WILMINGTON — Mr. Bagel Meister, a brand-new eatery in Monkey Junction, is looking to bring a unique twist to the breakfast deli scene.
The bagel shop is operated by Phil and Patty Santomassi, the former owners of popular Wilmington breakfast shops like The Donut Inn and Beach Bagels. According to Phil Santomassi, after selling Beach Bagels back in 2014, the couple saw what they perceived to be a hole in Monkey Junction, and decided to venture back into the restaurant scene.
Later this week, Santomassi hopes to have Mr. Bagel Meister open and ready for business in the Masonboro Commons shopping center.
More than just a bagel shop
The restaurant’s staple – and namesake – is bagels. The shop will serve 20 different types of homemade bagels, with several different types of coffee and spreads to go with them.
But, according to Santomassi, Mr. Bagel Meister will be much more than a bagel shop.
“People want more than bagels, and don’t get me wrong, they love bagels,” he said laughing. “But, we’re going to give them more. What we’re really aspiring to do is to take some of the suggestions from customers, and see what works. We’ll try it out, it doesn’t mean that it will stay, it has to sell. But, you’d be surprised, people have a really unique perspective.”
During morning hours, Mr. Bagel Meister will offer things like made-to-order omelets, breakfast burritos, as well as a variety of breakfast sandwiches.
But, Mr. Bagel Meister’s offering don’t end at breakfast. Santomassi said he wants to train his customers away from the sort of “morning mystique” that surrounds your average bagel eatery.
“We want to sort of get away from that a little bit,” he said. “Chicken quesadillas, burritos, we’re even going to be doing different things like refried beans — Mexican food is a big deal.”
During the lunch hours, the shop will feature items ranging from Mexican fare to a “creative line” of Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, as well as hot dogs.
“We have two different kinds of hot dogs, a traditional hot dog for when kids come in with their parents, and just want something with a little bit of mustard or something like that,” Santomassi. “But, we also have the Mexican dog, which has a bite to it. We dress it up with all kinds of toppings, and it’s for a really good value.”
The “Mexican Meister Dogs” will feature everything from traditional toppings to Mexican inspired options like refried beans, guacamole, peppers, and pico de gallo. The hot dogs will come with fries, at a price of $3.50.
“If you look around, there’s a lot of nice places in Wilmington to get something to eat,” Santomassi said. “But if you look at our sandwiches, our prices are very competitive, and our sandwiches are very full. We’re not weighing things out, we’re going to load it up.”
Prices will range from a simple bagel with butter for $1.90, lunch sandwiches with fries for $7.99, to a “bakers dozen” (13) bagels for $12.99.
With 1,200-sq. feet of space, the building offers dine-in and carry-out service, in addition to a drive-thru window, making the shop a “quick option” for diners on the go.
Mr. Bagel Meisters is almost ready for opening day. At the time of publication, Santomassi was waiting on a visit from the health inspector, and is hoping to have his restaurant up and running for breakfast on Friday, Sept. 1.
“We’ve had people showing up every morning like it’s nobody’s business, it’s funny,” he said with a laugh. “We’re ready to go.”
Mr. Bagel Meister is located at 6400 Carolina Beach Rd., in the Masonboro Commons shopping center. For up to date opening information, as well as hours, follow Mr. Bagel Meister on Facebook.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
