Just Bagels started as a small retail and wholesale bagel store in 1992. Today, the company occupies a 44,000-square-foot facility in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, NY, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering an extensive line of fresh, frozen, and parbaked products.

Since its beginning, owners Charles Contreras, Cliff Nordquist, and James O’Connell have continually reinvested in their business in an effort to produce the best water bagels for their customers. Indeed, a glance at the customer list reveals some of the top establishments in New York City: the Waldorf-Astoria, Dean & Deluca, the Marriott Marquis, Citarella, Grace’s Market, Starbucks, and countless others. No customer is too large or too small for Just Bagels. The company currently services many classes of trade, including hotels, restaurants, retail stores, schools and the airline/cruise industry. Just Bagels also offers a private label/co-packing facility for its larger customers.

It’s no surprise that Just Bagels continues to grow steadily, thanks to its superior products. the company recently expanded its distribution network and now services more than 40 states. According to Cliff Nordquist, “A good part of our success is due to the fact that although we’ve grown significantly, we still make bagels like a small bagel shop. Our old-fashioned baking techniques produce a real ‘New York water bagel’ — crunchy on the outside, yet, chewy on the inside. That’s what you’ll get from Just Bagels.” Mr. Nordquist adds, “You really have to try our bagels, and we promise, you will not settle for anything else!”

Just Bagels contain no oils, fats, cholesterol, or preservatives. The firm’s modern facilities are operated in a professional manner with emphasis on adherence to good manufacturing practices (GMP), superior sanitation standards, and a formal food safety program (HACCP).

Of great importance to the success of Just Bagels is its OU certification. “Just Bagels benefits enormously from its relationship with OU. We have gained many new customers specifically because of our OU certification,” declared Mr. Nordquist. “The OU, which is the most widely recognized certification, has helped us penetrate the kosher market. We enjoy a great relationship with everyone at the Orthodox Union, especially with our RFR, Rabbi Sholom Lifchetz, who is always most helpful. Rabbi David Bistricer our rabbinic coordinator, is always responsive to our needs regarding ingredients and sources.”

For Just Bagels samples, contact Mr. Nordquist at 718.328.9700 or check out the company website at http://www.justbagels.com.