Elliot Dutra has a background in the food business.
He and his brother Paul are both partners in the Raymond Hadley Corp., a Spencer-based company that “specializes in the development, blending/manufacturing, and packaging of dry specialty foods, for both retail and food service,” according to its website.
But Dutra also had a dream about owning a restaurant, and he wanted to offer a product that would appeal to the average person. He found it in a popular but simple breakfast staple — the bagel.
Thus, a new Elmira business, the Daily Bagel Cafe, was born.
“The bagel is very relatable and hardy,” Dutra said. “This town is a hard working town. People want something of substance. We’re making everything from scratch with very specific ingredients. We want to give (customers) fast options that are still hardy.”
The Daily Bagel Cafe is located at 1339 College Ave. in Elmira. It opened Feb. 11 with initial hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to making everything from scratch, the business also tries to accommodate people with special dietary needs.
The cafe is also a family affair. Along with Elliot and Paul Dutra, several other family members help run the business, keeping the daily selections of bagels, toppings and other offerings flowing.
Dutra’s formula for success apparently worked well, based on first week results.
“The first week we were slammed. We sold out,” he said. “We posted on Facebook and we were jam-packed every day until we ran out of inventory.”
The cafe was sold out by 1 p.m. the first day and 11 a.m. the second, Paul Dutra added.
Running the cafe has been on the job training for everyone involved, Elliot Dutra said.
After opening week, they have a better handle on how much inventory to have available, he said, adding the business is still a work in progress and the operation will only improve with time and experience, he said.
“It’s all set up. We’re just getting the feel for it,” Dutra said. “Based on my background and lifestyle, we know how to do it and we know how to do it well.”
For more information on the Daily Bagel Cafe, visit their Facebook page.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Love bagels? New Elmira business, Daily Bagel Cafe, has what you crave
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
