3 Local Politicians Outline Plan To Save Absolute Bagels

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Last Thursday, the beloved no-frills joint Absolute Bagels closed unexpectedly, sending shockwaves throughout the Upper West Side.

Now, three local elected officials are offering their support in reopening the bagel shop.

On Monday, Assemblymember-Elect Micah Lasher, Councilmember Shaun Abreu, and State Senator Cordell Cleare wrote to owner Samak Thongkrieng, and the landlord of the building Robert Susser and broker Rafe Evans, outlining plans to keep the business intact.

The shop, riddled with health code violations, was ordered temporarily closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene until it could pass a health inspection on Dec. 11. Then, several reports confirmed that Thongkrieng, who had been running the shop for nearly 30 years, was ready to retire and decided to close it for good.

The electeds said in the letter there are two ways that Absolute Bagels could stay intact: The owner could sell the existing business as-is to new management, or the landlord could find a new tenant who would keep the business going under the same name, with the same recipes and employees.

“If Mr. Thongkrieng is indeed resolved to retire, we ask that he consider making arrangements to sell the existing business as is, or that Mr. Evans and Mr. Susser seek a new tenant that will arrange with Mr. Thongkrieng for the continuity of Absolute Bagels’ name, brand identity, recipes, staff, and whatever other aspects of his operation are critical to maintaining the tradition and specific quality of his bagels,” the letter reads.

Either way, the three local politicians have promised to assist the new tenant or owner of Absolute Bagels in working with the health department or any other city or state agency whose approval might be necessary for the shop to reopen.

“Absolute Bagels was one-of-a-kind — not just the best bagels in the city, but a touchstone that occupied a special place in the heart of our community,” Lasher, Abreu, and Cleare wrote in the letter. “By working with us to ensure that the tradition of Absolute Bagels continues, you will be doing a great service to the community and to bagel-lovers everywhere — while also pursuing the fastest path to a renewed and sustainable tenancy."

Evans said that while many bagel sellers have expressed interest in the space, the name Absolute Bagels is not likely to come back, as the copyright belongs to the owner, who doesn't wish to sell it.

"We have interest from multiple [bagel store owners], which isn't surprising since he was very successful," Evans told Patch. But, when it comes to opening a new store in the space, "It's not going to be immediate, as the space needs to be rebuilt from scratch."

Susser and Thongkrieng have not yet responded to requests for comment.

This article was updated with quotes from Rafe Evans on Dec. 23.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com