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How many green bagels does the Bagel Shoppe average on St. Patty's Day?
- 100
- 1,000
- 10,000
- 20,000
On an average business day, The Bagel Shoppe sells between 70 and 100 dozen bagels (that's more than 1,000 bagels).
Owner Sam Ayyad of Clifton was already taking orders for St. Patrick's Day on March 9. The green bagels are in the shop and people have been clearing them from the shelves, he said.
Ayyad attributes the sales to local schools, who order the festive bagels for the students.
This year, St. Patty's falls on a Saturday, but Ayyad is still holding out hope.
"People have already placed orders for eight dozen bagels," he said on the chilly Friday morning.
"We've been making the green bagels since we opened [2002].
"Every year no matter what, St. Patrick's Day is our busiest day. So we'll see what happens this year."
Ayyad moved to the U.S. from the Middle East in 1989 and began working as an engineer.
In 2002, he purchased The Bagel Shoppe.
With experience in the food industry, he felt he could bring success to the store.
His mother-in-law, wife and kids all work at the shop, baking fresh muffins, bagels and mini bagels each day.
Popular flavors include french toast bagels and whole wheat.
Affable staff members work the grill and know customers' orders by heart.
"Sam knows everyone by name," said shop employee Karam Sallam, 22. "Their cars pull up and he has us start making their orders."
The shoppe remained opened through each storm this winter.
Ayyad said he came to the U.S. looking for the American Dream. He says he's gotten that — and much more.
The Bagel Shoppe, 447 Passaic St., Hackensack.
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