Bagels, Gelati The Order Of The Day At New Cinnaminson Cafe

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Z. Tim Khaya wanted to do something different, and he wanted it to be big. His idea is now a unique cafe on Route 130 in Cinnaminson: Bagelati. Since the end of June, residents from Cinnaminson and the surrounding area have been able visit the cafe and get their choice of bagels or gelati.

They serve breakfast and lunch all day, and they also offer burgers, cheesesteaks and breakfast sandwiches. Khaya works with his cousin Mimtaz Anac, who runs the Delran Bagel Cafe, on the venture. They run Bagelati together, but Zhaya is not involved in Delran Bagel Cafe, he said.

Born in Turkey, Khaya moved to the United States when he was 10 years old. He’s lived in some of the country’s major cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, where he attended Saint Joseph’s University. He earned an MBA from St. Joe’s in 2009.

He then went to work for TD Bank, but kept it in his mind that everyone has a purpose in life. His came to him one Sunday afternoon.

“I was watching a travel program,” Khaya said. “They showed one place that had gelattis, and it just looked fabulous.”

That place was owned by a man named Nadji and it was located in Italy, Khaya said.

“I found him online,” Khaya said. “I contacted him and I ended up flying over there.”

For the next 2-3 years, Khaya flew back and forth between the United States and Italy, staying for months at a time to learn under his new mentor. Nadji also visited Khaya and helped him learn his craft.

“I wanted to do something big,” said Khaya, who said the reception he’s received in Cinnaminson has been great. “I’m looking to expand. The idea is to grow it into a big brand.”

He envisions a brand that reaches retail and wholesale markets, and includes catering. He’s starting where he can, and is offering something every day to keep customers coming back.

“I have yet to dislike a single.thing from here. Burgers are awesome.bagels and sandwiches are amazing,” one customer wrote on Bagelati’s Facebook page. “Gelato is the best! Get the marshmallow if they have it!”

“So good, love the set up,” another wrote. “The bagels are super fresh and the gelato is so delicious. They say its made fresh every day and you can tell. Will definitely be a regular.”

“Best Gelato I’ve ever had,” another said. “Nice variety of things to choose from and Atmosphere was great, Staff was friendly. Can’t wait to go there for breakfast to try their breakfast bagel sandwiches. Our family will be back!!!”

Bagelati is located at 1096 Route 130, next to the Dunkin Donuts near Riverton Road in Cinnaminson. It is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more, visit Bagelati’s Facebook page or call 856-314-8608.