Sisters in Business

By Kristen Suarez

PLATTSBURGH — The Bagel Pit, a small town local bagel shop located at 22

Brinkerhoff Street, uses sisterhood and quality service to capture their costumers.

Everything from the company’s logo — “We survive on coffee and carb, and

making sure everyone who starts their day with us gets great food, great service, and

leaves our shop happier than they came in” — to it’s positive owners, sisters Ashley and

Brittany Taylor, has characterized this business as a comfortable judge free zone.

The sisters grew up in the Au Sable area, where Ashley worked two jobs and

attended Clinton Community College.  The couple she had been dog sitting for

recognized Ashley’s hard work, and suggested she meet with the former owners of The

Bagel pit, which at the time was known as Baxter’s Bagels.

“They hired me than they offered to sell me the business. They had been robbed,

and were never around, so they wanted to get rid of it, but I didn’t have the money

because I was only 19 years old at this point,” said Ashley, “I didn’t even have a credit

card.”

Ashley was 24 years old at the time and agreed to invest in The Bagel Pit with her

sister. “It took a couple months and finagling, but we were able to get the finances

together and purchase The Bagel Pit, and never looked back,” said Brittany.

Upon entering the bagel shop, the smell of toasting bagels, fresh eggs, and good

energy filled the air, while SHOUT! by The Isley Brothers played in the background

creating a fun, and costumer friendly atmosphere.

Now, two years later, The Bagel Pit is booming. “Business is going very well

actually. Today we had a record-breaking day which is exciting,” said Brittany.

The sisters owe much of their business to the college bar scene. “It’s good

hangover food, we serve it happy, and with love,” said Ashley.

Thanks to St. Plattysday, the sisters served over 225 orders. “ It’s the best place to

get breakfast after a long night out at the bars,” said Flora Veitch, a SUNY Plattsburgh

student.

“We make it a place where anyone can come in and get service with a smile even

when days like today where it takes a little to get your food,” said Brittany,  “We do more

than just serving your food, we like to hear your stories, and have conversations, and I

think that’s what makes us so successful.”

They say that starting a business with family can be sticky, but for these sisters,

depending on each other created a successful business. “Ash and I make a good pair, of

course there are arguments, but it’s because she has her strengths and I have my

strengths,” said Brittany “In a small business you wear so many hats it’s impossible to

have everything under your own belt so we help each other with that.”

Ashley and Brittany plan to extend their business to places outside of Plattsburgh

in the next two to five years. Their dedication to customers, attention to detail, and hard

working staff is what makes The Bagel Pit special. Next time you order an egg sandwich

with ketchup, be sure to notice the smiley face drawn on your order.