New York Old School Bagel & Deli: A Taste Of Gotham In South Charlotte
The journey to overnight success often comes with years of dedication, hard work, and a steadfast determination to serve the best. Mark Stordeur’s story is no different. Being a successful bagel baker and owner, he has managed to tantalize the tastebuds of northern transplants and Southerners alike with his iconic New York Old School Bagel & Deli in Carmel Village.
Tracing the Roots
With lines out the door extending onto the sidewalk, Stordeur’s deli serves as a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and takeaway orders since its opening last year. His ambitious journey began with his upbringing in Long Island, New York, and multiple entrepreneurial endeavors spanning across nations. Despite the wanderlust, he nurtured a vision of running his own business from his early teens. His venture began by saving money from his first job at 12, delivering newspapers with dreams of owning a dairy farm.
From Cattle Ranch to Bagel Deli
It wasn’t a dairy farm that Stordeur ended up with, but an Angus beef cattle ranch in Kentucky, before he finally set up his bagel deli. His past experiences include working in Nigeria and Ghana, exporting tropical hardwoods to American manufacturers, and serving in a fine dining Italian restaurant. His diverse background, business acumen, and enthusiasm to serve his customers with love and quality is evident in each of his products.
A New Challenge and Authenticity
Drawn by the developing city and a steady influx of northern transplants, Stordeur chose his bagel business to be in Charlotte. He aimed at delivering something authentic and meeting expectations based on the ‘New York’ tag. His efforts paid off well, attracting customers from distant parts of the city craving an authentic taste and nostalgia of home. With mutual delight, he serves his customers his signature bagels, sandwiches, and homemade salads.
Pioneer of Growth and Authenticity
Stordeur’s initial success led to proposals for wholesale baking and expansion into other parts of Charlotte. With pragmatic caution and plans of introducing New York-style pizza, he entertains the idea of expansion but is keen not to lose his current brand’s authenticity and quality in the story of overnight success.
The Secret to Authenticity
For the curious minds wondering about what makes Stordeur’s bagels so authentically New York, he reveals it’s not just the water. His recipe mimics the alkaline content in the water found in New York City, a high-gluten flour blend, malt, yeast, salt, and a perfect proofing temperature. However, he believes the real difference comes about from “love and hard work” thereby truly echoing his business’ ‘old school’ roots.
New York Old School Bagel & Deli continues to serve up a taste of Gotham in south Charlotte, and Stordeur’s philosophy – “Anything that’s good is worth working for,” is certainly baked into each bagel he serves!
