By Karson Crosthwaite

Along Forest Hill Avenue, a street sometimes better known for its traffic than its food scene, sits one of Richmond’s most talked-about bagel shops, Baltik’s Bagels. Opened on October 14, 2024, at 6801 Forest Hill Ave., Baltik’s Bagels has transformed Richmond’s breakfast scene. Founded by California-born chef Yero Rudzinskas, the shop combines excellent kettle-boiled bagels with fast service. With 1.3 million people in the Richmond area, Baltik’s Bagels took a gamble as one of the few authentic bagel shops. This gamble has been a success, as their shop always has long drive-thru lines or crowded counters on the inside. With a growing reputation and increase in customers, Baltik’s Bagels can become the bagel capital of Richmond. 

Baltik’s Bagel Store. Photo credit: Richmond Magazine.

The shop has a large LED sign on the outside usually featuring new bagels or updated working hours. Despite Sunday morning being the peak time for breakfast, Baltik’s Bagels has decided to close their shop on Sunday, to give their staff a day off. The shop notes on their website: “We want each of our employees to know they will always have at least one weekend day off per week. We love that our team gets to spend Sunday with their families.” This surprising choice represents the values the shop upholds, giving their employees the best experience possible. Even with missing out on one of the most profitable days of the week for breakfast customers, Baltik’s Bagel still finds success during the week and on Saturdays. 

Born in Sonoma, California, Rudzinskas is of Lithuanian heritage, where his love for traditional bagels began. He also has an impressive resume: a Michelin-level chef, an investment banker, and a tech executive. Rudzinskas became a Michelin-level chef through his rigorous culinary training, including attending the Culinary Institute of America, working in high-level fine dining restaurants. Rudzinskas describes his store’s service and bagels on the Baltik’s Bagels website as “Kettle-boiled, chef driven and lightning fast.” Rudzinskas chose Richmond because of his wife’s strong ties to the University of Richmond, where she attended college. He targeted the southside of Richmond because he believed there was a strong need for a bagel shop, and he secured the location on Forest Hill because it featured a parking lot and drive-thru. 

Baltik’s Bagels. Photo credit: @baltiksbagel via instagram.

The location itself had seen struggles in the past. Previous businesses, including Dunkin’ and Go Bird, failed to find success there and were forced to close. In contrast, Baltik’s Bagels has quickly thrived, meeting high expectations with rapid growth, steady crowds, and delicious bagels. Other noteworthy bagel shops in Richmond include Chewy’s Bagels in Carytown, Cupertino’s NY Bagels in Henrico, and Nate’s Bagels in the fan. 

Baltik’s Bagels offers classic bagels, such as plain, everything, salt, Asiago, sesame seed, and poppy seed. They also feature unconventional flavors, such as bacon rosemary, jalapeño cheddar, cinnamon raisin, and honey crunch. In addition, they offer a softer bagel option called “the softie,” which has a light, milkier dough. Their cream cheese selection is also impressive. Flavors include whipped, scallion, garlic herb, piquante, dilly willy, lotsa lox, strawberry, vanilla bean, butter, and whipped honey butter. Customers have plenty of delicious choices.

Along with their bagels and spreads, Baltik’s Bagels serves six signature sandwiches: River City Sunrise, Smokeshow, Snow Bird, Brookgreen, Basic Bird, and BBBLT. Finally, to complete their meal, customers can choose from sides and drinks such as tater tots, coffee, iced tea, orange juice, and dirty soda. Their diverse menu allows customers to try something new each visit or choose from a wide range of options that suit their preferences.

Founder Yero Rudzinskas. Photo credit: RVA Mag.

In 2025, Baltik’s Bagels won the People’s Choice Award in the New York Bagelfest competition. Competing against top bagel shops in the country, participants were evaluated in multiple categories. With 2000 votes cast, Baltik’s stood out. They were also recognized as one of the top 25 bagel shops in the country, making the victory even more impressive. 

Despite the overall positive experience on the inside of the shop, customers have complained about the lack of parking around Baltik’s, and that it can seem crowded at times due to its popularity. Yelp user Erin B. said Baltik’s Bagels had a: “Very effective team, everyone in the building was friendly and multiple people greeted me and had ensured that I was taken care of. It’s rare in the hospitality industry to have such a genuine team working together!” Another Yelp user, Robyn P., said, “This place is wonderful! Great Bagels and service. They have also supported their community and many children in our area!” Overall, while parking and surplus customers may present challenges, the exceptional service, welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and strong sense of community have impressed customers. 

Although I have only been to Baltik’s Bagels a few of times, each experience has left a positive impression. Even during busy hours, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming rather than stressful. My personal favorite is the River City Sunrise, which includes bacon, scrambled eggs, cheese, and scallion cream cheese on a plain bagel. Despite parking being a challenge, I was satisfied with my visit because of the efficient and friendly service. I look forward to returning to Baltik’s Bagels and trying more items from their diverse menu.