Galesburg’s passionate bagel culture is set to rise once more as local coffee shop powerhouse Orange Cup steps into the former Black Market Bagels location at 337 E. Main St. in downtown Galesburg.
The new venture, named Orange Cup Sidecar – Bagels · Breads · Bevies, will bring authentic New York-style bagels, artisan sourdough breads, sandwiches, and signature Orange Cup beverages to downtown, filling a void left by the recent closure of Black Market Bagels.
Set to open in mid to late July, Orange Cup Sidecar aims to liven downtown with fresh energy and continued collaboration between local food businesses.
A family-driven vision for bagels and community
Owners Scott and Melany Baldwin, alongside their daughter Sarah Baldwin, who will serve as head baker, are spearheading the project, inspired by a passion for quality bagels and a commitment to Galesburg’s food scene. The name “Sidecar” echoes the Baldwins’ orange motorcycle and sidecar.
Operating hours are set for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with seating for about 14. They plan to apply for a sidewalk cafe license to enhance the downtown experience.
“We totally thank Keith [Anderson] for letting Galesburg know that bagels are something they love,” said Melany Baldwin, co-owner of Orange Cup’s three existing locations: Orange Cup Java (1426 N. Henderson St.), Orange Cup Side Hustle (2701 E. Main St.), and Orange Cup on Grand (2501 Grand Ave.).
“When Black Market closed, it left a big hole in the market, and we’re excited to step in and keep that passion alive.”
Black Market Bagels, opened by Keith Anderson in November 2021, became a downtown staple, known for its traditional New York-style bagels, boiled and baked fresh daily, often selling out within hours. Despite community support, the shop closed recently, prompting Orange Cup, one of Anderson’s biggest customers, to preserve its legacy.
“The bagels are good—authentic, made the New York way,” said Scott Baldwin. “Part of our idea is a little selfish because we were Keith’s biggest customer, but it’s also about collaboration, like we’ve done with Black Market, Carriage House Bakery, Malley Farms, and Next to the Salt Catering.”
Sarah Baldwin, who gained an interest in baking while residing in San Francisco, brings deep expertise in sourdough to the venture.
“Sourdough is so prevalent out there,” she said. “I’ve always had an interest in it, and I just never stopped.”
Reflecting on Black Market’s closure, she added, “Bagels really caught on in Galesburg, and the response to Keith closing shows that. When we tried to find replacements, it became crystal clear just how good his bagels were.”
Crafting a vibrant downtown destination
Orange Cup Sidecar will offer a variety of New York-style bagels, with exact offerings still in the works. Sourdough loaves and focaccia, a traditional Italian flatbread with a soft, airy interior and crispy, golden exterior, will showcase Sarah’s expertise. Sandwiches will expand the menu, paired with a condensed version of Orange Cup’s beverage lineup—coffees, coffee drinks, OCNRG energy drinks, teas, Italian sodas, and flavored lemonades.
“The possibilities are endless,” Sarah said of the menu’s versatility.
The Baldwins are eager to embrace the downtown location’s potential.
“We love the downtown aspect,” Melany said. “There are many events downtown that Orange Cup hasn’t been able to participate in.”
To enhance the look, they’ll add a colorful awning and hope to paint the facade in Orange Cup’s cheerful colors, promising a “wow factor” for Main Street. The shop will seat about 14 inside, with plans for outdoor seating through a sidewalk cafe license.
Melany said each Orange Cup location has a distinct vibe, but they’re united by shared drinks and a dedicated team that is currently 40 employees strong.
“All of our locations have a completely different vibe, but they’re tied together by the common denominator of the drinks we sell and our people,” she said.
A community built on collaboration
Melany said they’re able to operate what will soon be four locations due to the support Galesburg gives to local businesses. “It’s so key, and it’s very real. Just like we support local businesses, and other local coffee shops. I think it’s important for people to know there isn’t animosity, there’s only respect. There’s no corporate manual telling us what to do. We all just have dreams and ideas of what might be possible.”
