Brittany Erwin: More Than the Bagels

Local Q&A

By Like Media Team

Brittany Erwin leads B's Bagels & Butters, the Gig Harbor shop where weekend lines stretch down the block. What she has built reaches past the counter. She mentors other business owners, gives local makers a place to sell, and turns menu items into fundraisers. Ask around, and the bagels come up second. What people mention first is how she shows up.

Q. Before opening B's, you cooked for combat veterans and first responders through the Permission To Start Dreaming (PTSD) Foundation. How did that experience shape the way you lead B's today?

A. My work with the PTSD Foundation was deeply personal. In 2019, an amazing friend lost his battle with PTSD. Jared started as an employee of mine at Cooks' Tavern and became a huge part of my life. He taught me so much about being a leader, about meeting people where they are, through advice he had given as a sergeant in the Army. Losing him pushed me to leave a toxic industry. I left with no direction and focused on therapy for my own PTSD. An old friend then asked me to help the Foundation with my experience as a chef and my law enforcement ties. It felt like fate, and a way to honor Jared. I worked with them for 14 programs, and every group of students broke and healed my heart all over again. That time introduced me to my would-be landlords, and B's would not exist without it.

Q. When did you first realize B's had become more than a place to grab a meal? Was there a particular moment that made it clear?

A. This may sound silly, but it really hit me around year one, when people returned for the holidays. We had become more than food. We had become tradition. Knowing the bagels I made would be on their Easter, Christmas, Bar Mitzvah, or wedding table meant so much to me. The food I serve is a part of me, and celebrating alongside so many families is heartwarming.

Q. Walk us through how the retail section works, from the local makers on the shelves to the artists you give wall space to.

A. The retail section started from my love of travel. It frustrated me to find souvenirs mass-produced and shipped around the world. No gift is more special than something made by hand. I imagined how hard it must be for makers to base their livelihoods on one market each week. We sign consignment agreements with artists, so they can sell without us fronting the cost. It supports them and gives travelers to Gig Harbor a real souvenir.

Q. How did the Honeyball Shaken Espresso partnership for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month come together?

A. Brady Lucas reached out to me last year about his journey and his book. We started by displaying his book on our retail shelves. When he shared his plans to raise money for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we were happy to partner with him. I wanted to create not only a yummy drink but also something meaningful, so I designed it after the Honeyball game from his book. We love helping causes here, and it means even more when it's collaborative.

Q. When another Gig Harbor business owner needs a hand, what does that actually look like coming from you?

A. I try hard to support other businesses in Gig Harbor. I love being part of the waterfront alliance, having regular conversations with other owners about how we can support each other. What I enjoy most is mentoring people starting out. April at Ties That Bind gift shop came to me wanting to run a giveaway. She left with a full marketing lesson, new social media pages, and a new friendship.

Q. What inspired the discount you offer military members and first responders?

A. My husband is a first responder, and I have a personal connection to people in the military. I believe people who choose such selfless careers should be recognized for it.

Q. Gig Harbor embraced B's early on. How do you hope to keep showing up for Gig Harbor?

A. Gig Harbor has welcomed me and B's beyond anything I imagined. Small businesses are constantly asked for financial help, and it is hard not to say yes to everyone. We support the causes dear to us, especially those for our youth, and we will keep doing so wherever we can. We also look forward to staying a welcoming space where people spend time with friends and family.

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