Kane Realty Corporation is thrilled to announce that Benchwarmers Bagels, the beloved local eatery known for its artisanal bagels and wood-fired pizzas, will open a new location at the North Hills Innovation District (NHID). Currently operating out of Transfer Co. Food Hall, Benchwarmers’ expansion to NHID follows the recent announcement of their upcoming location at Rockway. Both new locations will offer an expanded menu featuring bagels, sandwiches, and nightly pizzas, along with an enhanced beverage program and extended operating hours.
Founded by the talented culinary team behind Boulted Bread, Jubala Coffee, and Bright Spot Donuts, Benchwarmers Bagels has become a cornerstone of Raleigh’s vibrant food scene. Using locally milled organic flours, the dough undergoes a meticulous 36-hour fermentation process before being baked in a 10,000-pound wood-fired oven, resulting in bagels with exceptional texture and flavor. Benchwarmers’ playful menu masterfully blends unexpected flavors with nostalgic favorites, all rooted in Southern traditions.
Benchwarmers’ new location at NHID will be a freestanding retail space at the heart of the district, nestled along the new Hardimont Road extension at the base of Tower 5—North Hills’ newest office tower. Benchwarmers’ 2,800-square-foot building will offer sprawling outdoor seating with pedestrian connections to Makers Alley, Standard Beer + Food, and nearby offices and residences. This location will embrace NHID’s nature-focused setting and Greenway connections, providing easy access for North Hills’ residents, visitors, and workers.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to continue to feed our hometown,” said Sam Kirkpatrick, Co-founder of Benchwarmers Bagels.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Benchwarmers to the North Hills Innovation District and Rockway,” said Stacey Buescher, Managing Director of Operations at Kane Realty Corporation. “Their success in creating beloved local businesses aligns perfectly with our vision for vibrant, community-centered spaces. We take great pride in Benchwarmers choosing to partner with Kane Realty on not just one, but two significant projects. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to fostering growth and bringing unique, high-quality experiences to Raleigh. We look forward to the positive impact their presence will have on these districts.”
Benchwarmers plans to open its NHID store in the months following the opening of the Rockway location.