NORTHPORT— Spark Bagel, owned by Shawn Williams, is the latest addition in Northport for anyone looking for a sweet or savory breakfast treat.

The bagel shop recently opened to the public on Saturdays.

Although he said he is a big fan of the New York City-style bagel, having grown up in Long Island, his methods stray from the New York style because he makes his bagels with sourdough.

Instead of boiling them in barley malt the New York way, he boils his bagels in a honey water bath using local Swan's Honey, which seals the crust.

Sourcing as much as he can locally using Maine grains, whole wheat, and malted rye from Blue Ox Malthouse, Williams is committed to making a bagel that benefits Maine businesses as well.

"Using local ingredients has always been my focus as a cook," he said.

Williams, who has worked in kitchens his entire career, moved to several states before deciding to land in Maine in 2018.

Taking the leap from his last residence of Austin, Texas, to Northport, wasn't his only pivot. For the last few years, he has been making hand-rolled, honey-boiled sourdough bagels and selling them at farmers' markets, using that test market to springboard into his first brick-and-mortar business.

The small building, formerly Stone Brick Oven Kitchen at 681 Atlantic Highway (Route 1), is now finally renovated.

Until February 15, Spark will only be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon before their winter break. The grand opening launch is scheduled for mid-March with expanded days and hours.

Spark offers classic flavors of bagels at $2.50 each, including plain, sesame, everything, poppy, and onion. Their biggest seller, however, is fennel and sea salt.

The winter menu includes several classic breakfast sandwiches and lunch options, along with coffee, juice, and a variety of cream cheeses. 

"We've been serving these sandwiches at the Belfast Farmer's Market for the last three years, so we're building off that menu, but when we fully open, we'll have more sandwiches and more beverages," he said.

Additionally, Spark will offer focaccia and pastries.

To learn more about Spark Bagel visit: www.sparkbagel.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com