Yero Rudzinskas of Baltik’s Bagel: Richmond’s Breakout Hit
Just a year since opening its doors, Baltik’s Bagel in Richmond, Virginia has transformed from an unknown upstart to a local favorite, boasting lines out the door and energizing a new wave of bagel lovers in the region. But behind the accolades—including being named "Best New Restaurant in Richmond"—is a story about grit, family, and saying no to the status quo. Chef and founder Yero Rudzinskas joined Sam Silverman on BagelFest’s Bagel Buzz Instagram Live series to share about his journey, innovative twists, and the passionate community behind Richmond’s best new restaurant.
From Michelin Kitchens to Bagel Pioneering
Sam and Yero share a unique bond in their journey from finance and tech to bagel devotion. For Yero, the culinary seed was planted early. His father managed high-end restaurants in San Francisco, and after trying on school, he dove headfirst into the world of fine dining. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he refined his skills in legendary Michelin-starred venues, learning from giants like Danny Meyer.
But as Yero described, the demanding lifestyle and desire for a new challenge shifted his focus. “I don’t think I want to be cracking it out on the line until 3am every holiday,” he admitted. The analytical skills from finance paired with a hunger for meaningful impact led him back to food—but this time, he wanted to build something his own way.
Why Bagels, and Why Richmond?
Bagels weren’t just a market opportunity for Yero; they were an emotional connection, a food deeply tied to childhood memories and family traditions. Yet, when he searched for a great bagel in Richmond, he found the options lacking. Too few, not the right style, and not enough passion. His solution? Skip the farmer’s market slow build and open a full-service shop with a drive-thru, betting everything.
That risk paid off. One year in, Baltik’s Bagel regularly sells thousands of bagels each weekend. The shop’s growth, propelled by infectious enthusiasm and a tight-knit staff, reflects the spirit of building “emotional connective tissue” with customers, many of whom show up skeptical (“I’m from New York, there’s nothing good in Richmond”) and leave as converts, often returning for more.
Sundays Off: A Principle Over Profits
Perhaps Baltik’s’ most controversial operational choice is closing on Sundays, which is a rarity in the food world. Yero believes in balancing hard work with staff well-being, stating, “If I could offer a Sunday off to my people, I could get great people, even if it’s early in the morning.” This discipline, woven into the business, serves as a guiding principle and signals that Baltik’s won’t compromise, not on Sundays, not on quality, not on experience.
Meet the “Softy” Bagel
Not one to settle for tradition alone, Yero also spoke about Baltik’s’ unique offering, the “Softy” Bagel. After months of experimenting, including unprompted bagel drops at local hospitals for feedback, Baltik’s landed on a product with a softer, cloud-like interior and eggshell crust, perfect for breakfast sandwiches with soft scrambled eggs. This twist isn’t gimmicky, it’s a thoughtful solution to a real problem (messy sandwiches), achieved by altering proofing and boiling techniques. The Softy has caught on with Richmond locals, with customers ordering by the dozen.
Heritage, Hospitality, and Heart
While the shop’s branding hints at Baltic and Lithuanian roots, Yero shares that the real heritage at Baltik’s is found in how love and hospitality are expressed: “The way that we’ve always shown love is with sarcasm and with food.” The shop radiates warmth and excitement, driven by staff and customers alike. It’s the kind of place where a fourth-grader’s hand-delivered note inspires change, and where regulars feel like family.
Baltik’s Bagel’s success is a testament to people, community, and unyielding passion. In carving out a new standard for Richmond, Yero and his crew have shown what happens when you mix tradition with personal vision. Fresh off a debut at BagelFest where they were awarded People’s Choice champions, one thing is clear: Great bagels are just the beginning.
Check out Baltik’s Bagel’s website and Instagram.
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Catch more Bagel Buzz conversations on Instagram @bagelfest