Schmear Bagel Parlor is now open at 44th and Spruce. (Schmear Instagram photo)

The wait is over. Spruce Hill-based bagel lovers can finally get their daily fix of fresh bagels and schmears at a newly opened Schmear Bagel Parlor at 265 S. 44th Street.

The shop owners, Penn alumni Dave Fine and Brett Weinheimer, announced their plans to take over the space, formerly occupied by Lil Pop Shop, last spring. They also announced a cooperation with Lil Pop Shop which continued selling popsicles at that location through the fall. After being closed for renovation since December, the store has reopened this week as Schmear Bagel Parlor.

Philadelphia’s first Schmear Bagel Parlor location will have a brand-new menu, plus “you can enjoy Lil Pop Shop popsicles, Weckerly’s Ice Cream sandwiches, and Rival Bros. coffee all day,” according to Schmear’s Instagram post. Initial hours of operation will be Monday and Tuesday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Schmear (formerly known as Schmear It) started as a food truck in University City in 2013 and now the business has eight brick-and-mortar locations around the city. In 2023, Schmear It acquired Philly Bagels’ bakery and five retail locations and launched a rebranding effort. The team is excited to showcase the results in their first Schmear Bagel Parlor location, which combines the best elements of Philly Bagels’ long history in Philadelphia with Schmear It’s customizable “exschmearience”.

“Parlor” connotes the nostalgic vibes of a bagel or ice cream shop, according to Schmear owners. But more importantly, the history of “parlor” as a place of conversation and “connection”. Schmear Bagel Parlor hopes to create community through comfort food – a bagel and schmear, coffee, or treat for your walk – and a smile!

UPDATE (4/29/25): Schmear Bagel Parlor had a grand opening on Friday, April 25. “It’s been such a wonderfully warm welcome from the neighborhood,” says co-owner David Fine. “We’re so grateful!”