The Story of Broadway Gourmet Bagel Cafe & Caterers:
A Legacy of Passion, Family, and Community.
It all began with a kid from Brooklyn. Gerard Duffy, a hardworking and family-oriented guy with a love for sports, knew from a young age that if he wanted something, he had to put in the work. His journey into the food industry started when he was just 20 years old, and by 1992, he had bought his first store—an existing deli. Little did he know that deli would be the beginning of a passion that would evolve into something much bigger: Broadway Gourmet.
As Gerard ran his deli, he started to see a need—a gap in the community for something fresh and delicious. Over time, he realized that bagels were the key to the future of his business. This wasn’t just a whim, it was a calling. So, Gerard pivoted, adding bagels to the menu. It was a move that would ultimately lead to the rise of Broadway Gourmet as a beloved staple in the community.
In May 2001, Gerard’s life took another beautiful turn—he married Melanie, a driven Long Island girl with a passion for excellence. From a young age, Melanie had been immersed in the world of competitive ice skating, training from age five until sixteen. Her experience in the rink shaped her tenacity and passion for every dream she pursued. And as fate would have it, Melanie’s dreams and Gerard’s vision aligned.
Together, they shared an unbreakable work ethic and a deep commitment to their community. This was especially evident during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Gerard and Melanie worked together to help hundreds of people—donating hundreds of sandwiches, cases of water, and feeding first responders, volunteers, and anyone in need during one of the darkest times in American history.
After their wedding, the couple had a dream—to expand their bagel business and evolve their catering department into the high-end, top-notch service it is today. They used the money from wedding gifts to open a second location. This wasn’t just a business decision; it was a step towards building something bigger—something made with love, purpose, and dreams. Their vision was not only to grow their beloved bagel shop but to elevate their catering, offering exceptional, personalized service that would become renowned from the Hamptons to NYC.
In 2002, they moved to 852 N Broadway, the location that would become the heart of their bagel empire. It was here that Melanie, who had always supported Gerard from behind the scenes, began working in the store full-time. From the very start, Melanie was all about creating a personal connection with every customer. She worked the register, while Gerard worked his magic in the kitchen. They were a perfect team. The couple became fixtures in the community, always helping out whenever they could, from donating food to local schools to giving back during tough times. They were driven by a sense of altruism, a desire to make a difference, and a commitment to providing the best experience for their customers.
The strength of their community bond was tested in October 2012 when Hurricane Sandy devastated much of Long Island. Their store was one of the few with power, and Gerard and his team sprang into action. With no radio or phone service that morning, Gerard and his general manager, Michael (who had been with them since he was 18), got the ovens fired up. As soon as the doors opened, the community flooded in. People needed food, warmth, power to charge their phones, and a place to feel connected. It was a beautiful reminder of how the Duffy family and their team had become an extension of the community. For the next ten days, they served food, coffee, and comfort—and the community came together like a big family.
In 2013, a pivotal moment came when Gerard and Melanie decided to buy their own property. One night, while out to dinner with friends in real estate, Melanie felt a surge of determination. She set her sights on a location that had once been Desantos Nursery. The next morning, after calling brokers, she learned the property was already in contract with another buyer. But the Duffys weren’t ready to give up. They knew this was their dream location, and they pursued it with passion.
They met with Carmela, the building’s owner, who had known them for years and loved the couple’s vision for the space. She saw their sincerity and dedication, and she chose to accept their offer, making their dream a reality. The same day they closed on the property, Gerard and Melanie received the best gift of all—the birth of their son. It was a full-circle moment for the couple, and they knew this was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
In 2015, construction began on their new location at 893 N Broadway. It was a major leap of faith—they had to secure private funding while waiting for the mortgage approval. But Gerard and Melanie were determined to turn their dream into reality, no matter the challenge.
By May 3rd, 2016, they had completed construction, opened the doors to their brand-new location, and were ready to welcome customers with the same passion and dedication they’d built the business on. It was their first Mother’s Day in the new store—and it was wild, but beautiful. Broadway Gourmet was home.
In the years that followed, the Duffys continued their commitment to serving the community. In December 2017, their lives were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, who arrived right after Christmas. Her arrival brought even more joy and purpose to their journey.
During the pandemic, they donated hundreds of sandwiches, bagels, and cases of water to first responders, nurses, doctors, and police officers. They’ve always believed in being a positive force in the world, and the community has responded with unwavering loyalty and support.
In 2021, the Duffys took their passion for giving back even further. They partnered with the Susan Scanio Foundation to raise money for breast cancer awareness through their “Pink The Bagel Store” campaign. It’s just one of the many ways they’ve worked to make a difference and support important causes.
Today, Broadway Gourmet continues to thrive, not only as a local bagel shop but as a family business deeply rooted in community values. Gerard and Melanie have built something extraordinary—a business, a legacy, and a way to make the world a little bit better, one bagel at a time.
With a loyal team who has been with them for decades, Gerard and Melanie remain driven by the same love for their work and commitment to their customers that started all those years ago. Their story is one of passion, hard work, and a family-centered vision that continues to inspire all who walk through their doors.
At Broadway Gourmet Bagels, it’s not just about the bagels—it’s about community, family, and making a difference, every single day.
Contact Us
Thank you for reaching out to Broadway Gourmet Caterers!
Please send us your request using our form, call us directly, or connect with us on social. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
