Jacob Slaton
Trevor and Myles started baking bread during the COVID-19 lockdown, and started selling their homemade bagels at Bernice Garden’s Farmers Market.

Chef and co-owner (Trevor); Co-owner and operator (Myles) of The Bagel Shop
Moved from: Portland, Maine (Trevor) and Little Rock (Myles) | Neighborhood: Soma

Trevor Papsadora and Myles Roberson first crossed paths dancing on cobblestone streets in Portland, Maine’s Old Port. From different origins—Trevor, originally from central Maine, moved to Portland as an adult, while Myles, hailing from Little Rock, relocated to Main in 2013—they’ve been inseparable ever since their fortuitous meeting. Eventually, the two found their way to Myles hometown, settled into a home in MacArthur Park, and began carving out a life for themselves—and serving up scrumptious bagels for the community. 

"We fell in love with the Downtown community. There’s such a supportive energy in SoMa, where we uplift one another, without a scarcity mindset or competitiveness that can be so common in business."
– TREVOR

“We moved to experience something different and challenge ourselves,” Trevor said. “We didn’t start our business until we had lived here for two years. We moved Downtown and got to know our neighbors and other local business owners. We fell in love with the Downtown community. There’s such a supportive energy in SoMa, where we uplift one another, without a scarcity mindset or competitiveness that can be so common in business.”

Trevor and Myles first found their community in SoMa at the Bernice Garden Farmers Market when they started selling their bagels every Sunday morning. When COVID-19 had everyone in lockdown, they decided to spend all their time at home baking and mastering their skills. Everything they make is hand-rolled and homemade—not to mention, made with love. Word got around fast, and they were invited to pop-up shops across town. In 2023, they opened their brick-and-mortar in SoMa and lined the street with faithful Little Rock customers on opening day. 

“I love how laid back Arkansas is,” Trevor said. “Even though our shop is bustling with people in and out all weekend, there is an energy that feels so relaxed. Coming from the East Coast, things can move quickly. Arkansans slow it down and take their time.” 

When they aren’t making bagels from scratch, Trevor and Myles can be found walking their rescue dogs through MacArthur Park and taking a stroll through the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. 

“Little Rock is such a sprawling little city surrounded by beautiful woods and rivers to adventure through,” Trevor said. “At first glance, it feels like you’re in this suburban bubble, but a quick drive can take you to some peaceful places.”

Opening their shop in the historic SoMa neighborhood has been a treasured part of their first year in business. They adore the historic buildings and homes and enjoy the rich history of Little Rock. They’ve formed a tight-knit community with the small business owners of the neighborhood and have developed special friendships while living and working in Little Rock. 

“The sweetest surprise has been how diverse and welcoming the Downtown community is,” Trevor said. “We’re proud to be a part of such a vibrant and rich community.”

Jacob Slaton
Every bagel and pastry made at The Bagel Shop is hand-rolled and made from scratch. The Bagel Shop is the perfect breakfast and lunch hot spot for locals!

INSIDE SCOOP

Beloved Local Businesses: Pettaway Coffee; Blue Water Barber + Supply; El Sur Street Food Co.; Paper Hearts Bookstore; BCW LR; Sterling Market; Loblolly Creamery; Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts