In Long Beach, just a few blocks from downtown, sits a quaint little house painted in the brightest shades of turquoise and yellow. This small house is cooking up some big flavors and has quickly become a go-to shop for a delicious breakfast staple: bagels. Round, chewy, delightful.
Bagels are an incredibly scrumptious food acting as a vehicle for a variety of toppings and tastes. Still, A Southern Bagel Company has found a way to take these unpretentious little treats and make them entirely next level good.
Owners David and Anne Guille always knew that they wanted to be in business for themselves. Anne, a native to Long Beach, met David, a New Yorker, in Hawaii while she was stationed there with the U.S. Army and he was in school. They eventually settled back on the Gulf Coast, where their plans to develop a new and fun business would soon be put in motion.
David grew up in Long Island where he worked dual roles as a waiter and a pastry chef. His scout leader’s father, an old Jewish man, taught David how to make bagels. A simple combination of salt, sugar, water, yeast and malted flour is kneaded, proofed, boiled and baked until perfect little circles emerge. David and Anne knew this would be their mission.
After a brief Facebook poll resulted in a resounding “Yes!” by the hundreds, Anne and David decided it was time to take their bagels public, resulting in an outpouring of support and a dedicated fanbase. They began selling bagels at the local farmer’s market where they soon realized the demand was present. In February of 2019, A Southern Bagel Company was born.
A Southern Bagel Company serves up a variety of bagel types, sandwiching together some of the best ingredients around. For sweet lovers, the rainbow bagel has become an incredibly popular item and is quick to sell out. Assorted themes have played a role in Anne’s color of choice. The Snow Queen Bagel, topped with cream cheese of your choice and sprinkles, is a nod to everyone’s beloved frosted princess and is a definite favorite amongst the younger crowd. The Mississippi is another sweet treat. A cinnamon raisin bagel comes swathed in cream cheese and a generous serving of their house-made (and secret recipe) caramel. The Louisiana is a crowd favorite showcasing fresh Louisiana cranberries, cream cheese and strawberries.
Looking for something a little more savory? The Muffuletta comes with ham, salami, cheese and diced olive salad. Served on a sesame bagel, this is a wonderful homage to a New Orleans delicacy. The Red Lox was a personal favorite. An Everything bagel is topped with smoked red lox, cream cheese, capers and thinly sliced purple onions and it’s simply everything! Still, you can’t beat the house brisket served with barbecue sauce and purple onions on a freshly baked jalapeño cheddar bagel.
If by some miracle you’re still hungry, be sure to order the tri-colored, Italian cookies. Three tiers of marzipan cookies are stacked between layers of apricot and raspberry jam before being coated in melted chocolate. It is decadent and wonderful and well worth the calories.
A Southern Bagel Company’s goal is to provide good service and good food in a relaxed setting. Family recipes are used throughout the menu, making everything that much more special. Meeting the community is one of the best joys for both David and Anne who love watching from their shop window as patrons enjoy bite after bite of a food that was delicately crafted with patience and love. Check them out Friday through Monday and be sure to come hungry.
A Southern Bagel Company
19019 Pineville Rd., Long Beach
228.363.4461
www.asouthernbagelcompany.com
Facebook @ASouthernBagelCo
Monday and Friday, 6 a.m.– 2 p.m.
Saturday – 7:30 a.m. – Noon
Sunday – 7 a.m. – Noon
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – Closed
