A family business turns into a small community, bringing people together.
Photo by Becca Holt
When I first walked into the Bagel Deli located at 6439 E. Hampden at Monaco, I was immediately surrounded by photographs of the people who have devoted themselves to the business. I was greeted by friendly faces, the aroma of fresh baked goods, the friction of people sliding into the booths, and the harmony of the whole Deli singing Happy Birthday to a lucky customer. The Bagel Deli is based off of family, customer service, and kosher foods.
“After the Holocaust, my grandparents came over from Austria and had the opportunity to buy the Bagel Deli in 1967,” said Jared Kaplan who is the grandson of the original owners, Paul and Charlotte ‘Lola’ Weiner. Since 1967 the Deli has been passed down one generation, and is now currently owned by Jared’s parents Joe and Rhoda Kaplan. “I look forward to the inheritance of the Deli. This is my passion. I love people, working, the lifestyle; this is my niche. I don’t think I could bear to see it be passed to another owner outside of the family, I wouldn’t want all the change,” said Kaplan, who has been the executive chef at the Deli for 13 years and counting.
Kaplan and his mother do the majority of the baking; they are always stewing something up. “We are an authentic kosher deli; it is very hard to find good kosher products. There are not many delis that are like us,” said Kaplan. The Deli is kosher with the exception of serving meat and cheese together. When walking into the Deli with a grumbling stomach, one will find it extremely difficult to narrow down the tremendous amount of options. In the bakery one will find various flavors of Rugulach, a bite sized pastry that comes in many different flavors and Homentasch, a triangular pastry often filled with preserves. In the restaurant, one could have anything from a bagel to a Reuben with a pickle on the side. Breakfast is served all day, thus keeping the menu of over 100 options and combinations open. “Since the opening of the Deli, we have incorporated many new things. We have really worked on expanding our breakfast options,” said Kaplan.
One of the Deli’s greatest boasts is its ability to hold onto its employees and welcome them into their growing family. “Most of our employees have dedicated themselves towards helping our business thrive. Our oldest employee had worked here for over 23 years,” said Kaplan. Clara was the oldest employee, who recently passed away at the age of 80. “She was a gutsy New Yorker who had quite the sailors’ mouth. She was the only one who could get away with serving your soup with her finger in it and still be requested by returning customers. Everyone enjoyed her fiery personality. She definitely liked to bust peoples’ chops,” said Kaplan.
At the Bagel Deli, everyday is different; there is always something new to make one’s visit more memorable. “Sometimes the older Jewish women will come in and make an order and while they wait, they will unfold a chair that they brought in, and sit in the middle of the store,” shared Kaplan.
Choosing to eat at the Bagel Deli means one will receive a good and consistent product, and the ability to support local over corporation. When one leaves the Bagel Deli it is with an urge of satisfaction, the want and need to return for more, a great story to share with friends, and a new place full of kinship.
So TJ, keep The Bagel Deli on your list as a great place to eat. It is just over the highway and across the street from King Soopers. The deli is a close place for you and your friends to enjoy lunch and get back in time for sixth period. Try something new, and give The Bagel Deli a chance. You won’t regret it.
