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

From boil to bake, the inaugural West Coast edition delivers big flavor, bold innovation, and the best bagels in the West.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print featuring a single, iconic bagel object repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the playful and innovative spirit of the BagelFest West festival.The vibrant celebration of BagelFest West's debut brings bold, California-inspired reinventions of the classic bagel to the forefront of culinary 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 a category that continues to rise, both literally and culturally, showcasing how the humble bagel has evolved into a full-on culinary canvas.

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 just how far the bagel has come. From classic New York-style perfection to bold, California-inspired reinventions, the festival featured a diverse lineup of vendors, new flavors, techniques, and takes on a classic that continues to evolve.

  • BagelFest West was held on April 14, 2026.
  • The weekend kicked off with the BagelFest West Inner Circle Industry Mixer on Saturday night.

The players

Sam Silverman

BagelFest Founder.

John Park

Winner of Best of the West from Rise Bagels.

Andrew Rubinstein

Winner of Best Bagel from Hey Bagel in Seattle.

Toby L. Neiman

Founder of the Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple.

King Arthur Baking Company

The presenting sponsor of BagelFest West.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

“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 of 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 of Best Bagel from Hey Bagel in Seattle

“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 of the Jewish Food Lab at Wilshire Boulevard Temple

What’s next

To learn more about BagelFest and checkout updates for the upcoming New York fall edition, visit https://www.bagelfest.com/.

The takeaway

The success of BagelFest West demonstrates the continued growth and evolution of the bagel category, with top bakers and chefs pushing the boundaries of tradition and showcasing the versatility of this beloved baked good. The festival's expansion beyond its New York roots further solidifies its position as the premier national platform for celebrating bagel culture.