Crestline Bagel Co. announces new ownership—meet the Hiltzes

Crestline Bagel Co., a beloved Birmingham staple, is beginning a new chapter as longtime owners Ralph and Jennifer Yarbrough have officially passed the torch to new ownership, according to recent announcements on social media.

We sat down with new owners Lizzie and Tommy Hiltz to find out what this transition means for the future of the popular local business.

A Birmingham staple

The chance to take over a cherished local institution like Crestline Bagel Co. doesn’t come around often, and when it did, the Hiltzes didn’t hesitate to step in and continue its story.

But have no fear—their main focus is to learn the ropes and preserve everything that’s made the bagel shop special for 30 years.

“It was a really serendipitous process. When Tommy told me that Crestline Bagel was for sale, I almost fell out of my chair. It sounds hyperbolic, but I grew up going there with my family and it’s just such a treasured asset in the community.

I really want to maintain the integrity of the brand, not try to change too many things and keep it what our community has loved for so many years, and what I personally have grown up loving. We can very confidently say that we really respect what [the Yarboroughs] have accomplished over the last nearly two decades.”

Lizzie Hiltz, Co-owner, Crestline Bagel

Continuing the legacy

As Tommy told us, Crestline Bagel is a local institution that deserves to be preserved well. If all goes according to plan, he says, you won’t even notice a difference.

The smooth transition has been made possible by longtime Chief Operating Officer Kendra Robinson, who has assisted them in staying consistent with things like inventory and day-to-day operations.

The Hiltzes also told us that new locations could be coming in the future, as long as they feel like a good fit for Crestline Bagel’s cozy, neighborhood vibe.

“There are a lot of places where it makes sense, because Birmingham has such great little communities in it, and that’s really where I think the Crestline Bagel idea thrives. That said, Birmingham is lucky to have a lot of areas like that, so we’re still looking.

We don’t want to jump the gun on anything. Really, Crestline Bagel feels like such a like a heritage brand that there’s a sense of stewardship that we both feel toward anything we do. We want to make sure that it improves the customer experience, or is invisible to the customer.”

Tommy Hiltz, Co-Owner, Crestline Bagel

Birmingham’s bagel authority

So, let’s talk about the really juicy part—what are these Birmingham bagel lovers’ favorite orders? (Their answers might surprise you!)

• Lizzie’s pick: Jalapeño bagel + jalapeño cream cheese
• Tommy’s pick: Whole wheat bagel + peanut butter

Do you have a favorite memory from Crestline Bagel? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!