Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery bakes a better bagel. Say that five times fast… or maybe just go for lunch and form your own opinion. While I preface this with a sigh due to my forlorn feelings concerning the closing of Bear Rock, which occupied the space now taken by Bruegger’s, this new restaurant has already worked its way into the culinary and social endeavors of many students and local members of the community.

This establishment, which offers free WiFi internet access, shares space with the new Dilworth Coffeehouse, a branch of Charlotte's oldest independent coffeehouse. Dilworth offers a wide selection of gourmet coffees, as well as a complete menu of espresso drinks, specialty beverages and smoothies. The ambiance is crisp and clean (akin to Panera or Starbucks) with booths, tables and additional umbrella-covered patio seating during pleasant weather.

Now for the important part – the food. Bruegger’s offers over 20 bagel varieties, including sweet classics such as cinnamon sugar or cranberry orange, as well as savory offerings such as sundried tomato, multi-grain and asiago parmesan. These bagels may be complimented by a choice of freshly made cream cheese, with flavors ranging from strawberry or honey walnut, to garden veggie, jalapeno and olive pimiento. These varieties are also available for individual purchase in small cream cheese tubs.

For those with a bigger appetite or a more audacious approach, Bruegger’s provides classic deli-style sandwiches on bagels wraps, or a “softwich” (a bagel-meets-loaf bread-meets foccacia combination). I enjoyed the “Cranberry Gobbler” (roasted turkey with cheddar cheese and cranberry sauce), yet was also tempted by options such as the “Cuban Chicken”(grilled chicken strips, honey ham, Swiss cheese, pickle slices, chipotle sauce & Dijon mustard) and the “Leonardo da Veggie”(light herb garlic cream cheese with roasted red peppers, muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion).

Daily soups and chili may be added as sides or enjoyed individually. Freshly tossed salads, including a “build-your-own” option as well as menu selections such as the “mandarin medley salad” are lighter-fare options.

Other side items include chips, cookies, muffins and a variety of dessert bars, including a delectable 7-layer bar. Beverages include soda, tea, Green Mountain coffee, hot chocolate, milk, Odwalla Juices, Nantucket Nectars, Snapple and other juices.

Bruegger’s also has something to offer the early birds: breakfast favorites including egg, cheese and bacon sandwiches, western style egg and vegetable wraps or simply butter and honey/jelly bagels. For those on-the-go or in need of food for a crowd, deals such as a “breakfast for the bunch,” which is a combination of bagels and cream cheese, or meals to go including boxed lunches and sandwich platters may be of interest.

Last week Bruegger’s hosted their “Grand Opening VIP Party” with broadcasts from local radio stations, promotional offerings and fundraisers for charities including Brenner's Children's Hospital.

Customer service is attentive and eager to ensure a gratifying experience for all customers.

Part-time job opportunities are available and those interested are encouraged to apply. All things considered, this local spot has baked off a hot start for customers and the community.

If you’re looking for a hearty start to your day, a snack while working at your computer or a quick meal with a friend, this may be the niche for you. Be it a sweet cream cheese bagel or a savory deli sandwich, a hot cup of java or a cool bottle of juice, Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery offers a little something to satisfy a large array of interests.