Although they just announced plans to open a full-service Kismet Bagels luncheonette in the former Roller’s Express-O storefront at 8341 Germantown Avenue, co-owners Jacob and Alex Cohen now say they are looking for other Chestnut Hill locations.
“There was just a difference in philosophy and at the end of the day, we know how we want to run our shops,” Jacob told the Local last week. “It became clear very quickly that what we need to do to open a Kismet Bagels shop was not going to be easily allowed by building ownership, and we amicably agreed to part …
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Although they just announced plans to open a full-service Kismet Bagels luncheonette in the former Roller’s Express-O storefront at 8341 Germantown Avenue, co-owners Jacob and Alex Cohen now say they are looking for other Chestnut Hill locations.
“There was just a difference in philosophy and at the end of the day, we know how we want to run our shops,” Jacob told the Local last week. “It became clear very quickly that what we need to do to open a Kismet Bagels shop was not going to be easily allowed by building ownership, and we amicably agreed to part ways.”
Ann Nevel, retail advocate for the Chestnut Hill Business District, has been working with the Cohens to bring the business to the neighborhood, and the pair had signed a lease earlier this month with Paul Roller, the owner of the building.
“Jacob and Alex were committed to the Roller’s Express-O space and energetically and doggedly worked to make it happen,” Nevel said in a statement. “Now, to see that fall through is painful. But they remain devoted to opening a Kismet Bagels in Chestnut Hill. The search is on for another location and there’s already been progress on that front.”
The Cohens say they have potential leads on another Chestnut Hill location, but it will require more construction and repairs than Roller’s space. They hope to open a Hill location by the end of this calendar year.
Bowman Properties co-founder Richard Snowden said he couldn't comment on whether Kismet is considering any of his company's commercial storefronts as a matter of company policy.
But he said that he is personally "very disappointed" that the agreement has fallen through because Kismet Bagels "would be perfect for that spot."
"I am extremely sorry to hear it," he said. "I think they would be a superb addition to the business district."
Despite the setback, the Cohens say they are still eager to be members of the community.
“To the people of Chestnut Hill, please be patient,” Jacob said. “We have every intention of opening a shop in your neighborhood and being a part of the community for a long time.”
