Giant Bagel — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

I just had my last bagel from the "Giant" Bagel and it is bittersweet. I have been going there every week day for a breakfast sandwich for almost an entire calendar year. In this time the bagels shrank a bit, which was disappointing but manageable because they're so darn yummy.

However, I was met with a sudden price increase of 50 cents today--over 5%. I mentioned to the staff that make the sandwiches how disappointing it was to see the bagels shrinking and price increasing and that I might consider getting the significantly less delicious sandwich at a significantly lower price from the cornershop near my apartment instead. This was stated as a somber realization and not an irritated complaint, because I've enjoyed patroning the "Giant" Bagel for the past year.

The man who greets people--I'm not sure what else he does since he apparently isn't the owner or boss--did not like what I had to say and muttered something about "the complaint department being on the 3rd floor" which I didn't hear exactly.

I asked him what he said in a curious and non challenging way, but he must've felt otherwise because he said he wasn't going to shout. I earnestly implored him to repeat himself and he said something to the effect of "you wait and you'll see other places will be the same price soon and we'll still be the best." In other words he wasn't happy I was speaking my mind about the changes. Now I'm speaking about them to all of Google, oh well!

When that day comes where the corner bodega wants 8 dollars for an egg and cheese, he will see me again. Until then, I take my business somewhere else that doesnt disrespectf the customer, especially should the unfortunate situation arise where a concern needs to be raised.

Farwell...

$17 for a bagel with cream cheese and lox. Let me repeat that slowly: SEVENTEEN DOLLARS. That’s not breakfast, that’s extortion with a schmear. At this point, I half expected the cashier to offer me a financing plan or ask if I’d like to lease my bagel.

The food? Sure, it’s fine—like every other bagel on the planet. The difference is everywhere else doesn’t demand your entire week’s lunch budget for one bite. I’ve had weddings cheaper than this. Even Sesame in Brooklyn charges less, and they’re practically a luxury brand by bagel standards.

Walking out, I wasn’t full—I was lightheaded from the financial blood loss. Honestly, someone call 911, because this pricing isn’t just insane, it’s criminal. The only thing this place is serving fresh is bankruptcy.

Food: 5 (if you enjoy dining with regret) Service: 1 (smiles while robbing you) Atmosphere: 2 (ambulance sirens in the distance)

This bagel didn’t just hurt my wallet, it...

Giant bagel qualified for my top 10 places to go to for breakfast. I love it!

PROS Good quality gourmet breakfast food. Great variety of drinks and bagels. Very neat and clean. Friendly staff. Excellent place to treat your family with a hearty breakfast.

CONS If it gets crowded you won't be able to have a seat as people will be crowding over your head,unless you have a seat in the corner which can house 6 people. Depends on what time you go will decide when you get a parking space. Mornings can be a horrible experience unless you decide to walk there.

I look for to going there again soon.

Do try : eggs on a roll with fried potatoes. Check my photos

Thanks and Bon...