Athens Bagel Company owner 'enthusiastic' about reopening longtime downtown restaurant

Athens Bagel Company owner David Asman doesn't want people to think that he has finally thrown in the towel on his longtime downtown business just because the sign out front has been taken down.

The Athens Bagel sign is in the process of being repainted in anticipation of a 2024 reopening.

"I'm not doing this because I have to, I'm doing this because I want to," said Asman. "Athens is a melting pot, and I want there to be a downtown bagel shop. (Athens Bagel) is an extension of my home, and the staff is an extension of my family. I can't wait to hire and put people back to work."

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Though no exact opening date has been set, Asman will soon be accepting job applications for 20 mostly part-time positions at Athens Bagel. The manager and the baker have remained on the payroll through the remodeling period and have been helping Asman bring equipment back into the space.

Originally opened in 2012, Athens Bagel had successfully weathered the COVID-19 storm when a failed sprinkler system flooded the restaurant overnight and caused damages that ended up requiring Asman to completely demolish everything but the 268 N. Jackson St. storefront.

"People can't see what's been going on inside Athens Bagel Company these last three years, but I've been leaving the lights on to make sure they know someone's here," Asman told the Banner-Herald. "I'm encouraged and enthusiastic to finally be ready to open, and I'm excited to begin serving people again."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens Bagel Company owner enthusiastic about reopening