Montclair Restaurant Owner Is Taking A Hiatus From The Bagel Business

MONTCLAIR, NJ — For now, Matt Harvey isn’t sure what the future will hold. But according to the Montclair entrepreneur, his decision to “take a hiatus” from the bagel business isn’t permanent.

Harvey made a splash on the local foodie scene last year when he opened Harvey's Handrolled Bagels at 98 Walnut Street. It was a moment that has been years in the making for Harvey, who began his passion project as a weekend pop-up in the bakery section of local restaurant, Walnut Street Kitchen.

Harvey eventually rolled the dice and went with his gut, giving up a comfortable job in medical sales to pursue his passion project: making bagels. Read More: NJ Man Gives Up Corporate Job To Make Bagels In Montclair

However, his journey into entrepreneurship is now taking another twist, he reported last weekend on social media.

According to a post from Harvey's Handrolled Bagels:

“I know I’ve been relatively quiet over the past few months and I wanted to give an update. At the end of the summer I made the hard decision of parting ways with Walnut Street Kitchen Corp and will be taking a hiatus with the Harvey’s Handrolled brand. My next step was to expand Harvey’s and open a full size brick and mortar location and right now that’s not something I can do. It’s been an incredible experience serving the customers of Montclair and surrounding towns and I appreciate all of the love and immense support you have given us. It means the world to me and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

The post continues:

“This weekend and next week will be the last chance to get Harvey’s bagels/sandwiches. Next Saturday 11/11 my former business partner and owner of @walnutstreetkitchen Beverly Lacsina will be opening a new bagel/bakery concept in the bakery called @walnutstreetbagelsandco Please go follow and continue to show the same love to her and the new shop. You can expect to see some new bagel choices and a whole new sandwich menu as well as her specialty cakes and pastries.”

“I’m not sure what the future holds but I don’t think this is forever,” the post concludes. “Thank you all and I’ll see you this weekend.”

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