The Bagel Man

          Downtown Bloomsburg has a rich history of family-owned establishments. Many businesses have been around for over forty years. Students, alumni, and residents of the Bloomsburg area have frequented the stores and such for years, generations to generations. One of the most popular eateries downtown is certainly Bloomin’ Bagels. Bloomin’ Bagels is owned and founded by Mr. Don Harris. Don has been in the bagel business since December 1996. The following is a narration of how Bloomin’ Bagels came to be. "What would have happened if you couldn't get an interview with me?" said Don teasingly as he settled in his chair.

As he sits down, he places his wide-framed glasses on the table along with the cup of coffee he had just made. Don looks to be in his late forties, has auburn hair, and is tall and quite intimidating at first glance. He was wearing a sweat-proof t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and a pair of under-armor sneakers. He seems to be a football fan due to a conversation with a customer talking about the past football game over the weekend. He alluded to the fact that Bloomin' Bagels wasn't always in its well-known spot now. 

When Don arrived in Bloomsburg, "There were no bagel stores within fifty miles of the town." he stated. Then suddenly, there was one bagel store, The Big Apple, just two miles from Downtown Bloomsburg. Unfortunately, The Big Apple was taken down within just eight months of them being open. The landlord who owned the building reached out to Don Harris to see if he was interested in opening a bagel store in a new location. The landlord gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. He was offering free rent, and if it didn't end up well, he could take the equipment with him and cut ties with the place completely. " I had to take the deal if it didn't work out, at least I got free equipment out of it., Don said justifyingly. 

 Fortunately for Don, business picked up quickly. This made him reminisce about his younger years when he worked for a Jewish family in the Bronx. This was an easy decision for Don, and he quickly moved to where he has planted his roots ever since, Bloomsburg, PA. He partnered with one of the younger brothers from the family he worked with in the Bronx to open Bloomin’ Bagels.  After some time passed, Don bought out the brother and finally owned Bloomin' Bagels as the sole proprietor in 1998.

Since then, Don has modernized the store and expanded his store to another location on East 7th Street. As you walk into Bloomin' Bagels, the smell of hot, fresh baked bagels fills the air and engulfs your nostrils.  A view of the service desk is where you can see the customers lined up, waiting for one of the employees to take their order. An older gentleman with white hair walks up to the counter, and one of the employees is trying to squeeze by behind the counter. The older gentleman recognizes the middle-aged employee and calls his name. 

The middle-aged man is surprised to see him, and the older man exclaims, "Wow, I can't believe how much you've grown up!" 

"Well, yeah, I am twenty-four now, and I also have two twin sons now, believe it or not," the middle-aged employee excitedly responds. 

As you can tell, Don prides himself and his business on customer service. Many of Don’s employees are college and high school students, some stay longer and become full-time employees.  As you can see, a tight-knit community of loyal customers keeps Bloomin’ Bagels alive and thriving as a business. Family-oriented and dedicated to customers are values that Don prides himself on. He makes sure that his establishment is welcoming and well-managed. This small shop on the corner has a family-friendly feel and boasts excellent service.

Additionally, Don believes in supporting his community and offers opportunities for fundraisers to local high schools, clubs, athletics, and even Greek life organizations at Bloomsburg University. Both the original Bloomin’ Bagels and now Bloomin' Bagels II offer a range of service options. From catering large get-togethers, local delivery right to your doorstep, dining in or take out, all your bagel cravings are satisfied. Both Bloomin’ Bagels specialize in freshly baked bagels and breakfast items, and freshly brewed coffees and juices highlight their menus as well. 

Don Harris truly provides his customers and community with homemade bakery delights, sure to please your average Joe, student, or traveler passing through Bloomsburg. With over twenty-eight years in business and expertise, you're bound to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Clearly, Don and his employees have proven to be a successful addition to Downtown Bloomsburg, ensuring that each bagel and menu item is made with quality ingredients and, most importantly, care and love. The next stop, Bloomin’ Bagels, may be coming to a town near you.