The Rise of THC Bagels
How Two Elon Students Turned Breakfast Into a Brand
The smoke rises from the portable grill as the sun rises over Elon’s campus. Two students move quickly, flipping bacon, cracking eggs, and stacking sandwiches on a fold-out table. Venmo notifications buzz as people come and go. For the duo behind THC Bagels, these early mornings have turned into something much bigger than a side project, as they’ve created one of campus’s more recognizable weekend traditions.
THC Bagels began as a small idea between friends who wanted a quality bacon, egg, and cheese without leaving campus. A few Instagram posts later, it turned into a student-run operation that serves more than 80 people each weekend. Their story is less about food and more about hustle, creativity, and what can happen when a simple idea finds the right audience.
Head chefs Gus von Maur and Luke Kovensky are prepping their bagels before the show begins.
Head chefs Gus von Maur and Luke Kovensky are prepping their bagels before the show begins.
The concept started with two friends who noticed how few real breakfast options existed near Elon. They bought a portable grill, stocked up on bagels, bacon, and eggs, and started selling from their back yard. Once photos and clips of their sandwiches began circulating on Instagram, the response was immediate. Orders started rolling in faster than they could cook, and THC Bagels became a weekend staple in just a few short weeks.
Every Saturday , the two founders Gus von Maur and Luke Kovensky set up their station before students are awake from the parties the night before. They take turns managing the grill, assembly and packaging. The air fills with the smell of bacon and toasted bagels as students show up, some still half-asleep. It’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly professional for a setup that started as a college experiment.
Both chefs wearing their matching Aprons, which they were given while in China.
Both chefs wearing their matching Aprons, which they were given while in China.
THC's classic one egg sandwich.
THC's classic one egg sandwich.
Since their first weekend, THC Bagels has expanded its setup, upgraded equipment, and refined its process to keep up with demand. The pair now serve over 80 sandwiches each weekend, balancing classes, homework, and a growing fan base.
By 1 p.m., the grill is shut down, the table is cleared, and the last sandwich has been handed off. For the founders of THC Bagels, these mornings have become a mix of business, community, and pride in something they built themselves. In a college town full of ideas, few have caught on quite like this one.
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