Coney Island Bialys and Bagels Gets a New Chance at Life

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Bialys for all

Things weren't looking good when Steve Ross, owner of Coney Island Bialys and Bagels (2359 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-339-9281) -- the city's oldest bialy shop -- called it quits in September. But now fans of the farinaceous treat can rejoice, since two men have leased the space, promising to keep the same offerings and to preserve the shop's history, The Jew & the Carrot reports.

And, somewhat surprisingly, Peerzada Shah and Zafaryab Ali aren't even Jewish. The pair, who are Muslim, grew up in Pakistan and worked as taxi drivers after moving to New York. Shah attended culinary school in Manhattan for pastry, and the duo became friends when they were roommates. Ali ended up working with Ross for a decade, and they now have plans to grow the business even more, including expanding on Ross's kosher wholesale business. Time to carboload.

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