Naked Bagel is 'all in the family'
By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — The Naked Bagel deli has been very busy right from the beginning. The siblings who own the shop on Broad Street — Scott Oliver, his sister Danielle, and her husband, Chris Krauszka — are well-rooted in the community and regard their clients as extended family.
“It gets a little busier all the time, and we have amazing local support," he said. "I have a good following. I’ve worked in many places and know everyone.”
And they're all stopping in to say "hi," and to pick up their sandwiches and bagels made from scratch every morning.
Scott has worked in the food business since he was 15 years old. For eight years before opening the Naked Bagel last June, he worked in the deli that once occupied the same location. The previous owner, who was also doing well, decided it was time to move on. That's when Scott, Danielle, and Chris saw their chance.
Danielle doesn't have Scott's experience in the food business. She used to work in the medical field, doing “everything on the business side," she said.
“I gave up my corporate life to do this,” she said with a happy laugh. “I like it!”
Chris' experience is in construction. He fixes “everything,” and also takes care of the shop's finances.
The partners say all their hard work is enjoyable and worthwhile. Their extended family also comes in to help.
Daniel attended the Delaware Valley schools.
“We’ve lived in the area all our lives,” Danielle said.
“The bagels have to be started the afternoon before and baked in the morning," he said. "I come in 4:30 in the morning.”
The extra effort pays off with customers.
“Recently, a man came to my shop because he couldn’t go to see his kids in Rome unless he had our bagels with him,” said Scott.
Other businesses from Florida and California are seeking to franchise with the store, he said.
The owners try new recipes all the time, incorporating ideas from their customers — not only from the loyal locals but also from customers visiting from New York City and part-time residents. They strive to make the deli as inviting as possible. They also support many community fundraisers, including those at the school.
The Naked Bagel partners with Prime Time Meats, Jorgensen's at Dimmick Inn, and John’s Pizza down the road for supplies. They rely on each other, helping out if one of them runs out of something.
“They always get our bagels," said Scott. "Nobody wants to see anyone fail.”
They also buy supplies from the Farmer’s Market in season as well as from Key Food, both right in the borough.
“We try to shop as local as possible with reasonable cost," said Scott.
Scott is already thinking of expanding, or maybe opening a second place.
“Milford doesn’t have a real sports bar," he said. "I’d like to open one."
Because once you have a winning formula, you can stick with it.
“We get along," Scott said. "The community family is still strong."