WHAT! I live within walking distance, yet I've never been here or reviewed this business. Most likely it was my innate aversion to "big/chain" places, but I am sorely mistaken and very sad that I've been "shunning" this place for no apparent reason other than to deny myself a great bagel and breakfast resource.
I believe there are only seven locations in Charlotte... with the majority of these locations being small, quick stop places (airport, UNCC campus building), but the one off of South Blvd is a stand alone building. It makes me wonder if this place used to be a gas station or auto body repair place since the awning with outdoor seating and shaded parking spaces make for a nice/utilitarian use of their parking lot.
Inside you will be instantly hit with the amazing smells of bagels and all the goodness that is contained within. Head directly right as you are "funneled" into a line and you can order your food or look "over the shoulder" for the folks busily typing on their digital devices or reading paperwork since the bar seats that face the windows border the line chute. Once you order from the nice staff you head down toward the left and pay at the register.
Here's where it gets a little bottlenecked as the creamer/sugar station is right next to the register so people are busily getting their coffees to preference but there's also a very small area to wait on the bagels coming out of the kitchen so it get's a little crazy. Luckily the staff is really good at calling names out and also making sure you get your order.
There are about 8-10 small tables for two inside... one large family style farm table for a larger group (of about 8, I think). There's not much room to push tables together, but it creates a nice, cozy environment. The patio has more tables - no umbrellas needed since the large awning out front provides shade.
This is a very busy location but they manage to keep everyone happy (for the most part). When I came on Sunday, it was very early so I beat the church crowd. It was nice people watching as people came in and I drank my coffee and met a friend for a relaxing Sunday morning.