Indianapolis, Indiana – The best bagels in the world are said to come from New York, but some claim that an Indianapolis bagel business is giving NYC a run for its money.
For one and a half years, Sidedoor Bagel has been located at the intersection of East Tenth and Dorman Streets.
“It was really rough with the construction downtown, the highways being shut down it was rough at the beginning,” said owner, Josh Greeson.
It has been a well-kept secret and a popular stop for several locals.
“It is maybe the only thing I have actually waited in line for in Indianapolis,” said customer, Whitney Walker.
Business is rising at the neighborhood bagel restaurant after Bon Appetit listed it as one of the top 24 bagels outside of New York on Tuesday.
“The article, we didn’t know what is was going to be, they sent some questions and asked ‘Hey do you use this kind of flour, does it take three days to make your bagels?’” said Greeson.
“The next day, we sold out in two hours. The following day we sold out in two hours, and we were finally able to ramp up bagel production.”
Greeson said that daily business had tripled.
“I would say it is 75 percent new people that are coming in,” said Greeson.
Customers have also observed an increase in business.
“I mean, yesterday was a Tuesday, and the line was maybe 30 minutes, and prior to that on weekdays, it was usually pretty fast,” said Walker.
Since it opened, Walker has been taking her dog on a stroll to Sidedoor Bagels.
“They are super crispy on the outside and really chewy and I love all the different cream cheeses that they have,” said Walker.
“So today I got a black pepper parmesan and that is not something you find everywhere.”
Greeson claimed that the range of choices and use of regional ingredients set his establishment distinct. He said that if you plan to drop by, arrive early.
“Preordering is always helpful if you do not want to wait in line. The line is worth it though,” said Walker.
