MORE THAN JUST BAGELS

In the heart of Pelham Bay, Bronx, New York, 1994, a serendipitous opportunity set the stage for the inception of Empire Bagels. John, a visionary with a penchant for embracing new ventures, stumbled upon an advertisement for a bagel shop sale right in his neighborhood. Seizing this chance, John embarked on this journey, and alongside him was Junior, his beloved son Jay. Unbeknownst to Junior, he was on the cusp of mastering the art of baking.

The initial days were marked by rigorous experimentation—fine-tuning ingredients, mastering techniques, and perfecting the art of dough formation, boiling, and baking. And of course, the delightful task of tasting and refining bagel after bagel. Their perseverance bore fruit, and the signature Empire Bagel was born: a soft, fluffy delight with a moist center, crispy crust, and a distinctive sweetness. Crafted from long-fermented dough, water-boiled and deck-baked, this meticulous process remains the hallmark of all our stores.

As time unfolded, Jay, carrying forward his father’s legacy, expanded to Putnam County. In 2013, Cross River, New York, witnessed the opening of the second Empire Bagels. Unlike its Bronx predecessor—a friendly window-service shop offering bagels, schmears, coffee, and muffins—Cross River boasted a full-service bagel haven. With an expansive menu featuring breakfast sandwiches, lunch options, salads, and a fresh juice and smoothie bar, it also provided ample seating for patrons.

Today, the Empire Bagels legacy spans thirteen years, with eight thriving stores across Bronx, Westchester County, Putnam County, and Dutchess County. We are elated to announce the inauguration of our ninth store in Dobbs Ferr,y New York. Empire Bagels now proudly operates nine retail locations and a vast wholesale fresh bagel delivery service, reaching the heart of lower New York, western New York, and extending up to Albany. All this, while cherishing our roots as a family-owned establishment.

For Jay, it’s been a journey of honoring his father’s vision, nurturing his passion for the craft, and building his very own Empire. Join us in celebrating the Empire Bagels story!