Lil’s Bagels is a spunky little bagel shop with a whole lot of chutzpah in Covington. Nestled beside Roebling Point Books, visitors order their bagels through a walk-up window (windough) along with sandwiches, salads and sweets.
Lil’s was born when shop owner Julia Keister moved to Covington from NYC and was on the search for a good bagel. After struggling to find one up to her standards, she decided to make her own and began selling them at various farmers markets and coffee shops before opening up the Lil’s walk-up windough.
But after several years, the bagelry is planning to grow its business by opening up an indoor space with an expanded deli, bar and seating for guests. Being a totally independently owned business, the shop needs support from the community in order to take this next step.
“Through this expansion, Lil’s will be able to fully realize its mission to become a full deli, a diverse and inclusive space, and a community anchor,” Keister writes about the fundraising aims. “We have only gotten this far because of all of you, and ask that you please help us take the next step by donating as little or as much as you can.”
The shop has started an Indiegogo account where those who want to contribute will receive various perks based on the size of their donation. For example, $10 will get you a bagel and shmear for you and a friend, plus an exclusive Lil’s sticker; donate $50 and you’ll get a $75 gift card and sticker; $1000 will get you a free sandwich once a week for life — and a picture of your Bubbe (grandmother in Yiddish) on the wall at Lil’s.
On the site, Lil’s Bagels explains where the money will go. Items include tables and chairs, a commercial toaster and fridges, decor, lighting and more.
“You’ve made Lil’s bigger, badder and hawter than we ever imagined. Thanks for getting us here… we hope you will help us open the door to our next adventure,” Keister concludes on the Indiegogo page.
As of Dec. 18, there are still 17 days to donate, with $19,874 left to reach their goal of $30,000. If you’d like to contribute, visit their donation page.
Lil’s Bagels, 308 Greenup St., Covington.
This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2019.