EDC CLIENT STORIES

With a passion for cooking and extra time on his hands thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel Messinger learned how to make his favorite food: bagels. Encouraged by his family and friends’ enthusiasm, who were thrilled by fresh deliveries, Daniel’s hobby slowly turned into a business idea.

While attending the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Daniel sold his bagels whenever he could. Professor Eric Zackrison, and long-time EDC Small Business Development Center Advisor, connected Daniel to EDC’s resources and network of talent. Paired with Business Advisor Kevin McVearry, Daniel found the support he needed. “Kevin has been the perfect advisor for us in terms of his background and expertise in the food business specifically. He was able to advise me on things that I would have no way of knowing because I’d never done them before,” Daniel said. Over time, Kevin’s guidance helped Daniel’s Bagels move from his parent’s kitchen to a commercial kitchen and from farmers’ markets to their first brick-and-mortar store in 2024.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Starting a business has been a long process, but I am really happy with how it’s gone and that we have reached this point in the business. Kevin and EDC have been a huge part of that.” His family has also been instrumental to Daniel’s Bagels’ success. In addition to providing the original cooking space, his parents continue to volunteer their time; Daniel’s brother is his business partner; and his sister was his first baking assistant and delivery driver. It goes to show the critical role family plays in the world of small business support.

Although Daniel continues to face challenges like early mornings and navigating permits, he credits EDC for helping him grow. “I think I found SBDC at the perfect time, as I was transitioning from a fun side hobby to an actual business. But there are so many business owners at many different stages who could benefit from these services,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Daniel aims to expand sales through his storefront, catering and wholesale while working toward a frozen bagel line for grocery stores. His journey from his parents’ kitchen to a storefront exemplifies determination, family collaboration and a love for sharing quality food.