By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- The Bagelry, 9 Market St., will look to continue its tradition in the community and give the eatery a fresh look after new owners took over in May.

Ryan Dunphey, Madrid, and Gabe Ockrin, Potsdam, are the new owners of The Bagelry, which has been a staple in the North Country since 1982 when it was opened by Elliot and Judy Rich of Potsdam.

The new owners say the opportunity to buy an established business just felt like the right move.

“Most people who live in Potsdam can say they’ve had a bagel from The Bagelry. We would like to build on that,” Dunphey said.

Although no major changes are planned for the menu, the new owners say they are looking at the original menu with plans to bring back some bagels that were offered 25 to 30 years ago.

They will also be looking into ways to improve the quality and freshness of the bagel. All bagels are made fresh seven days a week with no additives.

“A bagel can taste a lot different at 6:30 in the morning versus say a few hours later after it has sat around. So we are looking at ways to improve that and provide hot fresh bagels throughout the day,” Dunphey said.

Dunphey and Ockrin met at church and formed The National Coffee Corporation which sells specialty coffees. They currently produce their coffee in the Potsdam Industrial Park, outer Elm Street. Their coffee will be one addition to the menu.

“We hope to have the coffee available by Potsdam Summerfest,” Ockrin said.

The Bagelry will continue to sell wholesale to several local establishments including Clarkson, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, Potsdam middle and high school, Canton High School and The Partridge Café in Canton.

“Business has been good so far. There has historically been a dip in sales when the college kids leave for the summer,” Ockrin said.

“We want to develop relationships, impact the community and positive difference in people’s lives,” said co-owner Ryan Dunphey.

The eatery employs about 10 to 12 people year-round including 20-year veteran Barb Fuller.

Kevin Charleson has been baking bagels since it opened, taking a brief hiatus a few years ago, the owners said.

“We encourage comments, feedback, things you like and things people would like to see changed. Stop in or call us at 265-9378 and share your comments,” Dunphey said.

There are plans to grow The Bagelry brand throughout St. Lawrence County with more information to be announced in the coming weeks, according to the owners.