Toby Alves & Paul Farrell Owners of Union Bagel Co.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,428)

It was almost closing time this afternoon at the brand new Union Bagel Co. and the bagel baskets were all but empty – only about 6 baked-on-site bagels remained unsold.  In other words, THIRTY-FIVE dozen bagles were sold on the opening day of the company.  It’s  located at 147 Cumberland Avenue,  the former storefront of Katie Made Bakery and Silly’s.

Hill resident, Paul Farrell and co-owner of the business, said that prior to this venture, he’d been making bagels in the kitchen at the Portland Public Market in Monument Square.  Farrell was selling them wholesale to a  number of local businesses like Crema Coffee and Bakery on Commercial Street.  Toby Alves was delivering the 10 – 15 dozen daily to these retailers.

But it had always been Farrell’s goal to start up his own bagel shop – that’s when he and Alves got talking seriously and decided to go into business together.  “Having Toby working with me has made all the difference.  I couldn’t have done this without him,” said Farrell, a nice and easy nice guy.  Both were clearly pleased with the opening day’s business.

Union Bagel bakes on site seven varities of bagels.  They are: everything, sesame, poppy, onion, garlic, salt and plain.  According to Alves, the most popular one sold today was everything. For one dollar more, cream cheese can be added to a toasted bagel.  MHN.com offers this unsolicited review:  It was wonderful and is worthy of  many repeats!  No doubt its freshness plays an important role in consumer enthusiasm.  The two plan on restarting their wholesale business following Memorial Day.

Formerly, Farrell worked for a baker in Blue Hill:  Steve Lanzatta.  More recently he has worked at Big Sky, Standard Bakery and Borbalis.

It’s open 7 days a week from 6 am – 2 pm.  Hot coffee and cold drinks are available as well.  The phone number is (207) 747-4400 and the website is: unionbagelco.com