09.11.2024

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🥯 Nice and toasty

Behind the scenes: Seattle’s Mediterranean-inspired bagel + coffee shop Toasted. recently opened

This bagel smorgasbord includes Toasted.'s pear cinnamon, lox, “Smoked Cado,” and date + labneh bagels — all delicious. | Photo by SEAtoday

Creating a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired bagel was the first item on two University of Washington classmates’ to-do list. The second was building a business model that avoids typical industry woes like food waste and labor mismanagement. How? AI, of course.

We’re introducing you to Toasted., a new bagel + coffee shop by local duo Jaafar Altameemi and Murat Akyuz. Recently opened in the U District, Toasted. is blending quality bites, emerging tech, and third places into a single concept.

Let’s talk about it.

Toasted creators Jaafar Altameemi and Murat Akyuz sit shoulder to shoulder in front of a painted mosaic of blue and yellow geometrical patterns. They're both casually dressed and smiling. — Toasted. creators Jaafar Altameemi and Murat Akyuz have been good buds since their college days at UW.
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Photo by SEAtoday

💡 The bright (bagel) idea

The idea for a bagel shop first came to Altameemi during a post-high school graduation trip to New York City (those NYC bagels truly hit different). But that dream was just a dream until his stint at UW — after several entrepreneurship classes, Altameemi started seeing ways to make that dream a reality.

It wasn’t long until Altameemi and Akuyz crossed paths in those very classes, and something just clicked. Their shared desire to create a comfortable and communal space for Seattleites paved the way for the duo’s future biz partnership. The home-like community atmosphere was a pivotal attribute in their eyes.

“It gives [Toasted.] that same feeling if my parents were to invite you or anybody to our house for dinner,” Akuyz said. “They wouldn’t be eating until you are for sure set, your plate looks good, you’re happy, and everything tastes good.”

Okay, enough beating around the bagel. Let’s get into the crunchy, good stuff.
The menu’s creative approach to traditional Mediterranean + Middle Eastern flavors was a labor of love. The Toasted. duo spent many late nights workshopping unlikely taste combos — like dates, labneh, and olive oil — to discover unique balances that now make up the menu. Plenty of fresh thyme, lemon zest, and spices transport bagel biters across land and sea.

As for drinks, Altameemi + Akuyz use traditional Turkish coffee and will soon introduce a new chai blend — another labor of love.

Let's talk tech

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Dry Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 7-8 p.m. | Cheeky & Dry Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop | $50 | Learn how to elevate your mocktails using Amethyst’s non-alcoholic spirits as a base.
Guided Cold Plunge and Sauna | Wednesday, Sept. 11 + Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 8 p.m. | Space BAR Wellness, West Seattle | $65 | Take a leap — or plunge — of faith with seasoned experts.

Thursday, Sept. 12

“Titanish” | Thursday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | Seattle Public Theater | $10+ | Nothing could come between them... except a really big door — this musical parody of “Titanic” won the 2022 Broadway World Critic’s Choice Award for best new musical.

Friday, Sept. 13

Joseph Henry “T Bone” Burnett | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Washington Hall | $45+ | This record producer, guitarist, and songwriter was in Bob Dylan’s band during the ‘70s and won several Grammy Awards for his iconic work on film soundtracks.
When Chai Met Toast | Friday, Sept. 13 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | Substation | $25+ | Get ready to experience this India-based band’s mix of indie folk and alternative rock featuring multilingual lyrics.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Eastside Made Pop-up Market | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Kirkland City Hall | Free | Over 30 unique vendors from 10 Eastside cities are showcasing their handmade and locally grown wares.
2024 Boeing Apple Cup | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 12:30 p.m. | Lumen Field | $90+ | For over a century, the Dawgs + Cougs have rivaled on the football field in a great display of Washington State pride — who’s gonna bring home the bacon this year?

Sunday, Sept. 15

September Bird Outing | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Marymoor Park, Parking Lot G, Redmond | Free | Led by the Feminist Bird Club, this event takes you along the scenic trails to a Lake Sammamish overlook.
Naked Yoga and Pilates | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 10-11:30 a.m. | AETHER Art Studio | $30 | Join in on a combination of vinyasa yoga and pilates — and yes, nudity is mandatory.

Monday, Sept. 16

Baby Blossoms | Monday, Sept. 16 | 9:30-10:15 a.m. | Seattle Children’s Museum | $95+ | The curriculum for this class is geared toward kids age 6-18 months, aimed at piquing curiosity and fostering independent discoveries.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

A Redmond extended-stay hotel recently sold for 29% less than it was last sold for in 2014. The six-story, 180-room Residence Inn near Redmond Town Center was purchased by an unnamed California-based buyer for $34 million. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Today Is

September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. In commemoration, the Veterans Administration will host a remembrance event at National Cemeteries across the US. Volunteer to help beautify Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. (KIRO 7)

Coming Soon

“Om nom nom nom” is what Cookie Monster might say now that beloved local cookie biz Hello Robin will be opening its first Eastside location in Bellevue. The sweet treat shop will be taking over Molly Moon’s former walk-up location across from Bellevue Downtown Park. Stay tuned for a November 2024 opening date. (Downtown Bellevue Network)

Tech

Got some batteries you need to get rid of? Seattle Public Utilities has a guide for how to safely recycle them since they’re the No. 1 cause for fires at their transfer stations.

Weather

Pull out your raincoats — it looks like Seattle may be in for a drizzly weekend. Plan ahead with KING 5 Senior Meteorologist Rich Marriott.

Listen

The Seahawks’ offensive line had quite the performance in the second half of Sunday’s game, but is there still a cause for concern with their pass protection? Hear from the local experts on the matter with Locked On’s daily, Seahawks-focused podcasts.

City

🚗 Park it for a sec

How to park in downtown Seattle without pulling your hair out

Cars parked along a street next to a paid parking meter in downtown Seattle

Paid street parking in downtown Seattle runs Monday through Saturday — Sundays are free. | Photo via Seattle Department of Transportation

We get it — parking in Seattle can be confusing and pricey, but it doesn’t need to deter you from going into town. There are over 1 million places to park, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. We’ve put together some tips + tricks on where to find them.

Before heading downtown, plan where to leave your car using Seattle’s interactive parking map.
An open secret is that lots near the Amazon buildings in South Lake Union are free after 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and on weekends.
Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk also offers parking options gratis.
No matter what the sign says, no car can be parked in one spot on a street for longer than 72 hours.

Of course, you can avoid all those parking headaches by simply getting around the city without a car. Hop on a bike or bus and leave the endless circling behind.

More tips

The Buy

We’ve found the best game watching gear for your comfiest, rowdiest, most on-theme football season yet:

🏈 This chip and dip serving set is perfect for game night.
🏈 Impress guests with this novelty football ice cube mold for cocktails.
🏈 Create an instant couch cup holder with this no-spill drink holder.
🏈 Opt for a bamboo couch arm tray to hold snacks and drinks.
🏈 Shop this “Pardon the noise, we’re okay — it’s just football season” doormat.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

Murat and Jaafar were so incredibly kind during my visit to Toasted.'s U District location, so I can speak firsthand to their hospitality. They were super friendly and the entire interview felt more like I was just yapping with some friends than working. Also, that chai latte is gonna stick out in my mind for awhile.

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