Crestline Bagel Company named best in Alabama; now prepares to open second store

Earlier this winter, Delish.com named its 50 Best Bagel Shops in America. Not surprising to longtime Birmingham residents, the popular digital site about all things food named the Crestline Bagel Company as the premier bagel shop in Alabama. 

Recently, Bham Now sat down with Ralph and Jennifer Yarbrough, the owners of the Crestline Bagel Company about being selected the best bagel shop in the state and the upcoming opening of their second store in Cahaba Heights.

In response to the national recognition by Delish.com, Jennifer  gratefully expressed, “We are flattered.  It feels really good to work so hard and be recognized for it. We have so many great employees who make all the cogs in the wheel work here.”

Last year, the Yarbroughs celebrated their tenth anniversary operating Crestline Bagel Company in Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village neighborhood. The bagel shop is renown for its attention to detail.

“Jennifer had a vision for this American craft bakery, that did more than just bagels. I think we’ve achieved that goal,” stated Ralph Yarbrough.  “Really the bagel remains our symbol because each bagel is like its own loaf of bread, each bagel represents the baking techniques, the sourcing of ingredients and the time we take to really do it right. There aren’t many places using the techniques that we are using to make a true New York style bagel.” 

Ralph added, “Its the same with all our products.  We want to make it from scratch. We want it to be the absolute best that you have ever had, may it be chicken salad or pimento cheese, muffin, brownie, we want it to be the best one you’ve ever had.”

This week, Crestline Bagel Company announced they will be opening a second store in  Cahaba Heights on February 6.

According to the Yarbroughs, while designing the new store they have taken a great deal of the aspects that work in the Mountain Brook store and transfer it to the new store like customer service and efficiency.  Most importantly, the Cahaba Heights store will be an extension of the artistry, talent and love of amazing food that was perfected at their first and original Mountain Brook location.

That’s good news for all of us who love bagels and food made from scratch.