Broadway Bagels - The "Hole" Story

"I was particularly struck by the sheer grit shown by Des and Rosie of Broadway Bagels... This couple came into this business about which they knew literally nothing apart from their love of bagels. They had no background in large scale baking, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and I really commend that entrepreneurial spirit."
Dr. Jeanne Bolger, co-host The Mentor programme. RTE1.

What makes our bagels great?

• Fresh ingredients- sourced in Ireland.
• They are dairy-free.
• Less than 2% fat.
• No preservatives.
• No additives.
• No cholesterol!!!

One day in the summer of 2000, Rosie (who worked in an office of the Transport Workers Union in Manhattan) turned to Des (who worked in construction) and said,

"You know... my mother moved to Ireland, and my sister moved to Ireland and two of my brothers live in Ireland, so I think we should up stakes, move to Ireland and start a bagel company." Des replied, "ARE YOU MAD WOMAN?!"

And so, Christmas 2000 found Des and Rosie and family happily settled in Dungarvan, County Waterford.

Relocating was easy... coming up with the perfect formula for making authentic New York-style bagels was another story! While Rosie settled in well to her adopted homeland, one thing she and her boys couldn't live without was a staple of their diet from the Big Apple, authentic, delicious New York bagels. It took ages, and many people said GIVE UP! What do you know about making bagels?? It can't be done in Ireland! But Des, being the thick-headed Dub that he is, persevered, and he created a process for a New York recipe using Irish ingredients that produces the tastiest and healthiest bagels available anywhere. No Kidding! And, now those same nay-sayers now say, "Hey.. well done!"

Because one the Sheehan boys suffers from eczema, it was essential that the bagel formula contained no dreaded 'Es'

What started as a back-room bakery with 2 people producing about 100 bagels a day for a small shop has grown to a 5000 square foot factory producing over 10,000 bagels a day with 10 staff members, with expansion into a purpose-built factory unit.

The staff at Broadway Bagels are as enthusiastic about making great bagels as Des and Rosie are... and it shows, because not only do they eat the bagels every day themselves, they put up with Des's dancing on the factory floor, and they politely excuse themselves to laugh out of his earshot.

Elsewhere on this website you can watch some video clips of Broadway Bagels TV appearances.