Steve & Carl Cohen of Town Bagel: Legacy on Long Island
Steve and Carl Cohen are the father-son duo behind Town Bagel, a staple institution that’s been serving up the best of Long Island for nearly four decades. Their story isn’t just about bagels—it’s about heritage, adaptation, and the unmatched sense of community that defines the local bagel culture. They joined Bagel Ambassador Sam Silverman on BagelFest’s Bagel Buzz Instagram Live series to discuss the evolution, community spirit, and future of the iconic Long Island bagel scene.
Where It All Began
For Steve, bagels aren’t just a business, they’re a lifelong passion. Starting at just 14 years old, he began working nights in a bagel bakery, riding his orange Schwinn six miles to work and baking through the night before heading straight to school. Steve shared that there weren’t many bagel stores back then, so distribution was key, with most bagels being shipped far and wide. Over time, the business shifted from simple retail counters offering plain bagels with butter to a full-service community cornerstone.
When Town Bagel’s Plainview location opened in 1985, it quickly distinguished itself with Long Island’s first cream cheese bar, a game-changer that heralded today’s era of endless spreads and specialty options. Carl reflected, “It was always busy, but honestly, the store felt stagnant. We needed a little juice.”
Embracing Change:
The bagel world has changed dramatically, and Town Bagel has thrived by adapting. Steve explained the progression from simple offerings to introducing eggs, sandwiches, chopped salads, and a full bakery—turning the bagel shop into a community gathering spot with a 70-seat dining room.
New technology and generational shifts have also driven innovation. Carl, the next generation, brought in online ordering, revamped menus, and expanded delivery through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats. “[We have] tablets everywhere now…there’s always something to do here,” he laughed, emphasizing that business today is as much about proactive outreach as it is about tradition.
The Secret Ingredients: Community & Consistency
What truly makes Town Bagel, and Long Island bagels in general, so unbeatable? Steve is unequivocal: “You do the right job. You sell the right product. You be nice.” Town Bagel is the customers’ store, he insists, where regulars have their own plaques and children get behind-the-counter treats. The staff’s longevity—many have worked there for decades—means recipes and quality stay consistent, proving there’s no real secret except caring for the product and the people.
Scaling up isn’t easy, even when demand is strong. Town Bagel has expanded to three closely situated locations, all thriving thanks to hands-on management, trusted staff, and daily involvement from Steve himself. Production is centralized to guarantee consistency, and family involvement means every location stays authentically connected.
A True Community Staple
Town Bagel’s story is a testament to family, community, and relentless adaptation. As the bagel world continues to evolve, Steve and Carl Cohen prove that honoring tradition while embracing change is the recipe for staying at the top, one perfectly rolled bagel at a time.
Check out Town Bagel’s website and Instagram.
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