A taste of the Big Apple is coming soon to a Whitehall Township strip mall.
The Bagel Press, a New York-style deli offering made-on-site bagels, sandwiches, juices and more, is expected to open within the next few weeks at 2241 MacArthur Road, co-owner Unis Gabbar said.
The 22-seat shop, a couple of doors down from Sherwin-Williams Paints, will serve New York-style bagels that are hand-rolled, kettle-boiled and baked on-site.
Boiling the bagels before they’re baked is a crucial step in the process as it gives the bagels their proper texture — “crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside,” Gabbar said.
“We’re going to be making bagels fresh daily, hand-rolled,” Gabbar said. “The customers will actually see the process because right behind the cashier is the big oven where we actually bake the bagels.”
Twelve to 14 bagel varieties will be available daily, including popular selections such as everything, poppy seed, sesame, cinnamon raisin, whole wheat, pumpernickel, egg and onion and garlic.
The shop also will offer gluten-free bagels, along with a variety of cream cheese spreads, such as vegetable, scallion and lox.
“Depending on whatever’s going on, we eventually want to bring out special bagels and try new things,” Gabbar said. “Let’s say for Halloween, we might try an orange and black bagel. For Christmas, maybe red and green.”
Gabbar, who lives in New York City but is readying to move to Pennsylvania, will operate the business with his father and two brothers.
In addition to bagels, the family-run shop will offer various cold and hot sandwiches, including cheesesteaks, chopped cheese and other grilled selections.
Customers will be able to choose from a wide array of meats and proteins, including corned beef, roast beef, pastrami, salami, turkey and tuna, that they can have on bagels, bread or rolls.
“We call them heroes,” Gabbar said in reference to the New York term for submarine sandwich. “I know they call them hoagies there, but we’re keeping them as heroes.”
Other menu highlights will include chicken wings, sides such as fries and onion rings and breakfast options such as omelettes, French toast, pancakes and egg and cheese sandwiches with bacon or sausage.
Specialty beverages will include freshly prepared juices, smoothies and protein shakes.
The Bagel Press, which will tentatively operate from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, will occupy a renovated space that previously housed another bagel shop, Bacon Bagels, which is in the process of reopening in its new location at 239 N. Fourth St. in downtown Allentown.
The Bagel Press is hiring for all positions, including cashier, deli/grill person, bagel roller/baker and specialty drink maker.
Individuals interested in applying for a job at The Bagel Press should contact Gabbar at 917-916-6442, thebagelpress@gmail.com or via direct message through the business’ Facebook page.
“We’ve already started stocking up the store, cleaning and prepping,” Gabbar said. “The only difficulty is, as every business seems to be having, is finding workers. That’s the only thing that’s keeping us a little tied up.”
To stay up-to-date on The Bagel Press’ progress, including details on its opening, follow the business’ Facebook page.
