BUFFALO, N.Y. — The social media post by Bagel Jay's Bakery & Café was short and bittersweet Wednesday night.
"We will be closed tomorrow as we pass the baton to @brueggers Bagels. We wish them the best!" the social post read.
Below was a graphic with an explanation from Bagel Jay's CEO Jay Gershberg about the decision to retire, and to allow another company, Bruegger's Bagels, to help fill the void.
"After 47 years of bringing you New York's best bagels, it's time to hang up the apron and retire. While more details will come out over the next month, I want to thank everyone who embraced Bagel Bros. and Bagel Jays," Gershberg said.
"Thank you WNY for an amazing 47 years. Buffalo welcomed a couple of Bronx boys and sustained and motivated us through the years. Raising our family in a community that welcomed us is special. Our loyal staff, patrons, corporate partners and friends have been instrumental in this journey. Now it's time for the next chapter. Thank you for making my business and life so great."
Bagel Jay's had three locations: 2130 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, 100 A Plaza Drive in Williamsville, and 4498 Main Street in Snyder.
Gershberg was co-founder of Bagel Bros, which opened in 1976 and offers a variety of hearth-baked bagels, breads, and pastries. Deli sandwiches and salads were also offered.
Bruegger's Bagels has been around since 1983, and it operates nearly 260 bakeries nationwide. Their bagels have some unique varieties, including onion and chive bagels, jalapeño bagels, and bacon scallion bagels.