Our Story

From engineering blueprints to everything bagels

How It Started

A Dream, A Pandemic, and a Bagel Shop

Our founder Rob spent years as a civil engineer for the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York — designing infrastructure, managing projects, solving complex problems. But the whole time, there was something else on his mind.

Rob had worked in bagel shops before his engineering career, and the dream of opening his own shop never left him. Then 2020 happened.

"I always wanted to open a bagel shop. As difficult as the last year had been for all of us, I believe that the pandemic offered us opportunities to look at life differently."

When Rob was laid off from the MTA during the pandemic, he didn't look for another engineering job. Instead, he and his wife Jess — local residents who know this community inside and out — took the leap together as a family.

Bagel Boyz
Building the Dream

694 Holmdel Rd

In January 2021, word hit the neighborhood: the former Holmdel Deli & Groceries at 694 Holmdel Rd was being transformed into a bagel shop. The community response on Facebook was immediate and enthusiastic.

Rob and Jess completely renovated the space into a sleek, open-concept shop with floor-to-ceiling windows. They designed it with room for socially-distanced lines — a sign of the times, but also a commitment to doing things right from day one.

On April 22, 2021, Bagel Boyz opened its doors for the first time. The line wrapped around the building.

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April 22, 2021

Grand Opening Day
Hazlet, NJ

Growing Up

Two Locations, One Family

Bagel Boyz took off fast. The combination of real bagel-making experience, quality ingredients (Boar's Head meats, 15+ bagel varieties, 13 cream cheese flavors), and that genuine family-run feel turned first-time visitors into regulars.

The success led to a second location at 1352 NJ-36 in Airport Plaza, giving even more of Hazlet and the surrounding towns — Holmdel, Keyport, Middletown, Aberdeen — easy access to fresh bagels every morning.

Today, Bagel Boyz is recognized as one of the best bagel shops in Monmouth County. Brooklyn transplants say our bagels rival what they grew up with. That's the highest compliment a Jersey bagel shop can get.

By the Numbers

2

Locations

15+

Bagel Varieties

13

Cream Cheese Flavors

7

Days a Week

Jersey Proud

What Makes NJ Bagels Special

There's a science to a great bagel, and New Jersey has it figured out.

The Boil

Real bagels are boiled before baking. This gelatinizes the outer starch, creating a barrier that locks moisture inside. It's what gives NJ bagels that signature crust and chewy interior. No shortcuts.

The Dough

High-gluten flour, malt barley, and time. Our dough is mixed, shaped, and given time to develop flavor. No mass-production, no par-baking, no frozen bagels reheated in an oven.

The Bake

High heat, short time. After boiling, our bagels hit the oven while they're still wet. The result: a golden, slightly blistered crust with that perfect snap when you bite in.

The Great Debate

Taylor Ham or Pork Roll?

If you're from North Jersey, it's Taylor Ham. If you're from South Jersey, it's Pork Roll. The dividing line runs roughly along Route 78 and the Union-Middlesex county border.

The product itself dates back to 1856, when John Taylor of Trenton created "Taylor's Prepared Ham." In 1906, the Pure Food and Drug Act forced a name change since it technically wasn't ham — hence "pork roll." But North Jersey never got the memo.

Here at Bagel Boyz in Hazlet? We're right on the line. We respect both sides of the debate. But we'll make it however you order it — just don't forget the SPK.

SPK = Salt, Pepper, Ketchup. If you have to ask, you're probably not from Jersey. But that's okay — we'll show you the way.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Bagel Boyz has two locations in Hazlet, NJ. Our original shop is at 694 Holmdel Rd (on the Hazlet-Holmdel border), and our second location is at 1352 NJ-36 in Airport Plaza. Both are open 7 days a week from 6 AM to 3 PM.
Both Bagel Boyz locations are open Monday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We're open every day of the year including most holidays.
Yes! We offer gluten-free bagels baked fresh daily. They're a customer favorite and available at both locations while supplies last.
Absolutely. We cater events of all sizes — office meetings, birthday parties, corporate events, holiday gatherings, and more. We offer bagel platters, breakfast sandwich trays, deli spreads, coffee service, and custom packages. Visit our catering page to submit an inquiry.
Yes, you can order through DoorDash or Grubhub for delivery from both locations. You can also call ahead for pickup. Visit our order page for all options.
SPK stands for Salt, Pepper, Ketchup — the classic New Jersey condiment combination for breakfast sandwiches. If you're ordering a Taylor Ham (or pork roll) egg and cheese, SPK is the way to go. Just ask when you order!
Bagel Boyz is a family-owned business founded by a husband-and-wife team who are longtime local residents. They opened the first location in April 2021, turning a lifelong dream into Hazlet's favorite bagel shop. It's been a family affair from day one.
Bagel Boyz is consistently rated as one of the best bagel shops in Hazlet and Monmouth County. We serve fresh boiled-and-baked bagels with 15+ varieties, Boar's Head deli meats, and homemade cream cheese spreads at both of our Hazlet locations.

Come See What the Hype Is About

Two locations in Hazlet. Open 6 AM - 3 PM, every day. Bring your appetite.

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