NEW YORK — The 7th edition of BagelFest is quickly approaching — set for Nov. 15 — and the celebration is expected to bring together more than 25 acclaimed bagel makers across the US for a day of friendly competition and industry awareness. Prior to the event, BagelFest announced this year’s batch of judges.
“The BagelFest judges hold a critical responsibility,” said Sam Silverman, founder of BagelFest. “Winning a top BagelFest award has elevated neighborhood shops into the national culinary spotlight. PopUp Bagels went on to a $300 million valuation, and Starship Bagel became a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Bakery. It’s permanently altered the trajectories of countless businesses, and the lives of the employees and families behind them.”
The lineup of expert judges brings together acclaimed voices from food journalism, restaurants, culinary culture and digital media, with competition categories including Best Bagel, Schmear of the Year, Most Creative and Best Showmanship.
Check out the experts who will be judging BagelFest 2026:
— Joan Nathan
— Jake Cohen
— Ethan Zohn
— Chef Einat Admony
— Darra Goldstein
— Gabriella Gershenson
— Leah Koenig
— Jeremy Jacobowitz
— Liz Alpern
— Jeffrey Yoskowitz
— Shannon Sarna
— Reva Castillenti
— Ben Gollan
— Dara Pollack
— Tara Cox
— Chrissy Traore
— Ryan Garson
For more information and to purchase tickets for the event, visit the BagelFest website.
