NAPLES — Poland’s loss is the Lakes Region’s gain when it comes to fresh-baked New York-style bagels.
The entrepreneur behind Sebagel, Nick Zeller, has moved from his original base at Poland Provisions to his own standalone, brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Naples, and it puts the concept closer to its namesake: Sebago Lake State Park.
The bagel brand started as a kind of experiment while Zeller was working as a barista at Poland Provisions in 2023. Owner Sheila Foley fostered the budding bagel baker and created a mutually beneficial deal where he rolled and baked the bagels in her kitchen and she sold his bagels.
Zeller began doing pop-up events in Lewiston and Norway, and he found a niche outside the Dairy Bar on the Naples Causeway, opening on Memorial Day at 679 Roosevelt Trail, where he discovered there was an appetite for his goods.
After selling 30-40 bagels a day in Poland, Sebagel was going through 750 a day during the summer in Naples, where the seasonal population jumps from less than 5,000 to 30,000.
“It’s gone so much better than we could have dreamed,” Zeller said in his new storefront Wednesday. “And it’s really just because this area is special.”
Things went so well, Zeller decided to remain open year-round at the behest of his new customers, in an area where all but a handful of eateries close for the winter, a move that will test his fledgling business.
“We asked locals what they wanted,” Zeller said, “and it was pretty clear that folks want bagels all year round, but they also just wanted a place where they can come on a weekend or before work and just gather and have a cup of coffee and a bagel.”
Like all good entrepreneurs, Zeller has learned from his mentors and past experiences. He listens to his customers and wants to create a community gathering space — something Foley has excelled at in Poland.
Zeller sources products for Sebagel from at least nine area farms and businesses, like coffee from Portland, T-shirts from Auburn, honey from Madison, and eggs from Harrison.
He still enjoys waking up early — to bake bagels and tend to his 11-month-old son. For now, there are seven flavors of bagels and flavored cream cheeses, muffins, a complete espresso menu, hot and cold coffees, and a selection of cold drinks. Breakfast sandwiches are in the works and Zeller is considering adding some lunch items into the mix, but has limited work space for now.
“The space has really evolved since we opened,” Zeller explained. “We have a little seating area now,” noting that it started out as a grab and go situation. There is also an outside deck that works best in the summer.
Sebagel has eight employees who all share duties from rolling bagels, to baking, barista duty, and waiting on customers.
Sebagel is directly across the street from Gary’s Old Towne Tavern, and is open Wednesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Buzz offers quick hits about trending area business happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact business writer Christopher Wheelock at 689-2817 or [email protected]
