New coronavirus business plan: NYC Bagels delivered to the Hamptons

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — In the days of the coronavirus, businesses are evolving and adapting to meet their loyal customers — wherever they are.

Ess-a-Bagel, a popular bagel shop in New York known for long lines of customers waiting outside on weekends for a nosh, is now available for delivery in the Hamptons.

Starting in August, customers can now order their favorite bagels, spreads and newly created Ess-a-Bagel Hamptons packages straight to their door, according to a release.

“Ess-a-Bagel, founded in 1976, has always been a favorite among New Yorkers who grab breakfast on the way to work or pick up large orders before heading east for the weekend,” a release said. “

As everyday life changes, the company has created new distribution methods to bring customers all of its familiar favorite products, the release said.

“We've worked hard to figure out how to bring our bagels to our loyal customers,” said Melanie Frost, CEO and second-generation owner of Ess-a-Bagel. “Many of our regular customers have now moved permanently to the East End and we wanted to make sure we reach them, wherever they are.”

The company is also determined to give back to the local community, he said.

“We understand there are a lot of people who need help right now,” Frost said. “We are actively exploring how we can support the local community in conjunction with this new initiative.”

Ess-a-Bagel, the release said, had always envisioned bringing its products directly to the Hamptons, but COVID-19 has accelerated the company's plans.

Despite the challenges of the coronavirus, Ess-a-Bagel has faced tough times in the past and the business has adapted, Frost said.

The company was founded when Frost's uncle lost the lease on his Brooklyn donut shop and jumped at the chance to open a bagel shop in New York, he said.

“Due to recent events, Ess-a-Bagel has quickly turned its business around: Being creative and staying strong, which includes working with other restaurants to help each other out,” Frost said.

In addition to working with several existing restaurant partners for local and national delivery, Ess-a-Bagel has partnered with Juice Press for distribution in the Hamptons.

“Local New York businesses will undoubtedly come back stronger than ever, but we need to help each other get through this difficult time. Ess-a-Bagel is a New York institution and we are proud to work together and share distribution resources to help each other. It's also better for your carbon footprint,” said Michael Karsch, CEO of Juice Press.

According to the New York City Hospitality Alliance, restaurants and bars in New York are struggling and have lost more than $120 billion in revenue since the city shut down, the release said. “They're really scrambling, trying to figure out what to do in this new world,” said Andrew Rigie, executive director. “Ess-a-Bagel's alignment with Juice Press is a prime example of how to partner with others to meet consumer demand, survive and thrive.”

Customers can order from Ess-a-Bagel for delivery every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday and have the products delivered to their home. Packages created for the Hamptons include The Ess-a-Bagel Hampton Weekender, Daytripper, Veggie Delight, Lox of Love and more, including a special package for kids. Delivery costs are included in the price of all packages.

Beyond distribution partners, the company said it has plans to work with local organizations to offer assistance and create long-term partnerships in the community.

Giving back is an integral part of Ess-a-Bagel's story, Frost said. Over the past few months and since the onset of COVID-19, the company has provided food donations, breakfasts and lunches to numerous hospitals and charities throughout New York and the tri-state area.

Ess-a-Bagel is also currently working with companies that have offices in New York and surrounding areas as they reopen.

“We created a big Welcome Back to Work campaign,” Frost said. “We know it's a different world now, so we work with companies to meet their individual needs — from offering more grab and go items to serving individually packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner. We're ready when the New York City is ready.”

“As the late Florence Wilpon, founder of Ess-a-Bagel, always said, 'Ess-a-Bagel was my baby, and it was made with a lot of love,'” Frost said. “We are ready for the 'new normal,' but Ess-a-Bagel will continue to bring the same love and comfort food to people during these difficult times,” he added.

Ess-a-Bagel Ess-a-Bagel was founded in 1976 by Florence and Gene Wilpon and Florence's brother Aaron Wenzelberg. Coming from an Austrian baking family, the art of baking or creating the perfect bagel came naturally to them, they said.

To order, customers can go directly to Ess-a-Bagel's website here, click on the “Hamptons & Tristate” tab and order from the new Hamptons menu. Customers can also call 212-980-1010 or order nationwide through Goldbelly.