As Featured In

In summer 2023, while sailing through the icy waters of Alaska, Jeffrey and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm had a vision. A cozy, welcoming cafe where members of the Champaign-Urbana community could feel at home, sip coffee and enjoy fresh, warm bagels. That Alaskan cruise planted a seed, and back in C-U, the idea of Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar started to take shape. So, they decided to take a leap of faith.

Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar opened its doors on Dec. 18, 2024, bringing its farmers market favorites to a dedicated storefront. Located on South Philo Road in Urbana, Good Judys has become a popular addition to the Champaign-Urbana café scene. Locally owned and operated, this new establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where comfort and community can unite over one common interest: bagels.

Eating at Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar supports a local success story. To read their story about making bagel dreams come true, go to Good Judys’ website and enjoy owners Dakota and Jeff Thomas-Wilhem’s account of how an Alaskan cruise turned into opening Urbana’s Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar, located at The Pines on Philo Road.

It’s hard to imagine that a business can go from making their first sale in January to opening their own brick and mortar by year’s end, but Good Judys Bagels did it. Co-owners Jeffrey and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm will officially open C-U’s first bagel bar next week with a menu of bagels, bagel sandwiches, and café drinks.

Good Judys Espresso & Bagel Bar will open in Urbana on December 18th, in the space that was previously Namken Nutrition. The new bagel café’s menu includes Good Judys popular hand-crafted bagels, of course, plus hot beverages, cold drinks, and bagel sandwiches.

For Jeff and Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm, the idea of starting their own coffee shop was intriguing, but with several already in the area, they had to answer a crucial question: what would make theirs different?

Good Judys’ Bagels, the popular vendor at area farmers markets, is planning to open a brick-and-mortar store at The Pines in Urbana. It will fulfill a longtime goal of co-owner Jeff Thomas-Wilhelm, who shoved aside any obstacles — including a lack of experience in the food service industry — to reach the brink of opening a storefront with husband and co-owner Dakota Thomas-Wilhelm.

Champaign, Ill. (WCIA) — From Good Judys’ Bagels:

At Good Judys’ Bagels, we channel the vibrant essence of Good Judy into every detail of the artisanal bagel haven. Just as a Good Judy embodies loyalty, warmth, and a sense of belonging, we aspire to create a community where our patrons are not just customers but cherished friends.

Good Judys' Bagels, Champaign-Urbana's new hit bagel business, will open a storefront this fall. 

Good Judys' Bagels is new to the Champaign-Urbana food scene, but already the bagel business has quickly become a popular market stand.

New small bakery Good Judys' Bagels sells delicious bagels in a variety of flavors on Saturdays at Urbana's Market at the Square.