My Favorite Bagel Place May Be Closing!

It’s a sad, sad day. Coney Island Bialys and Bagels (2359 Coney Island Avenue) – Brooklyn’s oldest bialy biz – may shutter. Apparently, the economic downturn and changing demographics are to blame.

The Forward reports:

The oldest bialy store in Brooklyn, and perhaps all of New York City, will soon close its doors.

The long-lived Coney Island Bialys and Bagels, which has been in operation since 1920, is calling it quits. Proprietor and baker Steven Ross said his 91-year old company was a victim of the economic downturn and the changing demographics of his shop’s neighborhood.

“I’m heartbroken,” said Ross, 51. “It’s been four generations, including my son.”

Ross’s bialy bakery is located on Coney Island Avenue in an area once teeming with Jews. he has watched their number diminished in the area as Asian, Russian, and Middle Eastern residents have moved in. Traditional customers, such as husbands coming in Sundays to pick up bagels, cream cheese and juice for their families, have vanished.

It’s not official yet, so stop by soon and let them know you want them to stay in business!