'Community Store' Seaford Bagels Celebrates 30 Years

SEAFORD, NY — For three decades, locals have been enjoying their schmear of cream cheese on a sesame bagel, or dozens of other options at Seaford Bagels.

John Scannello is one of the owners since the store's debut in 1993. Two sets of brothers, who grew up across the street from each other in East Meadow, chose to go into business together.

At the time, Scannello, 69, had 11 bagel stores on Long Island. He is down to two. The other is also in Seaford-- Calvert Manor Bagels on Hicksville Road.

Seaford Bagels on Merrick Road was the last one they built. Scannello's business partner at the store is Ralph Facchini, who is from Seaford.

In celebration of Seaford's 30th anniversary, "Every Tuesday we're doing bagels for $4.99 for a 12 count," Scannello told Patch. "Which is pretty close to what we were charging back in the day."

One key to the shop's longevity is bringing a personal experience to each customer.

"They can go anywhere to get a bagel, but they come here," Scannello said. "Make them feel like they're walking in their own living room. Give them that comfort level."

Seaford Bagels has also established itself as more than a neighborhood sandwich shop.

Scannello feels it is his duty to be altruistic, from neighborhood veterans to the holiday Easter Egg Hunt. The store also donates to church and temple events, along with school and little league activities.

"We pride ourselves in being a community store," he said.

But as the family bagel store celebrates three decades, Scannello jokes, "We're not looking to go another 30 years."