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City's Oldest Bialy Shop Saved By Two Muslims
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Nov 3, 2011
Modified Nov 3, 2011
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Photo via Coney Island Bagels and Bialys
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Nov 3, 2011
Modified Nov 3, 2011
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Last August, we heard the sad news that Coney Island Bialys and Bagels, the oldest bialy store in the city (she's a sprightly 91), was about to close because no one in Coney Island buys enough bialys these days. But word comes now that the store has been saved by some rather unlikely heroes: two Muslim businessmen.
The Jew & The Carrot reports that pastry chef Peerzada Shah and his roommate Zafaryab Ali, who worked in the bialy shop alongside former owner Steve Ross for 10 years, have bought the space and plan to keep it almost exactly the same. They're cooking with the same kosher recipe, using the same signage and equipment, and even keeping some longtime staffers aboard. They're also staying "closely connected" to Ross, who acts a sort of spiritual bialy overseer.
H&H Bagels, meanwhile, continues its downward spiral over in Manhattan, reigniting the historic debate over whether bialys are, in fact, better than bagels.
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bagel
bakery
bialy
coney island
coney island bialys and bagels
Jamie Feldmar
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