From NY Streets to Desert Skies: Why I Started Abel’s Bagels

If you had told me years ago that I would be building a bagel business in Las Vegas, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

But when I look back, the path makes more sense than I ever could have imagined.

Where It Started

I grew up in Long Island, New York — where bagels aren’t just food, they’re part of everyday life.

Early mornings. Paper bags filled with warm bagels. A quick stop before work or school.

It’s something you don’t really think about when you’re living it… but it becomes part of who you are.

But even before bagels, there was something else shaping me.

Dreaming About What’s Possible

Some of my earliest memories are of driving through neighborhoods with my parents and my brother Anthony, looking at homes and dreaming about what might be possible.

That mindset — dreaming big, working hard, and having faith — stayed with me.

Even as a kid, I was always trying to build something.

I sold lollipops out of my backpack.

I started a small lawn business called “You Grow It, We Mow It.”

It wasn’t just about making money.

I loved the process of creating something from nothing.

The Move That Changed Everything

Years later, life brought me to Las Vegas — the hometown of my wife, Nelly.

And I remember a specific moment during that time.

I was searching.

Not just for another business idea — but for something meaningful.

Something I could build with purpose.

I prayed for direction.

And not long after, that direction became clear.

Abel’s Bagels was born.

Seeing the Opportunity

At first glance, Las Vegas might not seem like the place for authentic New York–style bagels.

But that’s exactly what made the opportunity so clear.

There was a gap.

Plenty of places served bagels — but very few were doing it the traditional way.

No long fermentation.

No real boiling process.

No attention to the details that actually make a bagel… a bagel.

And I kept thinking:

What if we brought the real thing here?

Doing It the Right Way

From the beginning, Abel’s Bagels was built on one principle:

Do it the right way.

Not the fastest way.

Not the easiest way.

The right way.

That meant:

• Making dough in-house
• Letting it ferment for over 12 hours
• Hand-rolling every bagel
• Boiling before baking
• Using high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients

It’s a process that takes more time, more effort, and more discipline.

But it creates something you can’t fake.

And when people taste the difference — they know.

More Than Just Bagels

As the business began to grow, something became very clear.

We weren’t just serving food.

We were creating an experience.

A place where people could start their day on a positive note.

A place where quality mattered.

A place where customers felt welcomed, appreciated, and taken care of.

Because at the end of the day, this business isn’t just about bagels.

It’s about people.

Built on Faith and Values

Another important part of this journey has been faith.

Abel’s Bagels is built on principles like stewardship, positivity, and doing our best in everything we do.

That shows up in how we treat customers.

How we treat our team.

And how we approach growth.

We’re not chasing shortcuts.

We’re building something that lasts.

From One Shop to Something Bigger

What started as a single bagel shop in Southwest Las Vegas has grown into something more.

We’ve built a loyal community.

We’ve seen strong year-over-year growth.

And we’ve developed systems that allow us to operate consistently at a high level.

Now, we’re beginning to take the next step.

Expanding the Abel’s Bagels concept into new communities.

Not just to grow — but to share what we’ve built.

A Piece That Stays With Me

My younger brother Anthony also played a role in encouraging me to take the leap.

Though he passed away not long after, his spirit and inspiration live on in everything we’re building.

The Vision Ahead

The vision for Abel’s Bagels is simple.

Bring authentic New York–style bagels — and a positive, welcoming experience — to communities across the country.

Stay committed to quality.

Stay grounded in our values.

And continue building something that people can be proud to be part of.

Whether that’s as a customer, a team member, or a future franchise partner.

A Personal Note

This journey has been anything but predictable.

From Long Island to Las Vegas… from small ideas to a growing brand… it’s been a path built step by step.

But one thing has remained constant:

A desire to build something meaningful.

Something rooted in quality.

And something that brings people together.

Abel’s Bagels is more than a bagel shop.

It’s a vision shaped by family, faith, and a belief that something meaningful could be built.

And now — we’re just getting started.

If you’ve been part of the journey so far — whether as a customer, supporter, or someone just discovering us — thank you.

And if you’re interested in being part of what we’re building next, we’d love to connect.

www.abels-bagels.com
nick@abels-bagels.com