Lokel Bagel and Coffee Company is taking shape at Kings Highway and West Tomlin Station Road in Mickleton, and the new business is now hiring as it targets a mid-November soft opening.
The all-new 1,536-square-foot building features an enclosed, two-story bagel and coffee shop on the left, with open-air casual dining areas on the right at both the lower and upper levels.
42Freeway first covered the start of construction back in March. When I visited on October 5th, I was excited to see how far the beautifully designed building had progressed.
I recently exchanged emails with General Manager Jen, who said the team is excited to bring a modern, hand-rolled bagel bakery and espresso bar to East Greenwich and the surrounding communities.
At the time, Jen shared that they were aiming for a mid-November soft opening and expected to post job opportunities soon.
Well, just yesterday, Lokel’s social media channels announced that hiring is underway for full- and part-time positions! That’s another encouraging step as they work toward their opening target.
The hiring announcement lists three groupings of positions: shift leads, line cooks and bakers, and baristas and cashiers. (Facebook)
Qualifications include exceptional hospitality skills, strong multitasking and communication skills, and a desire to help build a new bagel brand within the community. Previous experience in a fast-casual restaurant is preferred.
The post explains that an online application is being developed. Anyone interested in applying now can email Jen at [email protected] , and she will send the updated online application.
Earlier this week, the business also highlighted its new roadside sign. The sign and building carry a rustic, woodsy feel that fits nicely into the surrounding neighborhood.
Looking at the standing building, it very closely represents the architectural renderings, particularly with the right-side two level outdoor dining area with large floor to ceiling openings.
The enclosed, two-story portion on the left had its windows installed when I visited. I didn’t walk onto the property or inspect the interior, so I can’t confirm how far along the inside work is.
What makes this location particularly interesting is the mix of development around it.
This stretch of Gloucester County still has a very rural appearance. Based on my own look at Google Maps, I’d estimate the immediate surrounding area is roughly 60% farmland and 40% housing developments.
But that rural setting doesn’t tell the full story of the potential customer base nearby.
Just southwest along Kings Highway, a very large housing development is already underway next to Kingsway Regional High School. Swedesboro is only about two and a half miles away.
Head west on Route 322, and the landscape transitions into the warehouse district approaching Interstate 295.
So while Lokel sits in a setting that still feels very much like rural Gloucester County, there are established neighborhoods, new homes and a significant employment area within a short drive.
With the building taking shape, the roadside sign installed and hiring underway, now is a good time to follow Lokel’s social media channels. I’ll be watching for updates on the targeted mid-November soft opening, along with previews of what customers can expect from the new bagel bakery and espresso bar.
Links and Location
Lokel Bagel & Coffee Co – Opens November. Now Hiring!
782 Kings Highway
Mickleton NJ
Email at: [email protected]
