2008 Woodie Awards
RSSJohnny's bagels official grand opening
By Kim Osborn
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: News
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Owners Johnny and Sarah Zohir found success with their first location on the North Side of Bethlehem. They have now expanded their business to the South Side.
The restaurant's signature product is the authentic New York style bagel that is baked in the North Side location daily. They also offer other items such as sandwiches and omelets.
Several of the sandwiches are creatively named after Bethlehem people and places. The "Great Gast Griller" is named after Lehigh's president, and "Lieberman's Salmon Burger" after Howard Lieberman, economic coordinator for the city.
Johnny Zohir, who spoke at the event, said he loves his job and what he does for the community on both sides of Bethlehem.
For Zohir, opening his own restaurant was a long-time dream that has finally come true.
"My promise to all of you," Zohir said, "is I will try to be a part of the community on the South Side."
John B. Callahan, mayor of Bethlehem, also spoke at the event.
Callahan said with the new Campus Square location of Johnny's Bagels and Deli, students will no longer need to travel to the North Side for bagels.
"So popular at times, particularly on the weekends," Callahan said, "the line out the door was filled with Lehigh students who crossed the bridge."
The restaurant has 22 employees including Johnny and Sarah. After renovations are completed, the investment in the business will come close to $250, 000. Callahan said the investment businesses are making at Campus Square show economic and social potential for the South Side community.
"It is a positive interaction of campus, community and economic development of the city," Callahan said.
Callahan did not mention the closing of Pastaficio and Jazzman's café.
Alice Gast, president of Lehigh, said new stores such as Johnny's Bagels and Deli, are bringing students into South Bethlehem.
