Known for its authentic New York bagels, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is kicking off the New Year with an official announcement of plans for further expansion in South Florida, including the “Brooklynization” of Coral Springs and Downtown Fort Lauderdale in 2015.

Founded in Delray Beach, Florida, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. currently has 20 locations nationwide, 10 of which are located throughout South Florida. The addition of two new restaurants in Coral Springs and Downtown Fort Lauderdale will officially mark three locations for the company in Broward County. The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. already calls Hollywood home.

“As a brand with strong roots in South Florida, we are thrilled to strengthen our presence in Broward County,” says Mike Welch, Chief Operating Officer at The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.® “We look forward to bringing our artisan-baked bagels and the perfect cups of fresh, high-quality artisan-roasted coffee to the diverse and vibrant communities within this area and playing an integral role in the lives of those who live, work, and play here.”

Both restaurants are scheduled to open this spring and will feature new store designs, products, and services. Although there will be new elements to these upcoming restaurants, guests will still feel as if they were transported to Brooklyn, New York, as they do in the company’s current locations. The restaurant in Coral Springs will be located at 2554 N. University Dr., while the restaurant in Downtown Fort Lauderdale will be situated at 601 SE 3rd Ave. These new locations signal only the beginning of The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.’s expansion plans for 2015 to continue its development of additional franchises and company-owned locations at both a local and national level.  

In addition to expanding its presence in South Florida this year, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is welcoming Andy Abbajay as a new member of its executive team. Abbajay will lead the company’s growth in franchising, development, and supply chain management. He will also provide a leadership and management role in the franchise and company operations in the areas of systems, process, and restaurant efficiencies. Abbajay brings over 10 years of experience in executive operations and development in company and franchise-operated restaurants and brands. He is the former Chief Operating Officer of Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, a fast casual restaurant chain with over 470 locations, and previously held senior operations and development positions with several well-known restaurant franchises, such as Sbarro, Quiznos, and Arby’s.