The bagel drought in Cutchogue will soon be over.
Chris Conlan, owner of Black Sheep Bagels in Jamesport, recently signed a lease for a second location in the former Scoops & Grinds along Main Road.
“It just felt right,” Conlan said in an interview Wednesday, noting that expansion has always been a dream. “I’ve had my eye on Cutchogue for years. I didn’t think it would happen this soon, but the opportunity arose and we decided to jump on it.”
Renovations are already underway at the new location adjacent to Braun Seafood. “The previous owner left the store in very good condition,” Conlan said. In addition to installing a deli case and bagel oven, Conlan is hoping to expand outdoor seating. “It’s got a huge front lawn, it’s beautiful,” he said.
Conlan, a Calverton native and longtime co-owner of Goldberg’s Famous Bagels in Jamesport, unveiled the new Black Sheep Bagels brand in January.
Since debuting, Conlan and store manager Bobby Shalitsky have expanded the breakfast and lunch menu with specialty paninis named for their favorite rock bands like the Foo Fighters panini (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, fresh mozzarella and balsamic dressing on rosemary garlic ciabatta) or the Coheed Cubano. The Jamesport location also features bagel ‘bombs,’ soft pretzels and blue raspberry or sour green apple slushies.
Conlan and Shalitsky partnered up for the new location as well.
“He helped me grow this business and has been dedicated,” Conlan said. “That’s what was done with me for Goldberg’s and I want to pay it forward.”
They’re aiming for a mid-June opening and the menu will be similar to the Jamesport store, though it may be scaled back at first.
For updates, follow Black Sheep Bagels on Instagram @blacksheepbagelsnf.
