Flour Moon Bagels rolls onto Tulane’s campus

After Flour Moon Bagels opened its Mid-City shop in 2022, the owners quickly realized many of their weekend regulars were Tulane University students, faculty and staff traveling across town for a bagel.

“It was kind of an honor,” said Flour Moon co-founder and chef, Breanne Kostyk.

Now, Tulanians don’t have to make the trek across town. Flour Moon’s new cornflower-blue truck parks on the academic quad at 170 Engineering Road, near Richardson Memorial Hall, Wednesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers can pay with WaveBuck$, Splash Cash, credit cards, or through the Grubhub app.

"We wanted to be someplace closer to them," said Kostyk of Tulane students. "There are a lot of students that don't have cars or have never even heard of us, so it's exciting to reach a new, broader spectrum."

The truck opened Oct. 24 and has been a hit from day one, said co-founder and Tulane graduate Jeff Hinson, who runs the food truck operation. In just two days, sales climbed from 260 to more than 300 orders. "It's continuing to grow," Hinson said. "The turnout's been really overwhelming. We're thrilled."

Tulane administrators see the partnership as a natural fit. “Partnering with Flour Moon Bagels not only brings a beloved local favorite to the heart of our academic quad but also reflects our ongoing commitment to world-class dining by supporting local entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of New Orleans,” said John Lange, assistant vice president of dining, event services and transportation.

For students and faculty alike, that spirit now comes toasted — with schmear. Flour Moon is baking an extra 30 dozen sourdough bagels a day to serve its new outpost. But don't expect to buy a dozen to share with friends. The truck will only be selling sandwiches.

The Chopped Cheese sandwich, only available as a special in Mid-City, will be on the menu every day. They're also developing a spicy turkey sandwich just for Tulane.

Hinson said the space itself — nestled between classroom buildings and shaded by oaks — has started to feel a little like their flagship store, which has a popular outdoor patio. "It's really come to life and has been taken over by students." He is also seeing regulars from their store show up at the truck. “It’s really satisfying.”

For Hinson, a 2007 Tulane graduate who earned his degree in English and media arts through what was then University College, now the School of Professional Advancement, the project feels like a full-circle moment. "Tulane was formative to my career," he said. "I had some really great professors.”

During football games and other special events, the Flour Moon Bagels truck will move closer to the action. And the truck might also be found around town at special events, such as festivals or weddings.  

“We have already seen tremendous enthusiasm for Flour Moon’s mobile kitchen,” Lange said, “and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”