When it comes to food, New York is known for three things; pizza, deli sandwiches and bagels. Some of the best bagels are right here on Long Island. Plainview to be exact.
“When I was in eighth grade, I took a job at the local bagel store next to the high school,” said Steve Cohen, owner of Town Bagel in Plainview. “I still have that same job today, 36 years later.”
Town Bagel of Plainview opened its doors in 1985, with the help of Cohen’s boss turned business partner, Danny, and Danny’s son, David. Both help out at Town Bagel’s other location, in Bellmore and Wantagh as well.
“Even all these years later, I still enjoy coming to work every day,” said Cohen who starts his day at 4 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. “People tell me I have the worst hours but I think I have the best hours. I never got to miss any of my kids’ activities; I was always able to put them on the bus and go to all their school functions,” added Cohen who still treats each day of work as if it was his first.
Cohen sources all his ingredients from local vendors, most of which he has known since he first started working there.
“I keep a loyal relationship with the vendors I have and some of them I’ve had for the whole 35 years,” said Cohen, who feels the same way about his staff. “They’re the best. They have been with me for 10, 15, 20 years. The motto that I live by that I think I keep with my employees is that I tell them when I hire them to treat their life as number one and their job as number two,” added Cohen, who treats his employees as his equals. Every year, he hosts an annual BBQ and pool party at his house, as well as a holiday party for his staff and their families.
After a remodel three years ago, Cohen installed large glass windows that customers can look through behind the counter.
“Customers can see the bagels and their sandwiches being made. I run a clean operation and I have nothing to hide,” he said.
While it may seem impossible for the owner of a bagel store to have a favorite bagel, Cohen keeps it simple; a classic sesame bagel, open faced with cream cheese.
“I’m good for 5-6 bagels a day, but I exercise so it’s OK,” he laughed. “I do mixed martial arts and I love to train so it keeps me in shape. I actually train right down the block at Busto’s Martial Arts and have been training with John for about 13 years.”
Town Bagel is more than just a bagel store. Specializing in chopped salads, gourmet sandwiches and fresh baked pastries as well as the best bagels in town, the store is a great location to meet and eat. In the front of the store is a quote board that Cohen changes every week. It serves to inspire his staff and customers. This week’s quote read, “Show me a person who does not make mistakes and I’ll show you a person who does nothing.”
“It’s a very family oriented place,” said Cohen, who in his 29 years in Plainview, has never advertised for his business. “Just word of mouth, and good, friendly service. During the holiday seasons we get out there and do a lot of charity work, a lot of catering and we give out a lot of gift certificates.”
Town Bagel also sells pink bagels for breast cancer, blue for Autism Awareness Month and the classic green bagel for St Paddy’s day. As always, the staff is eager to participate and lend a helping hand whenever they can.
“We just gave out $1,250 in gift cards to St. Pius X Church and to the Y for families in need, and last month I gave $2,500 for breast cancer research and Autism before that,” said Cohen, who also contributes to Target, the Ronald McDonald House, as well as local businesses, churches and schools. “All of the money we donate is from the customers; it’s a can up front full of change that they toss in when they can. That’s why I always say, this is not my store, it’s everyone’s store; the customers’ store. I just operate it.”
Cohen also donated $2,250 to the Jewish Center. He estimated that the can has probably raised over $300,000 in change since he started.
“I find great pleasure in helping people. I enjoy that the most,” said Cohen. “Whenever the schools have a function—we do a lot with the middle school—we’ll give them bagels or raffles. We also do the bagels for all the local hotels.”
Cohen keeps two large and very full binders of every thank you letter and acknowledgement he has received over the years from the town, local businesses, churches, temples, Ronald McDonald house, schools and former employees.
“We’ve become a big part of the community and I like giving back,” said Cohen. “My favorite part about owning and operating Town Bagel is that everyone is a family,” he noted of his customers and staff who are on a first name basis.
A proud member of the Chamber of Commerce from the beginning, Cohen is very thankful for the support of the Plainview community.
“We’re celebrating 29 years here and people come up and congratulate me all the time. I treat it like it’s their store,” said Cohen, who has seen his customers’ kids grow up, some of which have even come back to work for him. “They really appreciate all of the charity work we do for local and major events.”
He also has a great support system in his wife, Lisa, and three children; Alyssa, Carl and Gabriella.
“My kids appreciate that I work hard,” said Cohen, who has his kids’ artwork saved in his office upstairs. “They all did school projects on who their hero was and they picked me. I’m a family guy and I try to do the right thing.”
A staple in the community providing delicious food and warm, caring service, Town Bagel of Plainview has been and will continue to be the bagel store where everyone knows your name.
