Frankly Bagels, the Adelaide bagel shop that has developed a devoted following since opening in Prospect in 2020, is set to open its third location in Kent Town early September.
The new store at 2-4 King William Street will bring Frankly’s freshly baked bagels, coffee, smoothies and monthly specials to a precinct that has seen significant change in recent years, with a growing mix of offices, apartments and local businesses including neighbouring gym Level Eleven.
Designed as a takeaway-focused venue, the Kent Town store will suit the daily routines of nearby workers, residents and commuters looking for a quick bite. Outdoor seating will give customers the option to slow down and enjoy their bagel on site.
“Kent Town has such a great mix of people who live nearby, work in the area or pass through on their way into the city,” co-owner Christie Wilkinson said. “It felt like a natural place for Frankly to become part of people’s everyday routine.”
What’s on the menu
The menu will feature Frankly favourites including the #3 Smoked Salmon and #6 Chimichurri Chicken, alongside several options created specifically for Kent Town: the BLAT, Cubano, and Pesto Chicken & Avocado. Smoothies will also join the lineup, alongside ST. ALi espresso, specialty cold foam drinks and housemade cookies.
All bagels are baked fresh each morning at the Norwood store, where customers can watch the bakers at work through a glass wall before the day’s batch is delivered to Kent Town and Prospect.
“If you come in at 8am, you’re getting bagels that have been baked that morning. I don’t know anywhere else in this immediate Adelaide area where you can get that,” Wilkinson said.
A design for Kent Town
Studio Nine Architects designed the space to reflect the surrounding neighbourhood, continuing Frankly’s approach of creating individual stores rather than identical locations.
“Being on the city fringe, we wanted this store to feel a little more urban and confident,” Principal Jaana Bithell said. “Kent Town has a great mix of established neighbourhood character and a creative, commercial community, so the design could be a little sharper and more polished while still keeping the warmth and personality that feels very Frankly.”
Stacey Evreniadis from Otello, developer of the building, said independent operators like Frankly are an important part of creating the character and street life that will encourage people to spend more time in the changing precinct.
From three staff to thirty
Christie Wilkinson and co-owner Jack Crichton spent years working in hospitality before opening their first store, inspired by the bagel culture they had experienced across Europe. What started with just three staff in Prospect now employs 30 people across two locations and produces around 7,000 bagels a week.
“When we opened Prospect, I thought we would have this beautiful little café that became a hub for the local community,” Wilkinson said. “We never imagined it would become as popular as it has or grow into three locations.”
A fourth store is already in the works. “What we’ve realised is that we can replicate that feeling across different hubs. There are so many little communities across Adelaide that are crying out for a bagel shop or a new venue.”
Frankly Bagels Kent Town opens at 2-4 King William Street, Kent Town, in early September.
Follow @frankly.bagels on Instagram for the official opening date.
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