by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
The Hyatt is putting all of the finishing touches on its newest dining option, Einstein Bros. Bagel store. As long as everything goes according to plan, the franchise bagel and coffee chain will have a soft opening Wednesday.
“If all goes well, and we receive our occupancy license and our permit to hang a sign from the City, we will open Wednesday,” said Food and Beverage Director for the Hyatt Fred Hoffmann. “If not, it may be delayed a day.”
The Hyatt has scheduled a grand opening celebration for March 28. Einstein Bros. Bagels is located on the north side of the hotel, with the entrance in the courtyard between the Hyatt and the City Hall Annex building.
“We had a perfect place for this,” said Hoffmann. “We had a unique location and we are trying to cater to the hotel guests as well as the locals.”
Einstein Bros. Bagel store is not new to the Jacksonville area. There is also a location on Jacksonville University’s campus. Hoffmann said they have a lot of guests and employees who know of the chain because it is very popular in the northern United States.
“The quality of the bagels and their products are excellent,” he said.
Hoffmann added the hotel wanted an Einstein Bros. Bagel store because of its “name brand and their ability to create a store in the tight spot we have.”
Einstein Bros. Bagel store will serve bagels, bagel sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies, lunch sandwiches and coffee drinks. Hoffmann added that there will also be cakes and pastries. As of right now, Einstein Bros. will be open seven days a week from 6 a.m.-3 p.m., but that may change, he said. The Hyatt is also offering complimentary 30-minute or less parking in the hotel’s garage with a valid Einstein’s receipt.
Hoffmann hopes Einstein Bros. can fill a void Downtown.
“Many people bring (their bagels) from elsewhere and some will drive a few extra miles from the home to get bagels and then drive to work,” he said. “With the growing condo situation and the offices we already have Downtown, I wonder why there wasn’t a place like this before.”