In 2021, Julie Dragich and Steven Novotny opened The Bronx Bagel Buggy with a simple mission: to bring authentic New York-style bagels to Georgia. Operating out of a shared commissary kitchen during the week and selling at farmers markets and festivals on weekends, the duo quickly built a local following. Their hand-rolled, boiled and baked bagels, paired with house-made cream cheeses, became a weekend staple for many customers who placed orders in advance.
But Dragich and Novotny had a bigger vision: to recreate the full NYC bagel shop experience for its customers.
“When you walk into our store, we want you to feel like you’ve been transported to New York,” said Dragich. “It’s not your typical bagel shop. We are more of a destination.”
That vision came to life in early 2024 when The Bronx Bagel Buggy opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Chamblee. The journey to get there was anything but simple, and the support of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) proved invaluable.
The pair first heard about the UGA SBDC during a training session at Leaven Kitchen in Atlanta. Looking for guidance on restaurant operations and financing, they reached out and were connected to Jason Bitar, a business consultant in the UGA SBDC Gwinnett office.
“I asked to speak to somebody specifically with restaurant experience, and that’s how we got connected to Jason,” said Dragich. “He helped us with our business plan, budget, lease negotiation and securing financing.”
Bitar worked closely with Dragich and Novotny as they scouted locations, designed the kitchen layout, attended permitting meetings and navigated construction challenges.
“They were ready to stop traveling and settle into a permanent space,” said Bitar. “I helped them think through the operations and equipment setup.”
Beyond the logistics, Bitar helped the owners deepen their understanding of financial management, inventory control and labor challenges unique to the food industry.
Dragich and Novotny acknowledge Bitar and the UGA SBDC for helping them gain a better understanding of financing, accounting and inventory management.
“Jason’s very good at simplifying things,” said Dragich. “I’ve learned so much about keeping the books, cutting costs and identifying where we’re most profitable.”
The education paid off. In their second year, The Bronx Bagel Buggy introduced new revenue streams – catering, online ordering, delivery and wholesale – with Bitar’s guidance.
“We are seeing 30% year-over-year growth,” said Dragich. “Even though our dining room numbers are strong, the real growth is through those other avenues.”
The numbers tell the story. Year-to-date sales in 2025 are projected to reach $1.2 million, a dramatic increase from $125,000 in 2023. The business has also hired more than 10 employees. They continue to sell at two farmers markets while operating out of their Chamblee location, which was honored with serving the “Best Bagel in Georgia” by the Georgia Business Journal in 2024.
Dragich and Novotny credit Bitar and the UGA SBDC not just for their business success, but for their peace of mind.
“Jason has remained so calming and supportive of us,” said Novotny. “He’s gone above and beyond — coming to the store during construction, helping us stay grounded.”
Their trust in Bitar runs deep.
“We respect him because he’s been in our shoes,” said Dragich. “He’s honest, and he connects us to the right people.”
Their advice to other entrepreneurs? Know your brand, understand your demographics and don’t go it alone.
“We are big advocates of the UGA SBDC. When people ask us for advice about starting a restaurant, the first name we give them is Jason’s. He’s always been there for us. We can never say enough.”
The UGA SBDC is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
All SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the United States. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
The UGA SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
