welcome another new arrival this weekend as a local entrepreneur has announced the launch of his second bagel shop.
Bagels by Sobo is set to open its second location on Southbourne Grove with a soft launch on Saturday, October 24. Guests can expect freshly made bagels, speciality coffee and matcha, alongside sweet treats from a range of local producers.
Owner and entrepreneur Chris Rice, who also runs the original Bagels by Sobo on Holdenhurst Road and Soho, the bar, restaurant and nightlife venue on Church Street in Christchurch, said the launch marks an exciting new chapter for the business.
The former Wenzel’s bakery unit will now bring freshly made, generously filled bagels, refreshments and drinks, to a dynamic high street now home to many independent shops and businesses.
Chris, who has lived in the Christchurch area for around 25 years, said opening a new unit in Southbourne was a “natural choice”.
He said: “I’ve always liked the idea of bringing a Bagels by Sobo shop to Southbourne.
“It’s a vibrant place with a real community feel, and when this site came up, I jumped at it.
“It sits perfectly between our Bournemouth bagel shop and Soho in Christchurch.”
Chris Rice, owner of Bagels by Sobo (Image: Bagels by Sobo)
The owner confirmed, everything is prepared fresh in house, with a deliberate focus on using high-quality, local suppliers and offering regular specials and, careful presentation.
Chris said: “It’s a humble bagel, but we pack it full of great ingredients.”
Bagels by Sobo launching in Southbourne (Image: Bagels by Sobo)
When asked how it felt to be opening a new branch during a challenging time for the hospitality industry, Chris said the decision to expand was a calculated risk, but one driven by passion.
Bagels by Sobo launching in Southbourne (Image: Bagels by Sobo)
He added: “It’s not easy at the moment, but I love the product, I love the venues and the feedback has been brilliant.
“I’m excited to become part of the Southbourne community.”
Visitors to tomorrow’s soft launch can expect a friendly welcome, opening offers and specials, with a fuller launch celebration in the works to be announced in the coming weeks.
As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s launch on social media, the venue confirmed on Instagram that visitors will be welcomed from 8am onwards and that it will be a “great day” for “bagel lovers”.
