Just shy of Beach Bagels' first anniversary, owner Tony Di Norcia has purchased Ken’s Bagels at 5906 Oleander Drive. Ken’s owner Wendell Willey closed the restaurant recently after deciding not to renew the lease.

“This was an opportunity that just made sense for us,” Di Norcia said.

Di Norcia purchased the Beach Bagels at 7220 Wrightsville Ave. from Phil and Patty Santomassi last July. Although Di Norcia’s background was in the financial sector, he was looking for an opportunity to own an established business.

The menu at the new restaurant will be the same as the Wrightsville Avenue location, though Di Norcia says he will likely keep a few of the customer favorites from the Ken’s menu. He also plans to add some new items at both locations. While Beach Bagels is known for its bagels and sandwiches, Di Norica has added doughnuts and croissants to the menu as well as some new items such as spinach wraps and hummus.

Di Norcia is working now on plans to remodel the former Ken’s space, saying that new floors are needed throughout as well as some upgrades to the open kitchen and dining space. He hopes to add outdoor seating. The pace of the remodeling will determine the opening date.

“I’m hopeful that we can be open by summer’s end,” Di Norcia said. “But that may be being optimistic.”

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