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Grab-and-go bagels are on deck at last as the Detroit Institute of Bagels returns to regular operations Thursday through Sunday — this time at 4884 Grand River Ave. in Core City. The shop now occupies the space that formerly housed Astro Coffee’s relatively short-lived second location and Ochre Bakery, both of which shuttered in May 2022.
The new DiBs location quietly opened its doors on Thursday, February 16, following a months-long renovation of the space, which now sports a fresh new aesthetic, including murals depicting a bagel mascot that gives old school skater vibes. The space is currently only open for pickup in its “DiB N’ Go” area, where customers can order bagels a la carte or by the half dozen packed in cubes, a variety of schmears, coffee, sandwiches, and bottled beverages.
Over the next few weeks, owner Ben Newman will continue training a new crew before unveiling a more expanded dining space, where guests will be able to enjoy house-made brisket, pastrami, matzo ball soup, loaves of rye and challah, cold salads, and other traditional Jewish nosh.
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The Detroit Institute of Bagels closed in fall 2020, following ongoing struggles to adjust to the realities of the pandemic and plans for a $1 million-plus expansion of its space on Michigan Avenue in Corktown (now occupied by James Oliver Coffee) fell apart.
Newman told Eater in October 2022 that Dibs would be making a comeback in the former Ochre Bakery space — which faces an outdoor plaza and the critically-acclaimed Barda. He said that part of his plan going forward will be to emphasize catering option to corporate clients interested in offering fresh bagels and coffee to their employees.
