Honey Seed will be opening at 1705 Market St. in mid-November. Authentic, made-from scratch dough is at the heart of Honey Seed’s menu for hand-rolled, Montréal-style bagels and woodfired, thin-crust pizzas. The upscale, fast-casual restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day serving breakfast and brunch all day (until 9 p.m.) and woodfired pizzas after 4 p.m.
Construction began on the historic Atlas Auto Glass space in June and features an open kitchen designed to showcase the unique bagel-making process and a large patio connecting to the main dining area by two large garage doors.
Honey Seed’s bagels are authentically made just as they have been in Montréal for generations. The pizza dough is made with 00 flour, which is the finest milled flour, and San Marzano tomatoes are used for the pizza sauce. Both are baked in a woodfired oven. Montréal-style bagels are hand-rolled, honey boiled, seeded, and then placed on wood planks into the oven, right in front of the guest.
In addition to bagels and pizza, Honey Seed will offer a full brunch menu, bagel sandwiches, paninis, fresh-made salads, and a large variety of vegetarian and vegan options. A full coffee menu and a great selection of local beers, wines, and craft cocktails will be served as well. Catering and carry-out options will also be available.
Owner Robert Werk grew up in Montréal and has wanted to bring Montréal-style bagels to Chattanooga for some time. He is also the former chief operating officer of Chattanooga-based Craftworks Restaurants & Breweries and Square One, owners of STIR and State of Confusion.
Chef Erick Wood has been executive chef at Ruth’s Chris, Big River, and the Lookout Mountain Club before joining the Honey Seed Team. This past summer, Erick and Robert were in Montréal learning the specific process of baking Montréal-style bagels.
General Manager Don Lyle has 38 years experience in the restaurant business. Most recently, he was general manager at STIR.
“I couldn't be more excited to develop a new restaurant team with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences, with the highest quality service in a great atmosphere with an amazing menu and beverage offerings,” said Mr. Lyle. “The culture we create sustains our employees and carries over to our guests, and it's very rewarding. Chattanooga is absolutely going to love Honey Seed.”
The restaurant will be hiring approximately 55 new employees starting on Monday. Bakers, line cooks, bartenders, baristas, cashiers and server assistants will be needed. Those interested in a position can get additional information at honeyseedchatt.com/hire-me.