For Bagelman, It's All About Location

It is barely a three-minute walk from the previous location, but it seems to have made all the difference in the world for Ken Mataix, long-time owner of Bagelman, who has set up shop at 162 Seventh Street.

For 23 years, Mataix operated Bagelman on Franklin Avenue, near the railroad tracks, but exorbitant rent and, to a much lesser extent, dwindling traffic forced him to make the move.

"It makes such a big difference," Mataix said of the new location. "Franklin Avenue used to be very busy when we had Doubleday and some of the other major businesses. Lunch used to get very busy, but over time coming to our place became more of a destination visit."

Being on Seventh Street means enjoying walk-up traffic that he did not get in the previous location. There is also parking in front of the new location, which is especially huge in the morning, Mataix has found.

The new location has been a godsend for Mataix, who said he could not have survived much longer on Franklin. The new location has all of the same popular items as the previous Bagelman as well as new items such as quesadillas and some Mexican wraps "to spice things up."

Mataix works at the business seven days a week, often starting at 4 a.m. and not leaving until 7 p.m. The shop closes at 2 p.m. Sunday, which for Mataix constitutes an off day.

He does have a five-year plan in which he expects to turn the business over to his 29-year-old son Rhett. Chances are that when that happens Ken and his wife, Gladys, who have been mainstays in the business for more than two decades, will pitch in to keep the family tradition going.

After some difficult periods, Mataix said, "There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train coming at the other end."

Mataix is well known in the village through his work with the Chamber of Commerce. He has leveraged those relationships with other businesses, including The Garden City Hotel, which tells its guest about the wonderful new bagel shop on Seventh. "Now that I am here I have a shot at getting those people," he said, referring to the hotel guests.

Despite the move, Bagelman has maintained its prices. It is perhaps the only place where you can get a bagel for 75 cents and a fresh tuna fish sandwich and Coke for under $6. "Our prices are always the lowest," Mataix said.

As always, customers can eat in or take out (for a minimum of $10). For information, contact Bagelman at 746-2881 or visit bagelmanonline.com.