During a visit to DC, Steve Fleishman (tired of his real estate job) discovers the city's desperate need for good bagels. A friend at Georgetown dental school confirms: "The bagels here are awful."

From NYC dreams to DMV's favorite bagels

Fran & Steve Fleishman

Our Story

The Weekend That Started It All

1981

Apprenticed nights and weekends under NYC's legendary baker Manny Strugatch, mastering the art of authentic bagel-making

Learning from the Best

1982

Opened first shop on Bethesda Row with a small budget, big dreams, and real NY bagel recipes

Taking the Leap

1982

Became DC's go-to spot for authentic NY-style bagels. Back then, Bethesda Row had a concrete plant and railroad tracks - but it also had great bagels.

Word Spreads

1980s

Four sons join the family business, learning the art of bagel-making from their parents

The Family Grows

1980s-2000s

Established as the DMV's breakfast destination of choice

A Local Institution

1990s

2011 Dupont Circle Store is opened, sparking a new wave of expansion and growth

Time to Expand

2000s

Won Best Local Bagel award

Now we are 5 locations strong and still growing

Started on Bethesda Row (still there!)

Still family-owned, still hand-rolling bagels daily, still the oldest original tenant on Bethesda Row

5 Locations Strong

2024 to Today

From a simple weekend trip to millions of bagels served - some dreams just need good dough