El Bagel Miami: The Story Behind One of Miami’s Most Popular Bagel Shops
By Andreana Jackson
The Rise of El Bagel: Craft, Community, and a Miami Original
There’s something special about a concept that grows organically—no hype, no shortcuts, just consistency, passion, and a deep connection to community.
In a city like Miami, where trends come and go quickly, it takes something real to build staying power. And that’s exactly what El Bagel has done.
On this episode of The Balance with Andreana Jackson, I sat down with Simon Caicedo, Operating Partner of El Bagel, to talk about how a simple idea—executed thoughtfully—became one of Miami’s most beloved neighborhood food spots.
What began as a pop-up has grown into a brand with multiple locations across South Florida—and even expansion into Las Vegas. But what’s most interesting is how intentional that growth has been.
Nothing forced. Nothing rushed. Just built, step by step.
A Concept Rooted in Simplicity
At its core, El Bagel is about doing less—but doing it exceptionally well.
Their bagels are made with just five ingredients. No preservatives. No unnecessary additions. Just a focus on process, time, and technique.
As Simon explained, their bagels are built through a multi-day fermentation process, using a sourdough starter that’s been alive for over a decade.
This isn’t fast food. It’s a craft.
From mixing to baking, each batch takes time—sometimes up to three days—to reach its final form. And that level of care shows in the final product: a bagel that’s structured, flavorful, and meant to be enjoyed fresh.
It’s a reminder that simplicity, when done right, is anything but basic.
“Sometimes the simplest ideas — done with intention — become the most impactful.”
More Than a Bagel Shop
What stood out most in our conversation wasn’t just the food—it was the sense of community.
Even without positioning itself as a “hangout spot,” El Bagel has naturally become one. Regulars return daily. Staff know customers by name—and often, by order.
There’s a familiarity there that’s increasingly rare.
Many of their customers have been coming in for years, watching their own lives evolve alongside the growth of the business.
It’s not just a place to grab breakfast—it’s part of people’s routines, their mornings, their neighborhoods.
And in a city like Miami, that kind of connection matters.
🎥 Watch the full conversation here:
https://youtu.be/9N1YrJ_Rkqc?si=maQCNCMiAsH8wW0d
A Miami Identity—Not a Replica
Bagel culture often invites comparison—especially to cities like New York or Montreal.
But El Bagel isn’t trying to replicate anyone else.
Instead, they’ve leaned into what makes Miami unique.
Take their “King Guava”—a standout menu item that blends cream cheese, egg, crispy potato sticks, and guava marmalade. It’s a combination rooted in local flavor and nostalgia, reflecting the cultural mix that defines South Florida.
It’s not about competing. It’s about creating something that belongs here.
Even their ingredients reflect that philosophy—sourcing locally when possible, building relationships with nearby vendors, and bringing a sense of place into every item served.
The Philosophy Behind the Food
One of the most powerful ideas behind El Bagel is simple:
You should never serve anything you wouldn’t serve to your own family.
That mindset—grounded in respect, care, and intention—extends beyond the food.
It shapes how the team operates, how relationships are built, and how the brand continues to grow.
Because at the end of the day, El Bagel isn’t just about bagels.
It’s about people.
It’s about showing up, doing things the right way, and creating something that others can feel connected to.
Finding Balance
Like many entrepreneurs, Simon’s world is fast-paced. But his approach to balance is refreshingly simple: stay active, stay grounded, and stay connected to what matters.
Whether it’s working out, spending time with family, or simply taking a walk, those moments create space to reset.
And that sense of balance—between work, life, and purpose—is something we talk about often on this show.
Because success isn’t just about what you build.
It’s about how you live while building it.
A Miami Story Worth Watching
The story of El Bagel is a reminder that not everything needs to be complicated to be successful.
Sometimes, the strongest concepts are the simplest ones—executed with care, consistency, and intention.
In a city full of movement, El Bagel has found a way to slow things down just enough to get it right.
And that’s what makes it stand out.
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