'Honor to revamp': Bagel Hound plans to open new location in former A&W in Harwich Port

HARWICH PORT — Bagel Hound plans to breathe new life into a shuttered site and open a new location in the iconic former A&W Root Beer on Route 28.

Claire Adams, who runs Bagel Hound with her husband Ellery Althaus, called it "an honor to revamp and open something that has a bigger history than just us."

"It just feels exciting to play off the vibe that it already has going for it and to infuse ourselves in that is a fun extra to making bagels, which we already love," said Adams.

West Harwich Realty Trust and trustees Patty O'Donnell and Amy Kanavos sold the property in a sale recorded on April 5 for $1.075 million to Truro-based CEZ & V, which is Adams and Althaus' limited liability company, according to the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds and the Secretary of State's Office.

West Harwich Realty Trust purchased the property in 1969 for $37,000.

Bagel Hound locations

Bagel Hound has locations in Provincetown and Wellfleet, both of which will remain open, said Adams.

"We've reached our capacity," said Adams. "We've been looking for a space to expand our baking space for a while. When we came upon this spot, we fell in love with it."

Harwich will be new territory for the brand. Adams said they were looking at spaces farther down Cape to expand their footprint and also were attracted to the town's bigger year-round population.

She said she believes the new location will be open year-round.

"It does need some work. It needs some love," said Adams on when the store could open. "As soon as possible, we will be selling bagels."

The 6,384 square-foot building with the trademark orange roof and decor on 1.35 acres was built in 1950 and was announced as for sale in 2022. The restaurant was known for its famous frosty root beer floats, trademark "All-American" menu of burgers, hot dogs, and seafood, and 1960s-era throwback atmosphere.

The closest A&W to Cape Cod is on Putnam Pike in Greenville, Rhode Island, two hours and about 100 miles west.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on X @zanerazz.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Bagel Hound buys former A&W in Harwich Port, plans to open new store