Bagel Shop Revamps to Add New Twists to Classic Storefront

You may remember it as the Bagel Depot. Or, maybe as the Bagel Stop.

Either way, residents have been familiar with the set back location at 51 East Main Street as a bagel place for over 30 years.

According to Gus Pascale, who owns the building, though shop operators have changed since it was built in the mid-1980’s, the location has always been a bagel store. When it opened, it was the only bagel shop in town, he said.

Before last year, Pascale was never involved in the operation of the shop. The Maywood resident is a realtor by trade.

But, after the Bagel Stop left the storefront after about 10 years in business, Pascale and Bayron Zabala, who has worked in Main Street bagel shops in Ramsey for over a decade, decided to go into business together, revamping the location into a new twist on the classic bagel shop.

B&G Bagels, which officially opened its doors in November, hand rolls all of its bagels on premises. The shop has also added a bunch of other breakfast and lunch options to its menu, including salads, soups and hot Spanish food.

“We wanted to expand and branch out,” Pascale explained. “Bayron has lived in town for 12 years, and noticed that there was a need in the community for a place that serves hot Spanish food. It’s definitely unique in Ramsey, we are the only ones serving this.”

B&G combines the different foods with new twists on classic recipes, like its colorful Rainbow Bagel, a signature dish that tastes like a plain bagel but has a colorful appearance.

"The kids love it," Pascale said.

The new shop owners also gave the location – which had remained virtually unchanged for over 30 years – a makeover. The owners spent months completely renovating the interior, and adding a patio to the front of the store. In the spring and summer, patrons will be able to sit outside on the patio.

The owners say they also added convenience into their business plan, adding options like delivery and catering.

“We are really based in the community,” Pascale said. “A lot of people come here because they know Bayron. His wife owns Sal’s Barber Shop around the corner, his son is in the school system, and his family is really active in Ramsey.”

Pascale and Zabala say in just under two months of being in business, B&G has been doing well. The partners plan to celebrate the new shop with a Grand Opening this spring.

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