Color and Scandal: the Tale of The Rainbow Bagel
The Rainbow Bagel, a colorful twist on the classic breakfast staple, took social media and the bagel world by storm in 2015. Its vibrant appearance made it the perfect food for Instagram. It’s become one of the most notable developments in bagel history - but how did it come to be? And what lessons can be learned from it?
A Viral Sensation
The Rainbow Bagel, created by Scot Rossillo of The Bagel Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was the first viral bagel of the social media era. There have been plenty of bagel innovations throughout history - but none as viral as the Rainbow Bagel.
Scot, who considers himself not a bagel baker but a “Bagel Artist,” actually created the Rainbow Bagel sometime in the early 2000’s. But it wasn’t until 2015 that his invention caught fire, thanks to the perfect storm of social media and the food’s photogenic qualities.
Scot Rossillo posing with racks of rainbow bagel for Celebrity Parents Magazine
The Double Edged Sword of Fame & Fortune
The spotlight drew attention to The Bagel Store far and wide. The main stream media covered it extensively and The Bagel Store became a tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Rossillo found himself shipping Rainbow Bagels all over the country. Business was booming - but it came with a price.
Long lines at The Bagel Store were typical in the Rainbow Bagel Era
One organization that took note of The Bagel Store’s success was the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Upon investigation, they determined The Bagel Store owed almost $1M in back taxes. In July 2019, state tax authorities seized the shop, citing “nonpayment of taxes.”
While Scot eventually reopened The Bagel Store at another location in Park Slope, it was a tough slog. Just a few years later, he retired for good, citing health reasons.
A Lasting Impact
Though some bagel purists may have initially been skeptical of the Rainbow Bagel, its popularity ultimately helped elevate the bagel's stature in popular culture. The Rainbow Bagel showcased the limitless potential for creativity and customization in the bagel world.
From the Bagel Bakers Union 338 to the invention of the bagel rolling machine by Murray Lender, the Rainbow Bagel has joined the ranks of notable bagel innovations. It has helped shape the way we see bagels today, reminding us that there is a perfect bagel for everyone, whether it's a classic everything or a colorful, sweet Rainbow Bagel.
Lessons Learned
If there’s anything to learn from the tale of the Rainbow Bagel, it’s this: never give up in something you believe in. The Rainbow Bagel was an “overnight success” 20 years in the making. If you believe in something, keep pushing on, because you never know when it’s going to hit!
And, oh yeah - always pay your taxes.
If you've enjoyed learning about the Rainbow Bagel and want to experience the delights of one first-hand, why not join one of our NYC Bagel Tours or sign up for a Bagel Baking Workshop? It's a fantastic way to taste the legacy of bagel history for yourself and learn the secrets of making these iconic treats. Click here to learn more and book your spot today!