From BagelFest to BagelUp: A Journey of a Thousand Bagels
I’m Sam Silverman, the founder of BagelFest. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of BagelUp - your destination for every bagel thing.
What is BagelUp?
BagelUp is a pioneering trade organization for the global bagel industry. Our core mission is to promote and advance bagel culture and industry worldwide.
Rooted at the crossroads of entertainment, culture, and education, BagelUp offers a dynamic and engaging platform for bagel enthusiasts and industry professionals across the globe. Our operations include several distinct yet interconnected ventures, anchored by:
NYC Bagel Tours: Curated tours through New York City's most iconic bagel shops, immersing participants in the rich history and culture of bagel-making in the Big Apple, and Bagel Baking Workshops for those keen on getting their hands doughy.
BagelFest: The annual New York BagelFest (formerly Brooklyn BagelFest) is the premier industry event for professionals, vendors, and bagel enthusiasts from around the world.
BagelFeast: We enable Nationwide Shipping of Bagels and Merchandise from partner shops to ensure you can enjoy the best bagels, in the best bagel swag, no matter where you are. Plus Consulting Services to those seeking expert guidance in the bagel industry, from start-ups to established businesses, to weddings and parties seeking catering recommendations.
Whether you're a newbie exploring the art of bagel baking, an industry pro ready to elevate your game, or simply a bagel lover looking to connect with like-minded individuals, BagelUp is a platform for the community that speaks the language of bagels.
From BagelFest to BagelUp - How Did We Get Here?
The evolution of BagelFest into BagelUp is a journey that’s been shaped by countless dough kneads, endless poppy seeds, and an unyielding love for bagels.
I am, and always have been, a “bagel-tarian.” Some of my earliest memories revolve around a warm, chewy bagel spread with cream cheese, and it’s an association that has never faded. Bagels have been my steady morning companions, my favorite afternoon snack, and, on many occasions, my dinner of choice.
In 2017, as I strolled through the bustling streets of New York, it struck me that while New York is hailed as the home of bagels, and boasts a festival for nearly everything under the sun, there was a glaring hole where a bagel festival ought to have been. That sparked the idea for BagelFest. I dove headfirst into the world of bagels, determined to learn every bit I could, with the ultimate goal of bringing New York City its very first bagel festival.
BagelFest took off, and in a few short years it was a sight to behold – dozens of vendors, and thousands of passionate bagel enthusiasts, influencers, and attendees, all celebrating the food that is so intrinsically tied to the soul of New York. It was a beautiful sight, but I knew in my heart, there was more that I wanted to do. More people I wanted to reach, more bagel love I wanted to spread. Thus, the seed of BagelUp was sown.
As BagelFest grew, so too did our team. We've been fortunate to add some exceptional talent to our ranks. EB Atler and Rory Torstensson, our marketing mavens, have been instrumental in expanding our reach, making BagelFest a household name in the world of bagel aficionados. Ryan Bixler, our event operations maestro, ensures the seamless execution of our events. Mike Varley, the man who audaciously reviewed over 202 bagel shops while walking a marathon a day for 13 months straight (seriously - it’s chronicled on EverythingIsEverything.nyc) played an invaluable role in expanding our bagel network and NYC Bagel Tours. Reva Castillenti, our master bagel baker, generously shares her wealth of baking knowledge, making our Bagel Baking Workshops a reality.
Each of these individuals, along with countless friends, family, volunteers, and supporters too numerous to mention, contribute their unique perspectives and passions. Together, we dream of a hub for all things bagel-related, a place where bagel lovers could unite all year round, both in person and online. A place for sharing stories, discovering new recipes, and immersing in bagel-themed experiences.
This is precisely what we're creating with BagelUp.
Join The Team
As we continue to grow and extend our bagel love, we're excited to announce that we're hiring!
We're on the hunt for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Tour Guide who loves to share their passion for NYC and its bagel culture. We're also seeking an organized and proactive Operations Specialist to help keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly. If you're passionate about bagels and looking to join a team that is as much about community as it is about excellent bagels, we would love to hear from you.
Check out our Join Our Team page for more details on these exciting opportunities.
Follow Along
Your love for bagels and the enthusiasm you bring is what fuels this journey. I invite you to be a part of it by subscribing to our newsletter, and following BagelUp (Instagram Facebook), our subsidiary brands (BagelFest: Instagram, Facebook; NYC Bagel Tours: Instagram, Facebook), and myself (Instagram, TikTok), where we’ll continue to share stories of the businesses and individuals who are integral to our vibrant bagel community.
Here's to more bagels, more stories, and more adventures with BagelUp.
Keep on rollin’,
Sam
–
CEO, BagelUp
The Bagel Ambassador