Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
"Family Bagels, to me, is more than a business. It's our family's story written in coffee cups and crumb trays." PLAINVIEW, NY - Family Bagels in Plainview is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday with a celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will have a ribbon-cutting event, face painting, a magician, and more. This family-owned business opened its doors on Nov. 8, 2005, and has been supporting its Plainview community ever since. Neal Schatt, co-owner, said he opened the bagel shop with his wife, Ro, to create something special, and in a town where they put down roots. "Ro and I wanted to build a place that felt like an extension of our home," he said. "Somewhere people could start their day, see familiar faces behind the counter, and feel taken care of." The owners said their goal was to make great food fresh every day and treat customers like family. "Yes, we bake a lot of bagels— on a busy day, we’re rolling and baking dozens and dozens of trays— but what sticks with me are the faces, not the numbers," he said. "It’s truly how we operate, knowing people by name, remembering their usual order, and trying to 'spread the love, one bagel at a time.'" Neal said a family-run food business made sense for their family. "I love hospitality, Ro has incredible instincts about people, and our kids grew up right alongside the business," he said. "Over time, the 'idea' turned into a lease, an oven, and a lot of early mornings, and before we knew it, Family Bagels had become part of the rhythm of the neighborhood." The owners said that Family Bagels truly appreciates their Plainview neighborhood. "Plainview-Old Bethpage is special," he said. "It’s a community that truly shows up." The owners said they try to give back to the community. They have hosted many events and organizations, such as Stacy's Warriors, Rally for Rebecca, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Relay for Life, Plainview Little League, and many PTA and school programs. "Over the years, this little shop has been the backdrop for birthdays, team breakfasts, graduation celebrations, shiva meals, school functions, and fundraisers," he said. "Owning a business here feels less like 'running a shop' and more like being a caretaker of a community hub. You see kids who came in for hot chocolate after Little League now walking in with their own children." He said that they have catered events all over town, bringing food to families during their best moments and their hardest ones: "That's a privilege." Neal was honored with the district's Founders' Day Award and selected as the POB Chamber's 2024 Businessperson of the Year, which he said were "humbling reminders that people see and value that commitment." Over the past 20 years, Family Bagels has grown, and the owners said their son, Michael, is now the second-generation owner. "Family Bagels, to me, is more than a business," Neal said. "It’s our family’s story written in coffee cups and crumb trays — a place where Ro, Michael, Joseph, and I have all worked, laughed, and grown up alongside our customers." Michael is launching a food truck, Family Bagels On The Move. They said the food truck was built to carry the same feeling of warm food, personal service, and community spirit now beyond four walls. "It's the same mission, just on wheels," Neal said. "Michael grew up in this shop— sweeping floors, slicing bagels, learning how to look a customer in the eye and make them feel welcome. Today, he’s the second-generation owner and the driving force behind Family Bagels On The Move." Neal said Michael will help carry on the legacy of Family Bagels and their mission. "If, 20 years from now, people still feel that Family Bagels is where they’re treated like family and where the community comes together, then I’d say we’ve done our job — and the legacy is in very good hands.
