The Jersey Bagel guy. Who is he and where did he come from? I was curious, so I asked. His name is Cory Yates, married to Jaclyn Yates (an original New Yorker) with two young energetic boys and two of the most heartfelt folks you’ll meet. Cory is originally from Maryland, but moved to Jersey when he entered college, and is now raising his family local to Cypress, Texas.
His passion for food began as a child. A simple kid being raised by his single Father with an abundant of energy and creativity. He speaks of his childhood in a prideful manner and it’s his Father he credits for being his hero, mentor and influencer. A tough, strict Dad that molded his two children into who they are today. Cory speaks of the morals his Dad hammered into him and says, “I owe him everything I am”.
Cory has overcome a lot in life; after close to 10 years of banging his head against the corporate wall, he realized it was time to chase his dream of becoming his own boss and try and make a real difference in this hard knocks life. He says, “My Wife, Jaclyn, was the catalyst for this whole idea. It popped in her head about 6 months ago, and we’ve been running with it ever since.” With the support of his family behind him, such was born Jersey Bagels.
So why Bagels? Cory says, “I grew up eating bagels, but fell in love with them when I moved to Jersey. It became an everyday staple in our home.” When he moved from Jersey to Cypress, he could not find a bagel that had the nostalgic quality he and his wife were accustom to. He cites while in New York, he and Jaclyn would drive over half an hour to get the absolute best bagels in the Jersey area.
After moving to Cypress, Cory discovered the local market lacked fresh made bagels that had care and love baked into every bite as he has grown accustomed to. Corey says, “It’s a simple, but complex process if done right.” Perfecting his craft is Cory’s goal; to bring both a quality Bagel that folks deserve and wrap it all in stellar customer service.
What I respect most about Cory and Jaclyn is their long term goal. When Jersey Bagel becomes the success of his dreams, he and his wife will give back to the Community that supported them. Their goal is to support others that are struggling as they have themselves been supported. Cory’s dream is to give a home to someone as desperate in need of help as he once was. Cory says, “If my lights are on and there is food in the house then all will be well”.
The local community of Cypress is blessing Cory and his family in making this dream a reality, and he has big plans for Jersey Bagel. Cory currently has satisfied the Cottage License requirements for home-baking; and he plans to expand to an actual store front within the next year if business keeps up at this hearty pace, and is gearing to offer breakfast and brunch. A power duo, serving up quality products like Deli Bagel Sandwiches and other creative bagel concoctions. Who knows what tasty surprises are in store because that creative side of Cory is shining bright!
If you’ve not tried Jersey Bagel and are in the area . . . you are in for a treasure of a treat. There is a wait list for these Bagel gems, but it’s easy enough to place a standing order once a week or if in a pinch, shoot him a message and I’m sure he’d be willing to work something out.
For information on Jersey Bagel you can follow them on Facebook at “Jersey Bagel Yates”.
Author: Metta Marie Archilla, Cypress, Texas
