**West Orange’s Bagels By Jarrett Serves Up a Slice of World Cup Glory for Spain’s Winning Team**
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In a remarkable celebration of culinary excellence, Bagels By Jarrett (BXJ) in West Orange, New Jersey, had the honour of delivering 46 pizzas to Spain’s national football team following their stunning victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Owner Jarrett Seltzer expressed that receiving the order was “one of the coolest feelings ever,” marking a significant moment in the restaurant’s journey.
The request for pizzas came on the eve of the final, just hours after Spain clinched their historic win on July 19. The order comprised an eclectic mix of flavours, including buffalo chicken, Margherita, pepperoni, and gluten-free options, showcasing the diverse tastes of the victorious team.
At 44, Seltzer had just recently perfected his pizza dough, a personal achievement he was excited to share. “I changed my pizza dough a few months ago, and I’ve been tweaking it for months. On Saturday morning, I felt I had finally nailed it,” he reflected. This moment of culinary triumph coincided perfectly with the celebratory order from the team, amplifying the joy of his recent success.
This historic delivery was not the first time BXJ has catered to international teams. Earlier in the tournament, Norway’s national team enjoyed pizza from Seltzer’s establishment following their victory against Brazil. Seltzer noted the novelty of pizza for some of his international clientele. “Norway doesn’t have a pizza culture, and here in New Jersey, it’s a staple, so it makes sense for them to indulge in our offerings,” he explained.
Seltzer’s establishment, which he characterises as an “upscale takeout restaurant,” has seen significant growth since its inception in early 2020. The pandemic prompted Seltzer to diversify his menu beyond bagels, turning his focus to pizza and other house-made items. “I started creating more dishes when we switched to curbside pickup. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but that period allowed me to really hone my skills and experiment,” he shared.
The menu at BXJ is unique, as Seltzer prides himself on crafting nearly all items in-house. From grinding their own burger meat to preparing custom condiments, Seltzer’s philosophy embraces a blend of traditional and innovative culinary techniques. “It’s a bit unconventional, but we’ve managed to create a menu that delights our customers,” he remarked.
Since word of the Spanish team’s pizza feast spread, Seltzer has been inundated with messages from friends and patrons alike. He quipped, “I feel like I have a million notifications. It’s overwhelming, and I imagine this is what Taylor Swift must experience when she drops new music.” This overwhelming response speaks to the close-knit community surrounding BXJ and the pride local residents feel in the restaurant’s achievements.
In a world where exceptional moments often blend into the routine of daily life, Seltzer is reminded of the reward that comes from hard work and passion. His success at BXJ, highlighted by this celebrated moment with Spain’s triumphant team, serves as a testament to the impact that food can have in bringing people together during significant milestones.
As Bagels By Jarrett continues to thrive, with a menu that showcases both traditional and imaginative culinary delights, Seltzer remains grateful for the opportunities he has had to serve the community and now, even international champions. With the glow of recent accolades still fresh, the future looks promising for this proud West Orange establishment.