New bagel shop brings fresh, scratch-made food to Rupert

RUPERT, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — A new bagel shop has opened in Rupert, giving residents access to fresh, scratch-made bagels for the first time.

The Square Bagel Co. opened its doors nearly two months ago, the product of more than a year of planning by co-owners and sisters-in-law Sydney and Alana Duffin.

The Duffins said the idea grew out of a practical opportunity. Sydney, who owns two other buildings on the square — a salon and Lulu’s — said she needed to remodel the space that would become the bagel shop when Alana moved to town.

Alana, a pastry chef who previously worked in Boise restaurants, said the two decided bagels were the right fit.

“I have this building and you have the pastry knowledge. Let’s combine and let’s make this beautiful building and have an amazing place where people can come and enjoy coffee and get some yummy breakfast sandwiches and sandwiches,” Sydney said. “So that’s kind of how that came about.”

Alana said the shop’s mission goes beyond food.

“We grew up on this square, born and raised here, and we wanted something that everybody could feel like at home in, and something that brings community, and that’s what we built here,” Alana said.

Alana said all bagels are made fresh daily using a traditional method and that every item, including the coffee syrups, is made from scratch.

“They’re boiled and then baked, which is a true bagel,” Alana said. “And so I feel like getting a fresh bagel, especially in a small town, is really hard. And we talk to some people and they’re like, we’ve never had a fresh bagel in our life.”

The shop’s menu includes a variety of bagel sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The Pilgrim features turkey, cranberries, sprouts, cucumbers, and cream cheese spread on an everything bagel. The Bee Sting, one of the shop’s best sellers, is made with bacon, egg, scallion cream cheese, and a hot honey drizzle on an Asiago bagel.

Both owners said the response from the Rupert community has been strong since opening.

“It’s a fun atmosphere. It’s not just coming down and getting bagels,” Sydney said.

Sydney said seeing customers linger and connect inside the shop has been a highlight.

“It’s so fun to see groups of people come in and they feel comfortable enough that they can hang out and visit with all their friends and take the time out of their day,” she said.

Alana said demand has frequently outpaced supply.

“We’ve sold out more often times than not. And people are so excited about it. They appreciate the hard work we put into it, and I think it’s just been incredible,” Alana said.