Popular upstate bakery expands to Manhattan with creative takes on New York’s most iconic food
From Pandemic Experiment to Manhattan Debut
Moonrise Bagels, the Hudson Valley sensation known for reimagining the classic New York bagel by stuffing it with everything from pizza to buffalo chicken, is bringing its innovative concept to Greenwich Village this fall. The bakery will open at 58 West Eighth Street, marking its first location in New York City after establishing a strong following upstate with shops in Woodstock, Kingston, and Poughkeepsie.
What began as a pandemic-era experiment in a Woodstock apartment has evolved into a thriving business that’s captured the attention of bagel enthusiasts across the region. Founders Jeremy Rhodes and Ali Chetkof Rhodes, both native New Yorkers who previously worked in accounting and public relations respectively, never imagined their kitchen experiments would become a full-fledged business with multiple locations and now a Manhattan expansion.
The Original Stuffed Bagel Concept
The couple’s journey began in late 2020 when Rhodes started experimenting with placing pizza inside a bagel. After perfecting their Classic Pizza Bagel recipe, they launched Moonrise Bagels at farmers markets in 2021 before opening their first brick-and-mortar location in Woodstock. According to specialty food industry reports, stuffed and filled breads have become increasingly popular as consumers seek novel twists on traditional favorites.
Moonrise’s menu features creative combinations including eggplant parmesan and buffalo chicken bagels, all hand-rolled and made from scratch daily using traditional boiling and baking methods. The bakery was named “Most Creative Bagel” in 2024, recognition that helped build momentum for their expansion into the competitive New York City market. Their motto”Enjoy Moonrise Bagels from sunrise to moonrise, and anytime in between”reflects their all-day approach to bagel consumption.
Professional Background Meets Culinary Innovation
Jeremy Rhodes’ background as a Certified Management Accountant and former Director of Accounting for Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the world’s premier restaurant groups led by Danny Meyer, provided crucial business expertise. His seven-year tenure included responsibility for financial health and planning across multiple USHG businesses, implementing business intelligence projects, and building data-driven analytics culture.
Ali Chetkof, a Woodstock native, brought extensive public relations experience from her role as Associate Vice President at Jennifer Bett Communications, a bi-coastal PR firm representing venture-backed startups and competitive brands addressing evolving consumer markets. Her demonstrated history of driving awareness, engagement, and brand equity for both small businesses and retail powerhouses has been instrumental in Moonrise’s growth trajectory.
Greenwich Village Location Strategy
The West Eighth Street location positions Moonrise in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most vibrant food neighborhoods, competing with established bagel institutions that have served the area for decades. Greenwich Village and the adjacent West Village are known for having some of New York’s best bagel shops, including long-standing favorites like Bagel Bob’s, Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company, and newcomers like Leon’s Bagels and Popup Bagel.
According to NYC Economic Development Corporation data, New York City’s food industry generates billions in economic activity annually, with bakeries and specialty food retailers playing a significant role in neighborhood commercial corridors. The timing of Moonrise’s entry into Manhattan comes as the city’s food scene continues recovering and evolving post-pandemic, with consumers showing strong appetite for innovative concepts that offer fresh takes on classics.
Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning
While Greenwich Village has no shortage of bagel options, Moonrise’s stuffed bagel concept offers something distinct from traditional New York-style bagels. The company’s success in the Hudson Valley demonstrates that consumers are willing to embrace non-traditional interpretations of beloved foods when quality and creativity meet. Their approach differs from the classic New York bagelhand-rolled, briefly boiled, and baked to achieve that characteristic chewy interior and crackling crustby incorporating substantial fillings that make the bagel itself a complete meal.
The bakery’s expansion also reflects broader trends in the New York food scene, where Hudson Valley businesses are increasingly establishing Manhattan footholds. The region has become known for artisanal food production, with strong agricultural infrastructure and growing communities of food entrepreneurs who often use upstate locations as proving grounds before expanding to the city.
Community Building and Mentorship
Beyond their product innovation, the Rhodes couple has emphasized community support and mentorship. On their website, they acknowledge that building a business would have been impossible without guidance from business leaders and professionals who shared their time and advice. They’ve committed to offering similar support to other entrepreneurs, whether aspiring or established, willing to discuss all aspects of business development.
This community-focused approach aligns with the ethos of many successful New York food businesses, which often thrive through neighborhood integration and building loyal customer bases beyond just transactional relationships. According to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small food service businesses that emphasize community connections tend to show stronger resilience during economic challenges.
National Distribution and Growth Plans
Moonrise Bagels has also expanded its reach through partnerships with Goldbelly, the online platform that ships regional food specialties nationwide. This distribution channel has introduced their stuffed bagels to customers across the country, building brand awareness beyond the New York region and potentially creating a built-in customer base in Manhattan of people who have already tried their products through online orders.
While no specific opening date has been announced for the Greenwich Village location, the expansion represents a significant milestone for the young company. Success in Manhattan could pave the way for additional city locations, though the competitive nature of New York’s food scene means the West Eighth Street shop will need to quickly establish itself among discerning local customers who have strong opinions about what constitutes a proper New York bagelstuffed or otherwise. For more information about innovative food businesses in New York, visit the NYC Economic Development Corporation’s food and beverage sector page.
