BagelFest West Crowns 2026 Winners After Sold-Out Debut in Los Angeles

The inaugural West Coast edition of the popular bagel festival delivers big flavor, bold innovation, and the best bagels in the West.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:40am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a single bagel icon repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that captures the energy and creativity of the BagelFest West festival.The vibrant celebration of BagelFest West's inaugural debut in Los Angeles showcases the diversity and innovation within the city's thriving bagel culture.San Diego Today

Following its viral rise in New York, BagelFest officially rolled into Los Angeles this weekend with the debut of BagelFest West, presented by King Arthur Baking Company. Held at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in partnership with the Jewish Food Lab of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the sold-out event proved that bagel culture is anything but flat, bringing together top bakers, chefs, and food innovators for a weekend that was equal parts tradition, creativity, and community.

Why it matters

The success of BagelFest West marks a major milestone for the brand as it expands beyond its New York roots, further establishing itself as the premier national platform celebrating bagel culture. The festival highlighted how the humble bagel has evolved, from classic New York-style perfection to bold, California-inspired reinventions, showcasing a category that continues to rise both literally and culturally.

The details

Drawing over 1000 attendees from across the culinary, hospitality, and media worlds, BagelFest West delivered a jam-packed schedule of tastings, panels, and competitions that showcased the best bagel makers West of the Rockies. Judged by a distinguished panel of experts, entries were evaluated on flavor, texture, originality, technical execution, and presentation. The 2026 winners represent the best of the West Coast's bagel boom, blending technical mastery with boundary-pushing creativity.

  • BagelFest West was held on April 13-14, 2026.
  • The festival kicked off on Saturday with an industry mixer, followed by the main event on Sunday.

The players

Sam Silverman

BagelFest Founder.

Toby L. Neiman

Founder of the Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

John Park

Winner of Best of the West from Rise Bagels.

Andrew Rubinstein

Winner of Best Bagel from Hey Bagel in Seattle.

King Arthur Baking Company

The presenting sponsor of BagelFest West.

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What they’re saying

“Today, we recognized the best bagel makers West of the Rockies. This group was selected from scores of applicants, with only 16% making the cut. They were chosen not just for the quality of their food, but for their creativity, character, and contributions to their communities. They are trailblazers dispelling the myth that "it's the water" that makes bagels great and proving what has always been the truth: it's the people, the talent, and their dedication.”

— Sam Silverman, BagelFest Founder

“The turnout and energy at BagelFest West exceeded our wildest expectations. It really proved that the spirit of Culinary Judaism is alive and well in Los Angeles.”

— Toby L. Neiman, Founder, Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple

“It honestly feels amazing to win Best of the West. A lot of work has gone in today; I didn't even have the chance to sample any of the amazing bagels on offer at the event because we were so busy putting sandwiches together. We put in a lot of work this week in the run-up and I'm just super proud of the team, not only here today, but also back home at the shop.”

— John Park, Winner, Best of the West from Rise Bagels

“It feels amazing to win Best Bagel! My mom always said I was a winner, and after everything I've lived through in this life… this? This is the ultimate moment. No, seriously, I'm psyched! My team works ridiculously hard, we make seriously great bagels, and it feels so good to be recognized for it. And yeah… this one's for my mom. I love it. Thank you!”

— Andrew Rubinstein, Winner, Best Bagel from Hey Bagel

The takeaway

The success of BagelFest West proves that the bagel has evolved beyond a breakfast staple into a full-on culinary canvas, with bakers and chefs blending technical mastery and boundary-pushing creativity to reinvent this classic comfort food. The festival's expansion to the West Coast further establishes it as the premier national platform celebrating the diversity and innovation within the bagel community.