Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Happy 10th anniversary to Tompkins Square Bagels

Tompkins Square Bagels is celebrating its 10th anniversary late this month at 165 Avenue A between 10th Street and 11th Street. 

The shop had its soft opening here on Dec. 16, 2011. (The outpost at 184 Second Ave. between 11th Street and 12th Street debuted in November 2016.)

Congratulations to owner Christopher Pugliese and the staff at both locations.

It hasn't been easy these past two years. In November 2020, ConEd shut off the gas at the Avenue A location. (Service returned on Dec. 31.) At the time, a carbon monoxide sensor went off related to the storefront's hot water heater, and workers discovered a hole in the flue that brings in replacement air. 

Because of the hole, replacement air wasn't getting into the basement, thus the high carbon monoxide reading, Pugliese said at the time. However, despite identifying the problem and quickly repairing it, ConEd shut off the gas to the business.

To keep the shop running, Pugliese, who helped feed unhoused residents and essential front-line workers during the pandemic's worst days in the spring of 2020spent $7,000 to buy three electric grills and have three 220-volt power lines installed so his team could cook. 

You can read more about how TSB overcame all this here.

11 comments:

creature said...

Damn. Time flies.

Wink2x said...

TSP staff in both locations are the nicest people. The bagels and fixings are delicious, and Chris himself is a real treasure-a stand up guy who has consistently supported and contributed to the neighborhood and community. I’m grateful for TSP every time I bite into my everything bagel. Happy 10th and many more!

Edmund Dunn said...

Chris and his staff for his 2 places are the best.

Sarah said...

I can't believe TSB has been around in the city for less time than I have. They feel like they've been there forever, in the best way.

Glenn said...

These are top-notch New York City bagels. Proper crust that's hard but not too hard, and a perfect chewy interior.

MrNiceGuy said...

We're lucky to have one of the best bagel shops in the whole city, right here in the EV.

I'd say "here's to another 10 years".... but "here's to another 100 years" seems more appropriate! Congrats TSB team!

Anonymous said...

We, as a community, are so lucky to have Chris in our midst. He's one of the really good people in this area. His bagels are great, the vibe in his shops is wonderful, and he's someone whose shops make this a better (and tastier) place to live.

CONGRATS, Chris, on all you've achieved so far (even when staying open felt like an against-all-odds battle). I wish you all the success in the world. We know you've put your heart & soul into this, and we appreciate that, and we appreciate YOU!

anonymous said...

Over priced and over hyped! Not a fan.

Lola Sáenz said...

Happy Birthday TSB🥳
Chris and your staff, Thanks so much for the Delicious Hot Bagels! Love the muffins and Black and white cookies! Thanks for hanging in there, these last 2 odd years.Wish you many more

BagelGuy said...

Hello all. I am recovering from a surgery (Torn rotator cuff and bicep) so typing is a bit tricky right now but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who supported my stores over the past 10 years. I am very grateful to that I still get to come to work every day. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Chris, so sorry to hear you had to have surgery. I wish you a smooth recovery to the best of good health, and I hope 2022 will be a great year for you in every possible way!