Odd Inge and Vernie Sandbekkhaug have no experience in running a bakery.

Today the couple opens “Nabolaget Bagelri” in Bakklandet – a bakery specializing in bagels.

Trained baker

They met while university students in Canada, where Vernie is from. They eventually moved to Dallas, USA, where they raised three children.

When the children grew up, they discovered that they would have to return to live in Odd Inge’s hometown of Trondheim.

– I have always been interested in baking and trained in it, so I have cooked a lot in various cafes and bakeries here in town, says Vernie.

Failed bagels

They have lived here since 2019. The idea of ​​starting their own business arose.

– I grew up in the 70s and missed a place in the city where people could feel nostalgia and feel at home. Personally, I associate bagels with childhood and college. I have many fond memories of a fresh bagel.

She doesn’t describe herself as a bagel “expert,” but she’s practiced the recipe a lot in recent years. It will also continue to develop.

Only baker

Vernie is the one responsible for the pastry at Bagelriet. She prepares fresh dishes for the opening every day.

Until then, they are open Tuesday through Sunday.

– There may eventually be a greater choice and longer opening hours, but you have to look at demand.

New store opening in Midtbyen: – Very excited

Something new

Odd Inge has a business background having helped start Infiniwell, which creates digital solutions within healthcare services. The bakery looks like something completely different.

– Here we had to renovate, design, sign agreements, plan and create something “ours” in a completely different way. It is more convenient”.

– Do you think there is a demand for bagels here in Bakklandet?

– That remains to be seen. But yesterday we had our first “soft opening” day with customers, then we were sold out, he said.

– You almost only have to look at the interests. At least it gives a good impression that there are already so many people passing through, adds Vernie.

Former café premises

The premises of Nedre Bakklandet have been empty of customers since the closure of Kafé Soil in December 2020. Since then, they have been mainly used as an office.

Bagelriet was born somewhat spontaneously when Vernie saw that the premises could be rented on Finn.no.

– I have always been happy in Bakklandet. Every time I went to Trondheim for a visit, I enjoyed going there. We just did it. Everything happened very quickly, she said.

Opening of a new bakery in Trondheim: – Will be a meeting place

Manual work

Odd Inge says they renovated almost the entire room. They designed the kitchen and common areas themselves with help from family and friends.

– At first I was skeptical about how it would turn out, but so far there has been a very positive response, says Vernie.

The bakery has an official opening day on Tuesday, October 3.

A 25-year-old at the head of a Michelin restaurant: – Good with “hungry” employees