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Cuisine - Wholly Bagels |
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American immigrant Charlie Daily has single-handedly changed the way Wellingtonians view bagels. In 1998 Charlie opened his first Wholly Bagel store in Wellington. It was a huge success. He is now the owner/operator of four stores in the city. Charlie first came to New Zealand in 1992 on what was meant to be a simple skiing holiday. Romance blossomed, however, and he began to seriously plan a future here. While in Wellington he stalked the streets looking for a decent bagel. Although his pursuit proved fruitless, the germ of an idea was planted. Charlie returned home and started planning. He sold his portion of a medical supply business and apprenticed himself to the finest bagel company in Washington for a year to learn all he could. “I was upfront with them,” says Charlie. “They knew I wanted to learn from the best and bring it to Wellington to set up a business here but they were prepared to support me by teaching me all they could.” The first store in Johnson Street was pure hard slog. Manned by Charlie and three staff they worked all hours but it soon paid off. Customers loved the bagels, the opportunity to custom-design their own bagel, and the service. The success of the first store allowed Charlie to slowly expand into the Thorndon New World store, then Willis Street and recently Tory Street. On a busy day the four stores sell up to 5000 bagels. Charlie admits that what he is doing is unique. “Even in the US there are few bagel companies making bagels the old-fashioned way.” Employing 90 staff, many of whom are university students, Charlie is very clear that Wholly Bagel is a Wellington business. “These stores are all about this city and my staff,” he says. “It’s only 5-10% due to me.” Charlie loves the fact that he can walk to four different business appointments in one morning, play golf at least once a week and take the kids to soccer every weekend. "The beauty of doing business in Wellington is its cost-effectiveness because it is so easy to get around," he says. Department Details: |
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