Schmear Bagel Parlor started from humble roots. Schmear It was a bright orange truck purchased on eBay by an ambitious 23-year-old in the summer of 2013.
After retrofitting the 1989 box truck into Toasty, founder Dave Fine learned to overcome one mechanical failure after another en route to establishing a regular rotation of vending stops at Penn, Drexel, UCD's Porch at 30th Street Station, LOVE Park and City Hall.
Dave hoped to fill a need for bagels in the Philly market while spreading the word about local causes and donating five percent of Schmear It's sales to those organizations. Conceived during Dave's participation in the Tribe12 Fellowship, Schmear It's custom, made-to-order schmears became a staple in Philadelphia.
From a truck to a counter
After a couple of years on the unpredictable food truck circuit, the stability of a brick-and-mortar location felt appealing for the next chapter.
Luckily, Brett Weinheimer, a long-time family friend from Penn, had just the spot. He was pursuing a brand new location at 36th and Market for two of his quick service restaurants and thought Schmear It could be a great fit. Situated on the border between Penn and Drexel's campuses, this first shop opened its doors in 2016.
The people
Throughout Schmear It's history, Dave prioritized developing exceptional team culture and investing in quality employees.
One of the early standouts was Cecilia Kirchman, who joined the company in January 2018 as a freshman at Drexel, having grown up loving her job at a bagel shop at the Jersey Shore. Ceci's passion for people and entrepreneurship, and a healthy dose of urgency about growth, helped complement Dave's approach.
Schmear It opened its second permanent location in July 2020 in the East Market development at 12th and Ludlow.
The call that changed the company
Dave had started Schmear It as a build-your-own schmear concept with a focus on its social impact program. The bagels themselves weren't at the core of the initial mission and had been sourced from local wholesalers.
In late 2022, however, Dave received a call. Schmear It's original wholesale bagel provider, Philly Bagels, was interested in selling. Dave and Ceci toured their 3rd Street bakery and five retail locations and decided it was that quintessential "go big or go home" moment.
The deal closed in September 2023 with Brett joining as Partner and Chief "Dough" Officer, bringing his finance background and years of experience in the quick service restaurant space.
Why "Parlor"
Next up was a brand refresh to unify Philly Bagels and its history with Schmear It's locations and brand identity: enter Schmear Bagel Parlor.
"Parlor" historically refers to a place of connection and community, which Dave and the team have always strived to create.
Keeping pops on 44th Street
While the rebrand was in full swing, Brett learned that the beloved Lil' Pop Shop on 44th Street announced it was closing. Fueled by memories of many family pop outings, Brett suggested taking over the lease in order to keep pops in the neighborhood and introduce the newly created bagel brand to West Philly.
Working with local firms Boxwood Architects and Mellow Gold Studio, Schmear Bagel Parlor proudly brought its new brand to life here on 44th Street. Using this location as the prototype, the team has subsequently rolled out the new design across the other seven locations.
What it all rests on
Schmear Bagel Parlor now sets its sights on continued growth from its bedrock of fresh bagels baked the traditional way, boiled then baked in a deck oven on burlap-covered wood boards; homemade schmears with fresh chopped ingredients mixed in; and coffee from another local favorite, Rival Brothers, whose owners Dave has known since parking food trucks together back in 2013.
Philadelphia, for real
Dave, Brett and Ceci are proud to say they are graduates of Philadelphia schools and still call Philly home.
Dave has been a Grad Hospital resident for over ten years. Ceci settled in the Passyunk area after living above Schmear's 3rd Street bakery for a stint. Brett has owned homes in Grays Ferry, West Philadelphia and Queen Village over more than twenty years.
In 2026, to round out its leadership team, Schmear Bagel Parlor welcomed a new Chief Operating Officer, Brooks Tanner, who is a seasoned leader in the restaurant and bagel world.
What is next
Schmear Bagel Parlor is poised for continued growth. With a state-of-the-art commissary in the works, and the 9th and 10th store locations currently in design, the team is expanding and focused on its mission:
To craft exceptional bagels that spark joy, fuel connection, and give people a reason to wake up excited each day, bringing positive energy and community to Philadelphia one bite at a time.
Join us.