You win some, and you lose some.
Back on October 11, Michael L. Jones wrote about Born2Bagel (231 Blankenbaker Pkwy.) at Louisville Business First, but I was still chasing beers in Europe and completely missed Michael’s article.
Fortunately the new bagel shop’s co-owner (with wife Jenn) Bruce Rosenbatt sent us an e-mail telling his story, which is quoted verbatim below.
In all honesty, Rosenblatt had me at “lox.”
Born2Bagel is Louisville’s local gem for bagels, schmears, and more. We’re not just a cafe; we’re a cozy haven where bagels become traditions and coffee becomes an art. Join us in savoring the joy of every bite and sip.
As an aside, “schmear” is Yiddish for “spread,” as in cream cheese. Here’s the “biography of a bagel maker in the making,” and thanks again to the bagel maker for sharing it with our readers.
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My name is Bruce Rosenblatt, owner / operator of Born2bageI. I was born and raised in Long island, NY in the town of Bellmore with my mother Judy and 2 siblings Terri & Debbie. Growing up in NY it was traditional to have lox, bagels and all the schmears every Saturday. For me, it literally started at birth as my parents catered my bris with lox & bagels from a local deli named Sheppy’s in 1971.
I quickly learned, as much as I loved to eat I loved cooking more. Quickly I learned to cook and realized others actually enjoyed it as well. I remember cooking with my Grandmother, Mom and sisters as a child. Those were the good old days. Life seemed to slow down at that moment and time stood still. The best part were the memories I made with my family.
Upon my high school graduation, I attended college at The Pennsylvania State University where I earned a business degree and learned I had a knack for the restaurant business. Upon graduation I went to work for restaurant corporate America. Over my tenure I’ve held poisons such as GM, DM, RDO & RVP.
Fast forward to current day and Born2bagel was born September 2023. My wife Jennifer and I have been looking for a true New York bagel experience since moving here in 2014. Not having much luck, in March of 2023 my wife and I were talking and she said to me, it’s time to fill your dreams and bring Louisville the best possible bagel / deli experience. To do so we had to find my grandma Ruth’s secret recipe box. Only then could we create a menu that matched taste buds with childhood memories.
I immediately called my sister Terri to tell her I was thinking of opening a bagel restaurant and she said “you were born for that”. I hung up phone, looked at my wife and said I have the perfect name for the restaurant “Born2bagel”. She said she loved it and a we were off to the races.
Once the name was established it was time to find the perfect location. One that can be easily accessible to all bagel lovers. We chose the Douglas Hills / Middletown location as we saw the need for good bagels!
For four months after we worked our “corporate” America jobs we went to work on the bagel shop. We wanted to create a welcoming space for all to enjoy great food, over the top friendly service but more Importantly, spark childhood memories. Memories of those who are no longer with us but the memories live on in our hearts. Memories that are sparked with the senses of taste, touch & smell. If we can make someone smile every day, it was worth this adventure. My wife and I always say “The best is yet to come”.
A bagel & memory maker.
Bruce Rosenblatt
