Apollo Bagels is facing an unusual problem. Four months after opening its second location, in Manhattan’s West Village, the bagel shop is under threat of eviction. The reason? It’s too popular. The plaintiff? Its landlord, who has grown tired of the never-ending line snaking around the corner of his building at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue and West 11th Street.
Since opening its first location, in the East Village, this March, Apollo Bagels has achieved the rare feat of becoming a favorite of both TikTokers and New York’s old guard alike. While bagels are hardly scarce in the city, Apollo Bagels has joined the ranks of new businesses, such as PopUp Bagels, that are putting a unique spin on the bread. Founded by Joey Scalabrino, 34, the shop balances tradition with what some might call sacrilege: the sourdough bagels are served toasted and open-faced.
