Husband, Wife Culinary Team Launch New Bagel Concept In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — A new bagel shop offering traditional New York City-style bagels, scratch-made spreads and more is now open in South Norwalk.

Husband-and-wife culinary team Chef Gary King and Pastry Chef Emily King officially opened Norwalk Bagel Co. at 133 Washington Street on May 13, bringing handcrafted sourdough bagels, elevated deli classics, house-made baked goods and chef-driven breakfast and lunch offerings to SoNo.

According to Gary King, the owners hope to bring something new to the SoNo area at their shop.

"Norwalk, especially SoNo, is perfect because we see a real need for authentic morning life and traditional [New York City]-style bagels here," King said in an email to Patch. "It's a community we want to be a part of."

According to King, Norwalk Bagel Co. will focus on "true sourdough bagels," as well as high-quality smoked salmon and big lunch sandwiches.

"We are bringing a traditional approach that stands out," King said.

The duo, who launched the popular Ridgefield Bagels & Bakes in November 2023, are now expanding their scratch-made, naturally leavened bagel concept to Norwalk, according to additional press materials.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Gary King has traveled and worked throughout Europe, Australia, China and Southeast Asia.

Rooted in New York City's restaurant scene, he has worked alongside such celebrated chefs and restaurateurs as Tom Colicchio, Stephen Starr and Brad Farmerie.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Emily King trained under pastry chef Pierre Hermé in Paris and worked with Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Johnny Iuzzini in New York.

Her career includes pastry positions at Cookshop and Veritas in New York City, as well as appearances on the Food Network and consulting work for restaurants in Hawaii and Manhattan and Montauk, N.Y., according to press materials.

"We are so excited to finally open...we can't wait to bring awesome bagels and spreads to Washington Street," Gary King said.

The shop's naturally leavened sourdough bagels, which take three full days to produce, contain no chemicals, stabilizers or fillers, resulting in "a deeply flavorful bagel with a crisp, bubbly exterior and perfectly chewy texture that is also easier to digest," according to press materials.

In addition to classic flavors such as everything, sesame and cinnamon raisin, the bagel menu also features specialty varieties like jalapeño cheddar, marbled pumpernickel and rainbow, as well as mini bagels, flagels, bialys and rotating seasonal flavors.

The shop's cream cheese program also features hand-chopped ingredients and scratch-made spreads, including scallion, olive, strawberry and veggie.

Other menu highlights include scratch-made deli salads, smoked salmon and smoked whitefish sourced from Mount Kisco Smokehouse, house-made soups and signature sandwiches, as well as pastry and dessert offerings like muffins, donuts, scones, coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate, oatmeal sour cherry cookies and key lime pie.

"For first-timers, I always recommend trying the classic lox and cream cheese," King said, "or one of our big lunch sandwiches of your liking."

The shop's bright, open space is also wrapped in vibrant large-scale artwork created by local talent, including Norwalk artist 5ivefingaz.

"We decided to feature local artists because we want to be a true local hangout and support the community right away," King said.

The shop will also feature a liquor license with plans for specialty beverages and an expanded café-style experience, according to press materials.

The shop's full menu can be viewed on the Norwalk Bagel Co. website.