In a blind taste test during LeBron James’ reality show Cleveland Hustles, a New York City local picked a Cleveland bagel over the Big Apple’s. Since then, Cleveland Bagel Co. received a $100,000 investment and opened an Ohio City storefront. Co-owners Dan Herbst and Geoff Hardman have tripled production from their normal 22 dozen a day and are teaching employees how to roll more than 200 bagels an hour. “Being on the show was like a second and third full-time job,” says Herbst. “But this was always the plan.” Get a taste of their hard work by slathering one of 30 schmears, such as cherry goat cheese or chorizo chipotle, atop their boiled, five-ingredient bagels in flavors such as sesame, poppy seed and everything. “It’s got a crisp exterior and chewy, gluten-y interior,” says Hardman. “Your jaw is supposed to feel a little sore afterward.” 4201 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-395-7723, clebagelco.com
CLE Bagel Co. Hustles Its Way to an Ohio City Storefront
Co-owners Dan Herbst and Geoff Hardman have tripled production of their five-ingredient chewy bagels.
