CT Couple Brings New York-Style Bagels to Cozy New Cafe

This story is about a beloved Connecticut bagel shop that’s not just surviving—it’s growing. Christine and Rob Cohen, founders of Cohen’s Bagel Company in Madison, have been serving up authentic New York–style bagels for over two decades.

Now, their latest venture brings bagels, coffee, and a bit of community spirit to a cozy café inside R.J. Julia Booksellers/Wesleyan University Bookstore in Middletown. It’s an exciting chapter for their business and for customers who love a good bagel with their morning read.

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From Homemade Experiments to a Madison Institution

Back in 2001, the Cohens moved to Connecticut’s shoreline and almost immediately noticed something was missing—the chewy, flavorful bagels they loved in New York. Instead of settling, they started making their own recipes, tinkering with ingredients and technique until they got it right.

By 2003, they opened Cohen’s Bagel Company in Madison. The shop quickly became a local fixture and a favorite for bagel lovers from Guilford, Branford, Old Saybrook, and beyond.

Building a Business That Stays Fresh

Cohen’s Bagel Company has grown into both a café and a wholesale operation. They supply their baked goods to local businesses and institutions.

Their focus on quality, plus a fiercely loyal customer base from all over Connecticut—including New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury—has kept them going strong for 22 years.

A Middletown Café with a Literary Twist

The Cohens’ newest spot sits inside the R.J. Julia Booksellers/Wesleyan University Bookstore at 413 Main Street in Middletown. The space mixes the vibe of a coffee shop with the easy comfort of a bagel café.

Here, customers can sip a latte, browse books, or just relax with a friend. This partnership grew out of a longtime friendship between Christine Cohen and bookstore owner Roxanne Coady, which honestly makes the place feel even warmer.

What’s on the Menu?

The Middletown café doesn’t stop at plain bagels. Customers can choose from:

Signature New York–style bagels like French toast, sesame, cheddar, cinnamon raisin, harvest wheat, and plain
House-made whipped cream cheeses in flavors like very berry, vegetable, maple walnut raisin, scallion bacon, and lox
Soups, salads, and sandwiches with fresh ingredients
Smoothies and espresso drinks for a little pick-me-up
Baked goods that go perfectly with your morning coffee

Balancing Politics and Pastries

Christine Cohen isn’t just a baker—she’s also a state senator, now in her fourth term representing Connecticut’s 12th District. Serving communities from Madison to North Branford while running two busy cafés? That’s a juggling act.

She credits much of their success to teamwork with her husband, Rob, and a shared love for connecting with people. It’s not easy, but they make it work.

The Secret Ingredient: Community Connection

Christine says the real magic behind Cohen’s Bagel Company isn’t just the recipe—it’s the relationships. Customers from Cheshire, Meriden, and East Hampton often share stories and experiences.

Every visit feels more like a personal interaction than just a simple transaction. That’s something you don’t find everywhere.

Why Connecticut Loves Cohen’s Bagel Company

The shop’s authenticity keeps people coming back. The Cohens say their bagels get their taste and texture not just from technique, but from Connecticut’s water.

Add in fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and every bite delivers that true New York–style experience. If you ask me, that’s what makes it special.

Looking Ahead

Cohen’s Bagel Company now has two thriving locations and a customer base that stretches from shoreline towns to central Connecticut.

The company seems ready for even more success. Maybe that’s not surprising—people keep coming back for the maple walnut raisin bagels in Madison or a cappuccino in Middletown.

Customers find more than just great food here. Cohen’s feels like a spot where real connections happen, right in the heart of Connecticut.

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Here is the source article for this story: CT couple in search of New York bagels created them. They expanded business with a cozy new cafe

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