Tom Selementi Covers the Spread at Philly’s Bagel Icon

Tom Selementi Steps In as CEO of Spread Bagelry

Philadelphia’s bagel scene just got a serious upgrade. With the appointment of Tom Selementi as CEO, Spread Bagelry is entering a new chapter—one that blends the warmth of artisan craft with the precision of operational excellence. Known citywide for its Montreal-style bagels—kettle-boiled in honey water, then wood-fired to perfection—Spread has long been a staple for breakfast lovers. Now, with Selementi at the helm, the Philly-born brand is poised to grow beyond the region and become a powerhouse on the East Coast.

Selementi’s story is tailor-made for the industry: from washing dishes in a Jewish bakery to mastering the craft of bagel-making by hand, he’s lived every inch of the business. His journey from back-of-house grit to executive leadership has made him a rare blend of culinary romantic and operational realist. Most recently, he led national recovery efforts at Le Pain Quotidien and The Little Beet, and helped scale Bluestone Lane across 22 new locations. Now, he brings that growth-minded leadership to Spread Bagelry—with Philly as ground zero.

Tom Selementi Sets the Tone for Elevated Hospitality

Since stepping in, Tom Selementi has dialed in operations at Spread Bagelry, starting with earlier open hours at 6:00 a.m., enhanced dine-in and to-go systems, and improved digital ordering for a faster, smoother pickup. Each store now operates under the watch of a dedicated General Manager, ensuring hands-on accountability and community-focused service.

Selementi is expanding the brand’s appeal with family-friendly additions—think kids’ apple juice, milk, and chocolate milk—and smart local partnerships, like the new Rival Bros coffee collaboration and a fall sandwich special with Philly’s own Chef Omar Tate of Honeysuckle. It’s Philly flavor with a hospitality backbone—and guests are already noticing the difference.

Tom Selementi’s Vision: East Coast Expansion with Philly Roots

Under Tom Selementi’s leadership, Spread Bagelry is on a mission to become the premier East Coast bagel brand. Following the recent opening in Savannah and an Atlanta location slated for November, Selementi is setting the stage for a regional hub in the Southeast. The long-term vision? 35 to 40 locations over the next five years, anchored by the same wood-fired craft and neighborly spirit that made Spread a Philly favorite.

Still, Selementi insists on honoring the brand’s roots. “We’re building an elevated bagel experience at scale without cutting corners on craft,” he says. That means preserving Spread’s signature process—kettle-boiled, honey water-dipped, real wood-fired baking—while refining every detail of the customer journey, from that first morning rush to the last sandwich at lunch.

“Spread has all the ingredients to become a household name,” Selementi said. “The food is exceptional, the brand has heart, and the team is eager to grow. Together, we’re going to define what a modern bagel shop can be.”

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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