Great Barrington Bagel Company Celebrates 30 Years of Community

The Great Barrington Bagel Company is gearing up to celebrate its 30th anniversary in February 2024. Under the leadership of Bob Climo, who has owned the business for the past 11 years, the bagel shop has become a staple in the local community, known for its dedication to quality and local sourcing. Climo’s journey began with the shop’s previous owners, Marvin and Judy Lieberman, where he worked for eight years before taking over the business.

Climo has ambitious plans to mark this milestone, including a rebranding effort aimed at highlighting the diverse menu the shop offers beyond bagels. “We’re working on some ideas! We’re rebranding our logo to remind people that we offer more than just bagels,” he said. In addition to their signature bagels, the deli features items like avocado toast with balsamic, tomato, and feta, as well as specialty fish options including sturgeon, sable, and nova lox, which Climo hand slices himself.

Quality Ingredients and Local Sourcing

Climo’s experience in the food industry dates back to his time as a demo chef at Canyon Ranch and working with nutritionists at the Cleveland Clinic. This background influences the menu at Great Barrington Bagel Company, where Climo emphasizes the importance of clean, locally sourced ingredients. “I believe deli food can be clean and support local farmers, so we minimize processed foods by making everything here in-house to order,” he explained.

The bagels themselves are crafted using traditional methods. Each morning, the dough is mixed and allowed to proof overnight, developing rich flavors. At 5 a.m., the boiling process begins, where the bagels are cooked in a large cauldron and then “shocked” in cold water to stop the cooking process. Climo noted that this care in preparation allows them to produce high-quality bagels that rival those found in New York City.

Innovative Flavors and Community Engagement

When it comes to flavor, the most popular options include the “tornado” (an everything bagel), sesame, and poppy seed varieties. On weekends, Climo introduces seasonal specialties like the asiago cheese and jalapeño bagel, and he is currently experimenting with a French toast bagel that incorporates eggs and cinnamon into the dough.

The Great Barrington Bagel Company also maintains a strong commitment to community support. Climo, who has served on the board of BerkShares, a local currency initiative, believes in the importance of keeping capital within the community. “A healthy business ecosystem helps all of us,” he stated. He actively spends the BerkShares he receives at local restaurants and shops, encouraging others to do the same to bolster the local economy.

In addition to business growth, Climo recently launched a new website to enhance the customer experience. “We’re always updating ourselves, and we’re more than bagels. We also love to support our community with sponsorships and fundraising,” he mentioned.

As the anniversary approaches, Climo invites locals to experience the warmth and quality of the Great Barrington Bagel Company. For those eager to enjoy fresh bagels straight from the oven, Climo recommends arriving right when the shop opens at 6:30 a.m., when the sesame bagels are at their best, often accompanied by a complimentary cup of coffee.