Our Story
Our journey began with a simple dream: to create a cozy spot where everyone feels at home, enjoying delicious handmade bagels and perfectly brewed coffee. At Good Judys, we believe in the magic of authentic processes. That's why our bagels are lovingly handmade and boiled to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.
But we're more than just bagels and coffee. We're a community hub, a place where friendships blossom and memories are made. Whether you're here for a quick breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or just a warm cup of coffee, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere that embraces the spirit of Good Judys – a name synonymous with friendship and inclusivity.
The Beginning
Our adventure began with a spark of inspiration during a breathtaking Alaskan cruise in 2023, where the dream of Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar was born!
Through the summer and fall, Jeff dedicated his time to mastering the art of bagel making. From experimenting with recipes to perfecting techniques, these were seasons filled with delicious discoveries and hard work, all to bring you the best bagels.
In December 2023, we received a significant boost with a Chamber of Commerce micro loan. This support was crucial in turning our dream into reality, providing the necessary funds to get our business off the ground and into your community.
Going to Market
We kicked off the 2024 new year with a bang by receiving our cottage food operator license and launching Good Judys on January 15th, which fittingly is National Bagel Day! It was the perfect start to our journey.
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In March of that year, we took our bagels to the local farmers market for the first time. It was an exciting milestone that allowed us to connect with our community and share our passion for delicious food. March 23, 2024 marked a significant achievement as we experienced our first sell out at the farmers market. The overwhelming response from our customers was both humbling and motivating.​
A Summer of Suprises
On May 11, 2024 we had a record sell out of 33 dozen bagels in two hours. By the next week, our operation had tripled in size, all while being managed by just the two of us. It was a whirlwind of growth and hard work, but seeing our dream expand was incredibly rewarding.
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In August, we announced our exciting plans to move to a brick-and-mortar location. This was a huge step forward for us, and we couldn't wait to bring Good Judys to a permanent home.
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The fall season was busy as we worked tirelessly on the remodel of our new store. During this time, we also underwent a brand transformation, changing our name from Good Judys’ Bagels to Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar. This new identity reflects our expanded offerings and our commitment to providing a cozy, welcoming space for our community.
Our Grand Opening
On December 18th, we celebrated the grand opening of Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar at 2740 S Philo Road, Suite D in Urbana, Illinois. It was an incredible day filled with delicious bagels, freshly brewed espresso and coffee, and a wonderful sense of community. We were overjoyed to share this special milestone with so many of you and are grateful for the overwhelming support.
Since the grand opening, our new location quickly became a cozy, welcoming space where everyone feels like a cherished friend, or, as we would say, a Good Judy. You all have helped Good Judys to truly become a place of community. We've continued to receive your incredible support, often selling out of our popular bagels. Your enthusiasm and loyalty have been the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to serving you and growing together in the coming year.