New Yorkers are reeling after the sudden closure of Absolute Bagels, a beloved institution that has been serving some of the city’s best bagels for over two decades. The store, founded by Samak Thongkrieng in the 1990s, was a staple on the Upper West Side and consistently topped “best bagel” surveys.
For regular customers and neighborhood business owners, the news is devastating. As one owner noted, “It makes no sense; I’m speechless.” The closure has sparked an outpouring of grief, with some even expressing Kubler-Ross stages of grief in their texts to friends and family.
Absolute Bagels was more than just a great bagel shop – it was a New York culinary landmark that embodied the city’s diversity. The store’s success was a testament to the American melting pot, with an immigrant from Thailand at the helm who brought a unique perspective and talent for rolling dough.
For fans of the shop, the closure is not just about losing a favorite hangout spot but also about losing a piece of New York’s history. “You’re not from this neighborhood,” one customer quipped in response to a dismissive comment on social media, highlighting the emotional attachment many have to Absolute Bagels.
Source: https://forward.com/culture/682573/absolute-bagels-closed-appreciation-obituary-new-york-upper-west-side