SNEAK PEEK: ‘Upper Crust Bagels’ Two to Three Weeks from Opening on South Avenue [Photos]

Upper Crust Bakery & Café is about two to three weeks away from the widely anticipated opening of its bagel shop on South Avenue, according to the business’s owner. Charly Sahlia said the major work—construction, carpentry, electrical, major equipment installation—already is done, and what’s needed now is assembly of tables and chairs, shelving and storage in back and then bringing in inventory and training a new staff. New features of the interior will include a long rail with stools opposite the service counter, increasing the amount of seating space for patrons. The former tenant, Bruegger’s, took all of its own equipment out after closing in early December, Sahlia said, and nothing of the former bagel shop remains. New Canaan will be the third location for what’s commonly known as ‘Upper Crust Bagels,’ after Darien and Trumbull.

‘Upper Crust Bagels’ To Open in Former Bruegger’s Space in New Canaan

A locally owned bakery and café that’s developed a loyal following after 20 years in business one town away is set to open a new shop in the former Bruegger’s Bagels location in downtown New Canaan. Upper Crust Bagels signed a lease Wednesday and will open in one to two months, according to owner Charly Sahlia. Sahlia said he’s been hoping to open in New Canaan for a long time but has found rental rates on Elm and Main Streets cost-prohibitive. The town is “very family-oriented, with a lot of kids and there are businesses there we can cater to,” Sahlia said. “But what we pride ourselves in creating at Upper Crust is it’s a ‘neighborhoody,’ healthier alternative to lunch and breakfast,” he told NewCanaanite.com.