Husband-and-Wife Culinary Team Gary and Emily King Launch Norwalk Bagel Co. in South Norwalk‍
New bagel concept debuts with globally inspired culinary roots,
scratch-made spreads, sandwiches, baked goods, and a forthcoming liquor license.

 

May 13, NORWALK, CT: South Norwalk is about to get a serious bagel upgrade. Husband-and-wife culinary team Chef Gary King and Pastry Chef Emily King are officially opening Norwalk Bagel Co. on Wednesday, May 13, bringing handcrafted sourdough bagels, elevated deli classics, house-made baked goods, and chef-driven breakfast and lunch offerings to the neighborhood. The duo, who launched the popular Ridgefield Bagels & Bakes in November 2023, is now expanding their scratch-made, naturally leavened bagel concept to South Norwalk.

 

Backed by decades of combined culinary experience from some of the world’s most respected kitchens, the Kings are blending old-school bagel traditions with refined culinary technique and thoughtful ingredients. With nearly 20 years of experience, Chef Gary King has traveled and worked throughout Europe, Australia, China, and Southeast Asia. Rooted in New York City’s restaurant scene, he has worked alongside celebrated chefs and restaurateurs, including Tom Colicchio, Stephen Starr, and Brad Farmerie.

 

Emily King, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, trained under legendary pastry chef Pierre Herméin Paris and worked with Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Johnny Iuzzini in NewYork. Her career includes pastry positions at Cookshop and Veritas in NYC, appearances on The Food Network, and consulting work for restaurants in Hawaii, Montauk, and Manhattan.

 

At the heart of Norwalk Bagel Co. are the shop’s naturally leavened sourdough bagels, which take three full days to produce, from starter to shelf. Made with unbleached, unbromated flour and malt syrup, the bagels contain no chemicals, stabilizers, or fillers. The result is a deeply flavorful bagel with a crisp, bubbly exterior and perfectly chewy texture that is also easier to digest.

 

“There’s a big difference in how the sugars and proteins are broken down, and how the gluten is fermented,” said Emily King. “These sourdough bagels are simply easier on the stomach and more digestible.”

 

The menu features classic flavors, including Everything, Sesame, Cinnamon Raisin, and Plain, alongside specialty varieties like Jalapeño Cheddar, Marbled Pumpernickel, Rainbow Bagels made with all-natural dyes, mini bagels, flagels, bialys, and rotating seasonal flavors. Norwalk Bagel Co.’s cream cheese program takes a similarly elevated approach, featuring hand-chopped ingredients and scratch-made spreads including scallion, olive, strawberry, and veggie cream cheese made with parsley, scallions, onions, carrots, and celery.

The menu also includes scratch-made deli salads, smoked salmon, and smoked whitefish sourced from Mount Kisco Smokehouse, and house-made soups including Italian wedding, chicken noodle, and matzoh ball soup. Breakfast and lunch offerings range from indulgent breakfast sandwiches to deli-inspired wraps and melts. Signature menu items include:

  • The Creature — eggs, sausage, hash brown, avocado, and cheese
  • The Works — smoked salmon, tomato, red onion, capers, and cream cheese
  • Turkey Club — turkey, bacon, avocado, tomato, greens, and mayo
  • The Diablo — chicken cutlet, bacon, cheddar, chipotle mayo, and greens
  • Three Cheese Grilled Cheese — cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss on sourdough
  • Chicken Caesar Wrap — grilled chicken, romaine, parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing

Emily’s pastry and dessert offerings extend far beyond traditional bagel shop fare. Guests can expect coconut macaroons dipped in chocolate, oatmeal sour cherry cookies, muffins, donuts, scones, rotating cakes and pies, flourless chocolate cake, and the now-famous key lime pie that quickly earned a permanent spot on the menu.

Adding another layer to the concept, Norwalk Bagel Co. will also feature a liquor license, with plans for specialty beverages and an expanded café-style experience. The bright, open space is wrapped in vibrant large-scale artwork by local talent, including Norwalk’s very own 5 Fingaz.

Blending world-class culinary backgrounds with approachable comfort food and scratch-made quality, Norwalk Bagel Co. aims to become a new staple in South Norwalk’s evolving food scene. This new addition is a part of AGW SONO Partners' diverse portfolio of businesses.

 

Norwalk Bagel Co.
133 Washington Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
Goudawww.norwalkbagels.com

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