<\/p>\n
Neil Patel is bringing New Jersey-style bagels to Northeast Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
The former business executive and Mountain Top resident celebrated the grand opening of his shop, Toastee Bagels, on Jan. 8 and has since received loads of support and encouragement from the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got regulars already. I\u2019m very grateful and blessed,\u201d said Patel, 60.<\/p>\n
Located at 1329 Route 315, Plains Twp., Toastee Bagels offers over 15 bagel flavors, a variety of cream cheese options, breakfast sandwiches, deli classics, pastries, and coffee.<\/p>\n
Patel said the defining feature of his bagels is that classic boil and bake process, popular in both New Jersey and New York, which makes a crispy crust on the outside and soft, airy dough on the inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest difference between Jersey and New York, in my opinion, is we make a little bit bigger bagel,\u201d the owner explained.<\/p>\n
With Toastee Bagel, Patel\u2019s goal was to create a laid-back and welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable hanging out. Being a small business, he wants his customers to feel that personalized touch.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want people to feel like they\u2019re part of something,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The owner also wants to focus on hiring young adults.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great first job. It teaches you to be on time, it teaches you teamwork,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Growing up in Clifton, North Jersey, Patel always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1990s, he owned several small businesses, including a repair shop and a bagel shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn New Jersey, bagels were hot. Everyone was eating \u2018em,\u201d he said. \u201cThat was my foray into restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patel left New Jersey in 1997 and moved across the county. He worked in the corporate world for over two decades, where he spent nearly 260 nights on the road every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was great for my family, but it was stressful,\u201d he said. \u201cWe moved 13 times, 11 states in 22 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Patel and his family moved to Mountain Top to be closer to his wife\u2019s family. Owning Toastee Bagels now gives Patel the opportunity to spend more time with his daughters, Zoe and Mercedes, who have been helping him run the business.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s in their blood. They\u2019re as good as me. Both of my kids are so freakin\u2019 hard workers. I never worked with them before, but this is awesome,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Patel is considering opening additional Toastee Bagel locations in Clarks Summit and Dallas. In the end, he hopes to leave a legacy for his children to take over one day.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all for them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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