Iconic Bagel Shop Expands Production with First Manufacturing Facility in NYC
State-of-the-Art Facility Strengthens NYC's Food Production Industry
ESD Funding Supports 41 New Jobs
See Facility Photo Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Ess-a-Bagel's new manufacturing facility at 1751 Park Avenue in Harlem. This 7,500-square-foot state-of-the-art facility marks a significant expansion for the iconic New York City bagel shop, enabling the family-owned business to scale up production of their bagels for wholesale distribution. The increased capacity will help Ess-a-Bagel meet surging demand for their authentic New York City bagels nationwide, solidifying their position in the local market while fueling national growth.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Ess-a-Bagel's expansion is a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic New York cuisine and the resilience of our homegrown businesses. Their new state-of-the-art facility in Harlem bridges tradition and innovation, allowing this culinary institution to reach even greater heights. This project not only preserves a piece of New York's culinary heritage but also invigorates our state's manufacturing sector and creates quality jobs that will benefit the Harlem community for years to come."
Ess-a-Bagel COO Melanie Frost said, “We are thrilled to open our new manufacturing facility in Harlem, which represents a significant milestone in our company's history. This state-of-the-art facility will enable us to increase production and meet the growing demand for our authentic New York City bagels. We are grateful for the support from Empire State Development, which has been instrumental in helping us expand our operations and create new job opportunities for the local community.”
Founded in 1976 by Florence and Gene Wilpon along with Florence's brother Aaron Wenzelberg, Ess-a-Bagel has been a New York City staple for nearly five decades. The name, derived from the Yiddish word "ess" meaning "eat," invites customers to "Eat a bagel." For 49 years, Ess-a-Bagel has remained committed to traditional kettle-boiling and baking methods, using the same family recipe that made their original 1st Avenue shop a local favorite. The growing popularity prompted expansion, starting with a second location in Midtown Manhattan in 1992. This was followed by additional openings near Penn Station in 2019, a Brooklyn location in 2021, and Newark Airport in 2022.
The new 7,500-square-foot manufacturing facility in Harlem marks a significant leap in Ess-a-Bagel's production capabilities. Designed for wholesale production, the facility will increase output from 2,400 to 20,000 bagels per week in its first year, with the potential to scale up to over 300,000 weekly at full capacity. This expansion meets rising demand from wholesale partners and the expansion of bagel stores in New York and throughout the country.
To support this growth, Empire State Development is providing up to $450,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, as recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. This investment will support the creation of 12 full-time positions initially, with the potential to expand to 41 positions in total. These roles will include managers, production line workers, and bakers. Through its support, ESD is reinforcing New York’s commitment to strengthening its manufacturing base, creating quality jobs, and driving economic growth in local communities like Harlem.
Assembly Member Edward Gibbs said, "I am thrilled to see Ess-A-Bagel's new manufacturing facility come to life in Harlem. This expansion not only solidifies Ess-A-Bagel's position as a beloved New York City institution but also brings 12 new full-time jobs to our community, with the potential for 41 more. This investment is a testament to the power of community-driven economic development, where local businesses are empowered to grow and thrive while remaining true to their roots.”
NYCREDC Co-Chairs Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, City University of New York Chancellor and William D. Rahm, CEO of Everview Partners, said, "Ess-a-Bagel's new Harlem facility exemplifies the strategic, community-focused growth we aim to foster in New York City. By expanding local production, creating jobs, and strengthening the economy, Ess-a-Bagel serves as a model for how local businesses can evolve, meet growing demand, and thrive in our dynamic urban landscape."
The growth of New York's food manufacturing sector, exemplified by Ess-a-Bagel's Harlem expansion, highlights the state's commitment to fostering economic development while preserving cultural heritage. From urban centers to rural areas, these facilities create quality jobs and strengthen communities while empowering homegrown businesses to meet rising demand. This strategic investment in food production demonstrates how supporting local manufacturers can revitalize neighborhoods, preserve cherished traditions, and reinforce New York's position as a global culinary capital, yielding widespread benefits for communities across the state.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692