08-05-2025
Hole in One: Breaking Down the H&H Bagel
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
At 5:45 A.M. on the opening day of H&H Bagels' Santa Monica shop, company CEO Jay Rushin was making his way to the new location from his hotel. It was dark and chilly amid thick fog.
'I had no idea how many people were going to be there,' Rushin says. 'I turned the corner on Montana and the line was two blocks long. I was pretty blown away.'
Founded in 1972 by Puerto Rican immigrants Helmer Toro and Hector Hernandez, H&H Bagels was born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It has been one of the most iconic brands in the city, making TV cameos on Seinfeld; Sex and the City and The Office.
Rushin acquired the company in 2014, after a 20-year career on Wall Street. The self-proclaimed 'world's worst salesperson,' says he wanted a product that could sell itself. His aim: to take H&H nationwide, with a current location already in Boca Raton, Fla., and plans to expand to Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Orange County; and San Diego.
'I would say we're getting a bigger reception outside of New York than we do in New York,' says Rushin. 'It's really incredible.'
The signature bacon, egg and cheese
New products are also in the mix. The brand's spicy scallion cream cheese debuted April 4 and is available online and in stores. A blend of peppers provides the added kick.
For Mother's Day, H&H is offering a 10% discount on all nationwide shipping. Bundles range from $59 to $244 and include up to two dozen bagels, spreads and Nova Scotia smoked salmon.
'We're constantly iterating. We're constantly trying to improve everything about the brand,' says Rushin. 'Whether it's the quality of products or whether it's the customer experience. … One of the driving forces of our culture is constant improvement and constant change."
THE RIGHT MIX:
Here's what makes an H&H bagel unique
• THE FLOUR
H&H uses unbromated and unbleached best-in-class flour. The bagels are non-GMO, with no artificial preservatives.
• THE WATER
All bagels are made with New York City water and fully kettle-boiled. It's what makes H&H an authentic New York City bagel rather than 'New York style.'
• THE SPICY SCALLION CREAM CHEESE
When H&H tested flavor profiles for its spring seasonal spreads, this hot take on the brand's signature scallion cream cheese stood out as the clear winner. A blend of chili peppers adds a slow and rolling heat that packs a punch without overwhelming the palate.
