The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe opens its doors

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

CANTON – Corey Bernier of Canton was the first customer at The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe Sunday morning. But while Bernier arrived really early for the restaurant's 10 a.m. grand opening, Lisa Jakimenko of Burlington was there an hour and 15 minutes prior.

"I got here at 4:45 but she didn't get out of the car," Bernier said, laughing.

There were no hard feelings among the two, however, and each secured free bagels for a year (one per day), which the business awarded to its first 25 customers.

Jakimenko said it was the golden ticket and added, "I have to show my kids I'm still crazy."

The business, located at 161 Albany Turnpike (Route 44), had been generating excitement for its opening in recent weeks with a host of social media posts, including the chance for free bagels, photos of the historic building that houses the business, and tantalizing photos of offerings - such as The Axe, named for the historic mill complex in Collinsville. It features two cage free eggs, two meats, cheese, heirloom tomato, greens and herb aioli on any bagel.

The posts seemed to work well as customers flocked to the store and were willing to wait in lines as the business welcomed patrons.

Additionally, people can visit https://www.bluehousebagelco.com/ or find the business on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bluehousebagelco

Matthew Safalow shares a laugh with customers Corey Bernier of Canton and Lisa Jakimenko of Burlington.

Kevin Jones of New Hartford waits in comfort for The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe to open.

Employees at The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe prepare for customers on opening day.

Cutting the ribbon are members of the Safalow family. From left are Lia, Ben, Matthew and Mark.

Some of the bagels available at The Blue House Bagel Co. and Cafe.

Customers wait in line at the grand opening.

Inside The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe.

The menu at The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe.

Jessica Broggi and Jonathan Cote get ready to try some bagel sandwiches on the morning of The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe's grand opening.

Melanie Hoben helps promote The Blue House Bagel Co. & Cafe's grand opening.