Ed Schwartzman’s passion for East Coast Kosher Water Bagels began in his birthplace Bayside, Queens.

Being raised in a Jewish household in New York City, bagels were served for breakfast several times a week! Sunday was especially memorable since Ed’s dad Bob would go play tennis from 6am – 8am. After playing tennis Bob would stop at Slim’s Bagels in Bayside, Queens and pick up a dozen fresh-from-the-oven bagels and (a TON of) cream cheese

Ed can still remember hearing the rustling of the paper bag in his dad’s hands, smelling the fresh-baked bagels wafting through the house and, shortly after, hearing Bob announce “BAAAGELS!”. The entire family would run downstairs following the announcement and Ed would consume 2 – 3 bagels with cream cheese with as much

gusto as humanly possible!

As Ed became a teenager he wanted to learn how to make the perfect bagel. Ed’s first job was as a bagel baker at Slim’s Bagels. Working alongside the true artisans at Slims taught the value of hard work and attention to detail. After moving away from New York

in 1983, Ed constantly searched for a true New York bagel but nothing ever came close to that authentic New York flavor.

So, what did a bagel-loving, Jewish, New Yorker like Ed do? Well, like any New Yorker, he passionately complained regularly about his nearly 40 year problem to his good friend Mike. After listening to the complaint for the hundredth time, Mike turned to Ed and said “Why don’t you stop complaining and just start your own bagel shop.”

Ed was unable to get Mike’s suggestion out of his head. He went to New York City and visited several bagel shops. Ed soon realized that it was indeed possible to bring NYC Kosher Water Bagels to his new hometown Bloomington Indiana! After months of research, and trial and error, Gables Bagels was launched inside of Ed’s existing restaurant: BuffaLouie’s which is located inside Bloomington’s historic Gable’s Building. Ed focused on what was most critical, bringing authentic, fresh baked, New York bagels and schmears to the community he loves.

Ed is happy that his 40 year search for a truly authentic New York bagel has finally come to an end. Although the search has ended, the Gables Bagels story is just beginning. Ed can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Gables Bagels New York Taste – Hometown Baked bagels along with all the other authentic East Coast flavor inspired menu items found at Gables Bagels!