For today’s Q&A with a local business, we talk to UCBC Bagels manager Morgan Gwilym. The South Avenue bagel shop and cafe is open 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., seven days a week. After May 20, UCBC’s plans for outdoor dining include setting up tables outside running from its patio all the way down to the area in front of Mackenzie’s.
Here’s our interview.
How are you faring there at UCBC?
We are actually doing quite well, to be perfectly honest. Much of our business was takeout anyway. We are not really a sit-down, full-service restaurant. Clearly, we are not where we were two months ago. But we are open and we are busy and we are doing well.
What has the community response been like for you, with all these restrictions in place?
The community response has been quite positive. People are very grateful and happy that we are still open. They come and get coffee and bagels every morning. It allows them some structure and routine, especially at the beginning of the day. And it’s always great to see familiar faces. So we have been able to add a bit of normalcy with this element of chaos we go through every day.
And what have they been asking for? What are your best sellers?
In temps of bagel flavors, our most popular is our everything bagel. We have cinnamon sugar which is quite popular. We have rainbow, cinnamon raisin and plain, as well, and also our cream cheese varieties are very popular. So in addition to regular cream cheese, we have vegetable, scallion, jalapeño, strawberry and lox spread. So yes, our bagels are fresh and made very morning, but the different spreads are what people come back for.
What is your message for UCBC customers?
A lot of people prefer to call ahead. You also can walk up to the building, we have small vestibule to meet you and take your order. But most call and we are preparing the food and then bringing it to the vestibule or car for them.