New York Bagels Sell Out Daily in Stockholm
A New York-style bagel shop in Stockholm's Vasastan district sells out daily, moving over 4,000 bagels in just four weeks. Hundreds queue each morning, with some leaving empty-handed. Owner David Harris transitioned from office work after his previous employer went bankrupt during his parental leave.
It's Tuesday morning on Gästrikegatan street in Stockholm's Vasastan district. The Village Bagels shop appears closed, but activity buzzes inside. Workers receive deliveries, prepare ingredients, and mix dough.
The door displays simple hours: "9 - sold out." Despite opening just four weeks ago, they've sold out every single day. Their total sales exceeded 4,000 bagels already. On the first day, everything sold out in two hours. Hundreds of people left empty-handed after waiting in line.
"I knew I had a good product that I'm proud of, but I never expected such overwhelming demand," David Harris said in an interview.
Harris has always been passionate about food and drink. Still, he spent most of his career in office jobs. During his parental leave, his former company went bankrupt. That's when he decided to make a change.
"I've long wanted to run a restaurant or cafe," Harris explained. "But I don't want to sweat in a restaurant kitchen. I prefer coming to work and smelling freshly roasted coffee beans."
The bagel shop's immediate success shows Stockholm residents crave authentic New York-style bagels. Vasastan, an affluent central Stockholm neighborhood, clearly supports specialty food businesses. Still, selling out hundreds of bagels daily within weeks exceeds most new restaurant expectations.
Harris found his niche by avoiding traditional restaurant cooking. Instead, he focuses on baked goods and coffee. This approach lets him pursue his food passion without kitchen stress.