Spielman Bagels Will Open in Old Jim & Patty's Space on NE Fremont

A bagel sandwich at Spielman Bagels, which will open in the old Jim & Patty's space on NE Fremont. — Spielman Bagels makes bagel sandwiches that are very popular. Photo credit: Spielman Bagels

Interesting news in light of the renaming of Spielman Bagels on SE Division as Ricky’s—indeed the old Jim & Patty’s on NE Fremont will become … a new Spielman Bagels location. I predicted it earlier this year and it’s satisfying to see that come true.

Spielmans Coming Soon

A reader last weekend sent us an email, stating, “There’s a ‘Spielmans Coming Soon’ sign in the window of the former Coffee People on NE Fremont!” Coffee People being Jim & Patty’s, which started out its life nearby at what is now Hi-Top.

I then reached out to the Spielman folks through their Contact page but I have not heard anything back.

Poached

However, they have a Poached ad up at this point, so plans are in motion to open at this NE Fremont location. They write that their target opening date is “later this month,” and while I could not find a date clearly marked on the ad, the source code indicates the ad was posted on October 2, 2026, valid through November 1, 2026, so later this month likely means October. However, October is winnowing down, though, so a November opening is possible.

Looking on the Spielman Bagel social media, at the writing of this article there is no indication of the NE Fremont cafe mentioned, and it is not on their website. That said, their website still references “Hours below reflect the COVID-19 changes,” which I found curious.

The ad is looking for a “Team Member” (barista) and that person will make drinks, sandwiches, keep the place clean, and likely other things that come up. They also want their team member to help create “a welcoming and fun environment for guests” and be customer-focused. All of this sounds reasonable.

I believe Spielman makes their bagels at their wholesale bakery for the various locations throughout Portland.

Jim & Patty’s

Jim & Patty’s closed in November 2024, after the titluar Jim had died. At that point they had been open for 22 years, and my calculations make that to be 2002, which seems like just yesterday. They opened back up in August 2025 under new management with Paul Ceserani. Then they closed again this past July.

If I’m being honest here, when they reopened in 2025, I felt they lost something—it was not the same. Call it a vibe, call it energy, call it mojo, but it was … different, and in a way where I was not compelled to return very often. I am wondering if others had a similar experience.

What Will Spielman Add to the Neighborhood?

First, it is a good thing to have a new tenant in this space. Empty storefronts are no bueno.

You can see what they offer at their cafes on their website; bagel flavors are here, schmears are here. They bring house-roasted coffee in drip, espresso, and cold brew formats. Hi-Top is across the street—a place where I am more often than not delighted by what they are offering on their menu (e.g., one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had)—has a great coffee program these days.

They also serve chai; Pip’s is not far, and they also serve chai.

As for bagels on NE Fremont, Spielman joins Bagel Land a bit up the street, as well as Red Hen Bagelry that pops up at Red Sauce Pizza. The Beaumont-Wilshire Bagel Club has been known to pop up at Paladins League, though I’m not sure how active they are right now.

Some would call this more choices; some would call this competition. YMMV.

I think the sandwiches will be a big hit in the neighborhood. I still miss getting Pig Newtons at this location.

All the best to the Spielman team as they get things going to open their doors to the Beaumont-Wilshire and Cully neighborhoods.

Spielman Bagels [projected opening October/November 2026]
4316 NE 38th Avenue, Portland
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