National Bagel Day was recognized, by arbitrary estimation, on Jan. 15 but for Jamie and Brad Kowit that designation has been a celebratory, six-day-a-week occurrence since mid-October, when the couple opened JB Bagelry. Noticing a “huge need” for the breakfast staple in the Mayfield Heights community, in an autonomous setting, the self-professed foodies, both of whom love cooking/baking, decided to address that void. Located at 5848 Mayfield Road at the former Giuseppe’s Pizza space, JB Bagelry — “Jamie and Brad,” get it? — serves a variety of cherished bread rolls, from classic, “plain everything,” ranch, rosemary, and salt and poppy to garlic, onion, and jalapeno cheddar, in addition to “unique” offerings such as Cheez-It and Fruity Pebbles. And while bagels certainly reign supreme, JB also offers salads, homemade soups, wraps, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches all day. A range of spreads are made in-house, daily, with monthly sandwich specials featuring different cream cheese flavors, Jamie noted, adding catering options are also available. “The process to open JB Bagelry was actually quite simple,” she said. “Brad is in real estate and owns Kowit and Co., and was quite familiar with build-outs, so that made it very easy. My background is in the beauty industry, for 20-plus years, and I have owned Manifest Manicures and Mixology for the past eight years. “We were introduced to the food world (commercially) when we opened up the Tavern of Mayfield, the former DiCillo Tavern, in 2021,” Jamie added. “We absolutely loved it and wanted to continue down that path.” She emphasized that the business has been a hit from the jump. “The community has received us so well — it’s been an instant hit,” Jamie said. “When we opened, people were so excited. Not only do we deliver a great product, but we have a huge emphasis on our service, and our staff has the same mindset as we do when it comes to customer care.” Embracing their sustained ambition, the Kowits “definitely” plan on expanding by the end of the year. Jamie noted that the most pleasant thing the enterprise has yielded has been customer feedback. “After being open for only three months, we have over 130 five-star reviews on Google, all of which compliment not only our delicious food but how kind and accommodating our staff is, which is the most important thing to Brad and myself.” JB Bagelry is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 216-896-5615 or visit www.jbbagelry.com. JB Bagelry, which opened on Oct. 15, 2024, has been an “instant hit” in Mayfield Heights, according to co-owner Jamie Kowit. The eatery is open Tuesday through Sunday. (Chad Felton — The News-Herald) JB Bagelry Head Baker and Manager Christina Melaragno, left, with owners Brad and Jamie Kowit at the eatery in Mayfield Heights on Jan. 19. (Chad Felton — The News-Herald)