"The Bagel” Returns! Iconic Deli to Rise Again in Glenview 8 Years After Old Orchard Closure

Years after The Bagel Restaurant closed its popular, longtime location at Westfield Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, the iconic deli is planning to return to the north suburbs in Glenview.

The Bagel owner Marvin Barsky has signed a lease for a 5,000 square-foot ground-floor space at 1850 Glenview Road, in the Cerca Building, a five story apartment building, with an opening in October or November 2026.

"We are so excited to expand our Bagel Family and bring the delicious food back to the suburbs," said Barsky.The new restaurant will seat up to 150 guests.

Barsky told a local media outlet that longtime favorites aren't going anywhere. Diners can once again look forward to the deli's signature spread of lox platters, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, deli sandwiches and other classic Jewish comfort foods.

The deli was open at Old Orchard from 1987 to November 29, 2018. "I remember Christmas shopping at Marshall Fields and eating lunch at The Bagel with my mom and friends in the 90s," said Beth Goldberg who was shopping at Wayfair on Monday.

The Bagel's history stretches back more than 75 years. The restaurant was founded in 1950 by Holocaust survivors Elsa and Herman Golenzar in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood before expanding to other locations across the city and suburbs.

Its Skokie location became a North Shore institution during its 31-year run at Old Orchard. When that location closed in 2018, many regulars never stopped hoping for a return.

Barsky says he still hears from former suburban customers and many make a weekly trek into the restaurant's Lakeview location on Broadway to get their fix. The Glenview outpost will also feature a liquor license, a party room and a staff of roughly 35 to 40 employees.

Michelle Richter who grew up in Glenview and graduated GBS said, “I’m so excited that The Bagel is coming back! It brings back so many childhood memories of going to the Old Orchard location (before it closed) with my dad or my grandpa for their matzo ball soup.” The current Mount Prospect resident added, “Still the best.”

And Rocio Carreras, whose father has worked as The Bagel's head chef for decades, will serve as the new location's general manager.

Regarding the Chicago location:

"If you're looking for an old school, classic Hollywood movie feeling of a diner, then look no further. This is a cozy and classic spot with a huge menu with something for everyone," said Elizabeth Dorwart.

The matzah ball soup was great, and the crepes were super flavorful. They also give pickles and crisp bagels to start the meal. said Jackson Rowland.

The Bagel may be opening a new location, but for many Chicagoans, it will feel a lot more like getting an old friend back.

The restaurant is known for its homemade soups, salad and fish platters, deli sandwiches, blintzes, catering and more. It was started by two Holocaust survivors, originally opening in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood in 1950.