By: JR Robinson

Hive Bagel & Deli, a new bakery in Memphis, is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Owned by chef Josh Steiner and his wife, this deli pastry shop offers a unique twist on traditional bagels by incorporating a touch of local honey into their recipes. With a focus on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, Hive Bagel & Deli has gained a reputation for its mouthwatering flavors, community engagement, and commitment to providing a memorable dining experience.

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Located at 276 S. Front St. in Downtown Memphis, Hive Bagel & Deli features a "fast casual" setting with a bar, a full patio, and a Lego-built hive in the window, adding a touch of whimsy to the dining experience. The hours of operation are in the morning and daytime, allowing Steiner to be home with his family at night. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bagels and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the bakery.

The unique selling point of Hive Bagel & Deli is its focus on using local, high-quality ingredients to make bagels and baked goods, with a hint of honey from the Steiner's own bee hives. The bagels are New York-style, with a fluffy interior and a great crust, thanks to the addition of honey. The menu includes a rotation of six to eight bagel flavors per week, ranging from Everything to Asiago to Blueberry, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to try.

Community Engagement and Unique Flavors

One of the things that sets Hive Bagel & Deli apart from other bakeries in the area is its strong commitment to community engagement. The owners, Josh and his wife, believe in giving back to the community that has supported them, and they do so by offering free customization or samples for their loyal customers and interacting with their social media followers. This sense of community has helped build a strong customer base and increase customer loyalty.

In addition to their delicious bagels, Hive Bagel & Deli also offers a variety of delectable pastries and artisanal coffee. Whether you're in the mood for a flaky croissant, a rich chocolate chip cookie, or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, you'll find it all at this deli pastry shop. The pastries are made with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality as the bagels, ensuring that every bite is a delight.

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

During my visit to Hive Bagel & Deli, I had the pleasure of trying their BLT+A sandwich on an everything bagel, and it was simply amazing. The bacon was cooked to perfection, and the cream cheese gave the sandwich an incredible twist. The combination of the savory bacon, the fresh lettuce and tomato, and the slightly sweet, fluffy bagel was a taste sensation that I won't soon forget. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying lunch option.

If you're in the mood for something sweet, I also recommend trying their blueberry bagel with a schmear of their homemade honey cream cheese. The burst of juicy blueberries combined with the creamy, slightly sweet cream cheese is a match made in heaven. Pair it with a cup of their freshly brewed coffee, and you have the perfect start to your day.

Hive Bagel & Deli is a must-visit for anyone in the Memphis area. With its unique flavors, commitment to community engagement, and use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, this deli pastry shop is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're in the mood for a savory bagel sandwich, a sweet pastry, or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, you'll find it all at Hive Bagel & Deli. Don't miss out on this sweet and savory delight in the heart of Memphis.