Woodside-based Davidovich Bagels is looking to take over the Upper West Side space vacated by H & H Bagels in June, DNAinfo reported.
Marc Fintz, director of business development for Davidovich Bagels, said his company is in talks with landlord Friedland Properties about leasing the 2,100-square-foot storefront at 2239 Broadway. Friedland Properties declined to comment.
“If you’re an insider in the bagel business, the Upper West Side is your proving ground,” Fintz said. “If you can establish yourself there, you’re king of the hill.”
But Fintz said the rent demanded by Friedland would be challenging. He said he wants to talk the landlord down from $950,000 a year.
Meanwhile, other bagel stores have moved into the area in the wake of H & H’s closure, with Bagels & Co. advertising its West 79th Street store in front of the old location.
“There’s no go-to bagel spot anymore,” said Zabar’s general manager Scott Goldshine. As a result, Zabar’s, which is at 2245 Broadway, has been selling more bagels recently, while the Upper West Side Fairways supermarket has also seen an increase in bagel sales.
Traditional bagel stores have been facing tough times throughout the city, with Bialys and Bagels on Coney Island facing closure as well. [DNAinfo]