Bagel & Deli: Miami’s local staple since 1975

College is often known for its “out on the town” experiences. A crucial, and often overlooked, part of the so-called “college experience” is the late-night eateries. Bagel & Deli is not just a place to grab a quick bite, but a core part of Miami University’s culture.

Opened in 1975, Bagel & Deli has an expansive menu of over 90 creative bagel combinations. This menu is arguably the biggest draw of the restaurant. From custom orders like the “Lottery,” where the workers choose your bagel toppings for you, to the “Crunch and Munch,” Bagel & Deli has something for everyone.

“The workers are like the London cabbies of bagels,” Miami alum Joe Cochran said. “They have so much knowledge of just how to make all the bagels, and they do it so confidently – just like how the cabbies can drive anywhere in London without needing a map.”

The key to having efficient workers is maintaining a balance of new employees and experienced employees, said co-owner of Bagel & Deli Gary Franks.

“This year we have the right balance,” Franks said. “[The training process starts with memorizing the most popular bagels], then they start branching out from there. When you get down to it, the most popular bagels are what you are going to be making 90% of the time.”

Lisa and Joe Cochran are alumni who have – since graduating in 1998 – made multiple trips back to visit Bagel & Deli.

“I remember it would be the dead of winter and the staff would all be wearing T-shirts because they were working so hard,” Lisa Cochran said. “The staff is always working so hard, that’s never changed.”

Sophomore sports and communication major Zoe Fleischer said she thinks Bagel & Deli is a good alternative to the dining halls around campus.

“I’ve been on random nights where we don't want to go to the dining halls,” Fleischer said. “Sometimes on Saturday mornings, I’ll go to the farmer’s market and get it, or before going out on the weekend.”

Bagel & Deli offers a versatile menu that makes it a suitable place for all meals. Many other bagel places are breakfast-centered; having the option for a lunch or dinner meal is a big part of the appeal.

“That’s the success in a college campus restaurant when they can wrap it up and you can be on your way and enjoy it,” Lisa Cochran said.

The idea of Bagel & Deli may seem odd to some. Cochran recalled the first time she went to Bagel & Deli.

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“It was chaos,” she said. “My first thought was, ‘I don’t want to be here, this is ridiculous.’ But then, you stick around because everyone else wants to be there, and then you get the food and see what it’s all about.”

To add to the novelty of the expansive menu, Bagel & Deli has a challenge where if you buy all the bagels they have to offer, you earn a branded t-shirt.

“There’s one kid who did it in 29 days, that’s the record,” Franks said. “A lot of people try to time it for graduation so they can get their last bagel and their picture in their cap and gown at the same time.”

Next year, Bagel & Deli will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

“We are celebrating with a big reunion and inviting back everyone who has worked for us for a big party in the summer,” Franks said.

For students, alumni and residents alike, Bagel & Deli is a unique and fun place, and its late-night hours, as well as its breakfast appeal, makes it a staple in the Oxford food scene.

chaffele@miamioh.edu