Brittany Erwin of B’s Bagels & Butters: From Bagel Desert to Bagel Destination
If you’ve ever spent time in Washington and craved a good bagel, you might have faced a surprising challenge. Brittany Erwin, owner of B’s Bagels and Butters, experienced this bagel desert first-hand upon moving to Gig Harbor in 2016. With only one shop in a 50-mile radius (which closed before the pandemic), Brittany spotted an opportunity.
B’s Bagels & Butters launched in March 2023, and almost instantly, the response from the tight-knit Gig Harbor community was overwhelming. Locals rallied around the new bagel spot, eager for options beyond chain-store imitations. “They really all just jumped on board and helped us out immediately,” Brittany said, marveling at the supportive culture of her small town.
Brittany joined Bagel Ambassador Sam Silverman on BagelFest’s Bagel Buzz Instagram Live series to discuss her leap of faith-turned-local sensation.
Culinary Roots
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Though Brittany brought an impressive resume as a chef in Tacoma and training from culinary school, professional bagel baking was a fresh territory. She started out experimenting from her own kitchen, testing recipes through pop-ups and holiday events, and working with caterers to gauge the market and build repetition.
Originally, Brittany considered a slow, grassroots climb via farmers’ markets, but legal kitchen rentals and logistics pushed her into securing her own space sooner than planned. “It was kind of all or nothing at that point,” she explained, underscoring the challenges unique to food startups. That commitment set the stage for B’s Bagels’ explosive growth.
The Science (and Art) of Bagel Baking
As many chefs who pivot to baking discover, the science behind dough is a world of its own. Brittany admitted she underestimated the complexity: “I went in strong-willed that I was not going to be into the science… and that backfired really fast.” But she quickly learned that consistency is everything, especially as the business scaled up.
Upgrading from a 20-quart to a 60-quart mixer, tweaking recipes to match the effects of new equipment, troubleshooting weather-sensitive dough, and retraining staff became ongoing challenges—with slim margins for error. Today, B’s Bagels makes up to 1100 bagels daily on weekends, often selling out, thanks in no small part to their commitment to learning and adapting.
The Butters
One of B’s Bagels & Butters’ unique calling cards is right in its name—the butters. While cream cheese remains core, Brittany’s chef-driven compendium of compound butters, from marionberry citrus to candied pecan for autumn, sets her shop apart. Customers can not only top their bagels but also take butters home for other recipes, a move inspired by years of culinary experimentation and feedback. The marionberry citrus butter, paired with a French toast bagel for a Monte Cristo sandwich, stands out as a favorite example of local flavor innovation.
Looking Ahead
Asked what truly makes great bagels, Brittany dismissed the myth that “it’s the water,” asserting instead, “it’s the workers.” The collaborative spirit between her bakers, staff, and herself has propelled B’s Bagels forward through recipe missteps, supply-chain headaches (like flying in the right flour for competitions), and the daily grind. Each obstacle became a learning opportunity, fueling a culture of relentless improvement and adaptation.
As the Pacific Northwest’s bagel scene continues to gain steam, Brittany’s story is proof that community, craft, and a willingness to learn can turn a culinary desert into a destination. And for those wondering: yes, you can try her creations coast-to-coast, with B’s Bagels & Butters featured at events like New York BagelFest.
Whether you’re a breadhead, a small business dreamer, or simply searching for the perfect schmear, B’s Bagels & Butters offers freshly baked proof that bagel excellence is about people, passion, and a little culinary chemistry. If you haven’t yet, Gig Harbor might just be your next stop—bagel (and butter) in hand.
Check out B’s Bagels’ website and Instagram.
The Bagel Buzz is presented by Sauce — the pickup and delivery network built for restaurants, helping them keep more of every online order and strengthen their customer relationships. Try it free for six months with the code BAGELBUZZ25.
Catch more Bagel Buzz conversations on Instagram @bagelfest