Caputo Bagels is opening its first location in Park Slope. The shop will offer small-batch, hand-rolled sourdough bagels. Its menu will also include sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
Caputo Bagels to Open in Park Slope
Fifth-generation baker James Caputo is opening Caputo Bagels in Park Slope with longtime friend and restaurateur Rafael “Rafi” Hasid. The new shop will open at 81 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on October 5. The shop will offer about 25 seats for dine-in customers, along with grab-and-go options.
James Caputo developed the bagels with Hasid, the founder of 6R Hospitality Group and owner of Miriam and 1803 NYC. Rather than recreating the traditional New York bagel, the pair created a recipe based on their own preferences.
The shop’s bagels are small-batch, hand-rolled sourdough bagels. The sourdough flavor is designed to be subtle so it does not overpower the toppings and fillings. Each batch takes about two days to prepare, including an overnight cold fermentation. The bagels are then shaped by hand, boiled, and baked at 400 degrees.
The sourdough starter dates back at least 45 years and was used by Caputo’s father when James was a child. The finished bagels have a golden crust with a crisp exterior and chewy interior.
Caputo’s family bakery dates back to 1904, when his Sicilian immigrant ancestor Giovanni Caputo opened the business in South Brooklyn. Caputo’s Bake Shop became known for its handmade breads, Italian pastries, and popular lard bread.
The partnership between Caputo and Hasid began more than 20 years ago when Hasid purchased bread from Caputo’s for Hill Diner on Court Street. Their professional relationship eventually developed into a friendship, and the two later decided to create a new business together.
What’s on the Menu
Caputo Bagels will offer Plain, Sesame, and Everything bagels for $2.50 each. Customers can also purchase half-dozens for $14 or dozens for $26.
One of the shop’s signature items will be the Lard Provolone Bagel, which takes inspiration from Caputo’s famous lard bread. It includes ingredients such as salami, provolone, salt, and pepper, and is priced at $4.
Customers can choose from several cream cheese flavors, including Scallion, Za’atar, Olive, Harissa, and Tofu. The open-faced sandwich menu will feature breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheddar.
The menu will also offer croissants, cinnamon raisin rolls, banana bread, and orange cake. The beverage menu will include coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
