Travelers Rest will soon welcome a new culinary destination: Myer’s Bagels, a franchise of the beloved Montreal‑style bakery that first opened in Burlington, Vermont in 1997. The shop will open at 571 Roe Center Court, near the corner of South Main Street and North Highway 25 Bypass, and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local owners bring a taste of Montreal to Upstate South Carolina
Co‑owners Nancy and John Guyette, longtime residents of Burlington, are the driving force behind the Travelers Rest location. Nancy, a former nurse, and John, a retired service member, first encountered the Myer’s brand while John was stationed overseas and Nancy worked in a hospital. Their visits to the original shop sparked a dream of owning a bagel bakery of their own.
After John retired from the military, the couple moved to the Upstate for work and eventually decided to turn that dream into reality. “We joked that life would be easier when we owned our own bagel shop,” Nancy recalled, noting that the timing felt right after years of planning.
Heritage and craftsmanship behind the brand
Myer’s was founded by Lloyd Squires, who sought to bring a slice of St‑Viateur Bagel’s Montreal tradition to Burlington. The name honors Myer Lewkowicz, a Holocaust survivor and founder of the iconic St‑Viateur Bagel. Since 2013, the Vermont location has been led by Adam Jones, who oversees both the original shop and the new Travelers Rest franchise.
Jones explains that the distinctive flavor of Montreal‑style bagels comes from the wood‑fired oven, a method he likens to the difference between wood‑fired pizza and a conventional baked crust. “The wood‑firing gives the bagels a subtle sweetness and a unique texture that you just don’t get in a standard oven,” he said.
Opening timeline and community impact
The wood‑fired oven arrived in Travelers Rest in October, and the Guyettes plan to begin testing the equipment the week of November 16. John has been honing his technique with trips to the Vermont store, ensuring the new location will match the quality of the original.
“I think many people’s taste buds will be awakened here with a different approach to a product that they thought was all the same,” Jones added. The shop’s small‑batch, in‑house production promises fresh bagels throughout the morning, catering to commuters, families, and anyone seeking a hearty breakfast.
Why this matters for Travelers Rest
Beyond offering a new dining option, Myer’s Bagels contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and adding to the growing food‑service scene in the Upstate. The franchise is owned exclusively by the Guyettes, keeping profits and decision‑making within the community.
Local officials have expressed support for the addition, noting that unique, family‑run businesses help preserve the town’s character while attracting visitors from neighboring areas. The shop’s operating hours—early mornings through early afternoon—fill a niche for breakfast‑focused establishments that are currently limited in the downtown corridor.
Looking ahead
With its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, family ownership, and a nod to historic Montreal bagel culture, Myer’s Bagels is poised to become a beloved staple in Travelers Rest. Residents can look forward to enjoying wood‑fired bagels topped with classic sesame or poppy seeds, as well as a variety of spreads and sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients.
For updates on the grand opening and menu offerings, follow Myer’s Bagels on social media or stop by the Roe Center Court location once the ovens are fired up.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
