This Man Makes 3,000+ Bagels by Hand Every Day | On the Job | Priya Krishna | NYT Cooking
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 พ.ค. 2023
- If New Yorkers are passionate about anything, it’s their bagel orders. Bagels are everywhere in the city, and there’s a reason for it. In the early 1960s, the first bagel-making machine was introduced, automating the once laborious and secretive process of crafting hand-rolled bagels. This allowed for billions of bagels to be mass produced and sold in grocery stores. But it is said that bagels made by hand create a stronger gluten structure, which leads to a light and chewy interior. Machine-made bagels, on the other hand, result in a dense, cakelike texture. Because of this difference, hand-rolled bagels are in high demand. And yet, bagel rolling is a dying profession.
Meet Celestino García. He’s one of the very few bagel rollers left in New York City who still crafts bagels by hand. On this episode of On the Job, Priya Krishna follows Celestino as he hustles to work in three different locations, rolling bagels while the city sleeps.
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Hello to all. I am grateful to have Cele and his family at my shop. And while it is heartwarming to see all the concern for Cele and his well being, I felt a few facts not mentioned in this story should be stated. Like most NYC dough rollers, Cele is extremely well compensated. While I am not going to post the man's salary on a public forum, I will say that these folks are extremely skilled AND yes, they work physically hard. That is not a combination you see often. As a result, they are highly sought after. NYC rollers can easily make low 6 figure salaries depending on how many shops they choose to work with. They are freelancers. They make their own schedules and set their own hours. A guy like Cele can basically walk into any decent NYC shop and pretty much name his price. Cele is among those top tier people. The fact that he has chosen to stick with me since I've opened my doors AND felt comfortable enough to entrust me to employ both of his children for the past 5 years (Both amazing human beings by the way) is one of the markers I can use to know that I am living my life and running my stores the right way. Lastly, while I can not speak for what takes place at his other job, I can say that Cele works for us 3-4 days per week. Usually around 4 hours per day. He is his own boss, works at his own pace, and comes and goes as he pleases. There have been a few comments here about his work space. The basement filmed in this story is 2000 square feet. To put that into perspective, it's about 800 square feet larger than the place my family of 3 currently reside 🙂 It's large and well lit as far as NYC restaurant basements go . I know this man for 30 years. We worked together at other shops and come from the same neighborhood. We are both Gen X'ers and I think one of the reasons we enjoy being around each other is because we share a work ethic and a belief that everything matters. .There's a mutual respect. It is heartwarming to see all the love going Cele's way but I would like to say that a few of the comments I've seen here where people are just assuming the worst have been hurtful and quite insulting to someone who has made a conscious effort to always treat people (especially the folks who help you reach success) with kindness and respect. I'm a small business owner. I am not building rockets and flying them around the globe for fun. Like most of my staff, I too am out there scrapping away day in and day out. Putting in the hours, working hard at something I love to do which makes it not all that hard. We are NYC restaurant people. It's what we do. I am grateful to have people like Cele work with me. As I said when I was interviewed by Priya (Sadly it didn't make the cut) NYC still exists because of people like Cele. They carried NYC on their backs throughout the entire shutdown of 2020/2021. My place would not exist if not for my staff's hard work and dedication. They stood with me when they could've easily walked away. Not one day does that ever escape me. My staff and I are bonded in way that only people who went through those days together could ever understand. We are family. I hope this clears some things up and helps to put folks mind's at ease. Thank
Seeing his kids working there too, it must be cause you're an excellent boss. Thanks for the comment!
you must be a great boss if Celestino has been with you for so long, thanks for the post.
@Christopher Pugliese
I think those of us who commented are sensitive to the historically bad pay/treatment of restaurant workers.
Thank you for filling out the story and information! Very interesting to learn about the dough rollers, too.
You seemed to be a decent guy fully appreciative of Cele and his family. And it would surprise me if Priya hadn't vetted Cele's work conditions/pay.
So, thanks again.
@NYT Cooking
Also - maybe Christopher Pugliese's comment can be pinned at the top?!
It provides a lot of good information and would eliminate the need for people to feel defensive for Cele.
Thank you for your perspective, Christopher! You rock!
Celestino is one of millions of Mexican men that came to this country to make an honest living, working hard for his family. God bless him.
Reminds me of my father who came here in the 70s and was a butcher for many years
My father was a carpenter who worked hard for decades. My brother became an auto maker, my sister works in tax preparation, and I’m an engineer. I always think of his hard work when I am at my job, doing my best to be productive.
Reminds me of my dad . Shits beautiful seeing their stories shared fr🇲🇽
He is like my father as well and now I am like them for familia 😎💪🏾🇺🇸🥹
I went to a pizzeria in NYC. Niggah Mexicans were making my pizza. Went to a Chinese restaurant. Same thing a Mexican was the cook. Then I went to an Italian restaurant. Bruh Armando was cooking the fucking pasta. Mexico be shipping out there cooks world wide to learn different dishes.
This country is nothing without great people like Celestino and his family. I hope he lives a long life.
He’s American… you must mean his generation. That journalist was hungry and all she did was watch him bust ass.
Thanks very much
Thanks very much
@@celestinogarcia22U are an amazing man and I wish u the absolute best to u and ur family! Much love to u Celestino
@@celestinogarcia22Thank always for reminding us the importance of hard work and dedication. God bless u sir!
It's the daughter looking so proud at her dad. Got me crying over here 😢.
Definitely broke me down too. 🥹 I love my gente. 💙
I know right! I was just watching a great video about bagels and then that one part just hit me right in the corazon.
If I see that man on the street, I'd want his autograph and a handshake. He's one of NY's hidden treasures.
He lives in my neighborhood! I hope I run into him on the bus someday.
I'd worry about ending up in the ER shaking his super-powered bagel-rolling hand.
Absolutely master of his art
Not only an autograph and handshake, but also take a photo with him 💯💯👍🏽
I hope the hipster ownwer dosnt pays him amoount he worth
I appreciate how Priya speaks Spanish and how she highlights the underdogs of the food industry. Wonderful story!
The hall of fame lady pro golfer Lorena Ochoa , used to go meet the grounds crew to congratulate the folks taking care of the playing field , mostly either Mexicans or Central Americans.
And that ebullient gal from True Food TV ( How does it grow ) , she and her crew also provide space for pickers on their footage.
Priya married a white amateur baker so she has to do stories about immigrants to balance things out.
@@wm6549great comment. Because a woman of colour can't marry anyone she wants to.
Sounds like shes reading right off a translator on her phone though 😂
The guy speaks pretty damn good English yet she needs to show off her broken spanish
I was floored and left in tears when Celestino thanks the customers in the end. And after all his hard work! Bless this man and his family.
No, you were not.
Thanks very much
I’m a small scale (home, friends family) hand rolling bagel maker - hats off to Celestino. Seeing his daughter tear up in appreciation for her dad brought me to tears 🥲
9:42 “We have a backup guy we never use.” This man is a machine!!!!!! So much r🙌🏻 RESPECT 🙌🏻 to Celestino.
that back up guy should step in and let him take a month off
Menaing he would fire the meican if he could
Immigrants do not mess around when it comes to their job. Especially, the Mexican people! They are exemplary employees and truly humble/kind-heartened people. I hope Celestino gets the vacation he deserves! Thank you for sharing his story cause this stuff is valuable.
Thanks very much
Depends on the immigrant. There’s lazy ones out there too.
Thank you for sharing Celestino's story with us. I hope he is well compensated for his hard work. I think it's important to tell the stories of working class people and especially immigrants because a lot of Americans don't know how hard it is to work at jobs like this. How can someone look at this man and say he doesn't deserve a living wage, health insurance, and savings for retirement?
Exactly! The hardest workers I've ever worked with, were always immigrants.
Absolutely. So many people talking bad about someone with this work ethic is just wrong. We need more people like him
Would be nice for someone to put up a Go Fund Me and send him on a fabulous vacation
Of course he’s not well-compensated for his hard work. Owning a chain of successful bagel shops is the only way to be well-compensated. I hate to break it you, but he doesn’t have good health insurance, he doesn’t own his house, and he doesn’t have a cushy 401k tucked away. Those who work the hardest are always paid the least.
@@beefcurtains3095my parents were immigrants like this
The fact that he trust his children working with his employer and that the owner knows them well enough to know their aspirations and hopes to see them moving up in his business speaks VOLUMES to that restaurant’s culture. I’ll have to make a stop there my next visit into the city
Always proud for our people because we know how to get work done 🇲🇽 💪🏻
Y sí 💯
Viva Mexico! 🇲🇽
🇲🇽
This is what I call a real father. The hard work he puts into it to provide for his family, it made me emotional even though he said he loves his job. He and his family deserve the world! ❤
I didn’t expect to cry.
He’s working so hard for his family. I was proud by the end of the interview. Thanking you for sharing his story.
Priya. Your journalism is top tier. You don't just tell stories, you show the lives and hearts of all these hard working people that we would have never heard of otherwise. Thank you.
Nope 😅
10/10 journalism
I mean, she could have clarified his working conditions a little, explained he was a freelancer etc. otherwise yeah, great story
Except as a NYer, why is she toasting a fresh bagel. Sacrilegious
bro im 24 and my joints act like 70. this man 58. He deserves everything
hit the gym
This man even at his age is a beast. So much pride and love in his craft. They better pay him well and have a great 401K.
Protect Celestino at all costs! This man is too precious.
man the owner needs to show his appreciation and get a him a house, this man is 1 of 1 and should be treated like a king by the owner
This guy works from 4am-6pm, 14 hour shifts, performing skilled labour that almost nobody does anymore?
They better be paying this dude truckloads of money.
We all know the owners are not
Another great video! Celestino is amazing. Sadly, my first thought was that I really hope he is paid well because that is some hard, tiring work. I like that he has several family members working at the stores also. It seems like the manager/owner does appreciate him and his family.
@@TSBAGELS this is so good to hear! Thank you for clearing that up.
he better be really well paid
@@katarinaohlsson1160 what did he say. i dont see his comments anymore
Why would you just assume he's overworked and underpaid? I'm sure he's paid well as he could go do this anywhere for anyone at anytime. Maybe he actually instilled a work ethic in his children that you don't have and never will have?
Why would you just assume he's overworked and underpaid? I'm sure he's paid well as he could go do this anywhere for anyone at anytime. Maybe he actually instilled a work ethic in his children that you don't have and never will have?
My wife and I are moved to tears as we watch this.
He should start his own business. He’s making other people rich.
Couldn't stop crying after he said his family motivates him
I lost it when his daughter started tearing up when talking about her dad
I lived within walking distance to Court Street Bagels for 15 years, from 1992-2007. I must have eaten hundreds of his bagels, and I always wondered who made them, when?, how?, how fresh were they? Now I know! Thanks for the video research, and thanks to this kind man. I am awed by his work ethic. I bow down and thank him for the bagels, for they were always a little larger than the rest, and tastier, and the texture was always just right.
Thanks very much
Going to NY for first time this summer. I always thought NYers never toast a fresh bagel, there's no need. She mentions toasting bagels at least twice. What gives?
Celestino Garcia! Tiene mis mil respetos! That's right!! Mexican power! That's how America runs!! 🇲🇽🇺🇸🇲🇽🇺🇸🇲🇽
One of these businesses should have offered him a partnership by now.
I had the same thought! At what point does the individual making the product become more than an employee. He deserves a royalty on top of his wages, I would say.
Jee. Zus. Not everyone WANTS to be an owner or partner. That's your American way of life talking. Thinking that unless you're in a certain type of position, then your work is somehow worthless or less than.
How many more times do people have to explain this - this man ENJOYS this work. He CHOOSES this life and this work. He does what he WANTS to do.
Being an owner is clearly NOT a headache he wants. Let this man live his life on his terms (which he seems perfectly capable of defining for himself).
@@ALNizhoni well he’s still going to be doing what he loves, but compensated more so he can assist his family and have less stressful life.
Unfortunately, the cost of living has become so expensive in The USA you do not have a choice. @@ALNizhoni
Priya Krishna is a fantastic food journalist, and this video is no exception. This was a fascinating profile--it was great learning about Mr. Garcia!
Indeed, Ms. Krishna is a new discovery for me. I'm not a food person, but I will keep an eye on her work.
All she did was ask softball questions, not really worthy of a Pulitzer.
@@spandex7055Why you silly wabbit... wait, you're being serious?? 🤨🙄
Nope she sucks speaking Spanish
I’m 59 and work hard.
This man is the harder and most efficient worker l ever seen. Wow!
The fact that all he wanted to say to the audience was "thank you for providing me a job" is amazing. Much respect to big Celestino. Salt of the earth.
Deeply moving. Disarmingly so. There is something saintly in Celestino. The depth of his devotion to his family, the relentless intensity of his love of his vocation. His quiet, all-consuming passion. His integrity. This world, where so many of us aspire to be famous for fame's sake, to enjoy a frictionless life of luxury, has much to learn about the true meaning of life from this extraordinary man who awakens while we sleep, who puts his body and his being into his work, who sends three-thousand unsigned valentines to strangers. Every day.
Well said sir...
Those businesses BETTER pay him a GRIP of money bcz without him, they're nothing but I bet they don't pay him close to what he's worth. He can name his his salary.
We all know they dont
I’m with you, this man is the backbone of 3 locations. I’m thinking if he made more then enough he could open his very own bagel 🥯 shop 🤔
You know they aren’t paying him sh*t.
If they did he would have his own spot
He should ask for a big raise, if they say no then he doesn't go into work and watch them buckle. Problem is these companies trap you because you can't afford to not work.
At the beginning when I saw him head to the bus, I started to cry as it reminds me of my mother……thanks to her sacrifices I’m able to now help her as an adult.
The daughter's look at @12:54 is pure heartwarming gold.
It has so many layers.
The Pride
Tha Gratitude
The Happiness
That look has them all.
Thank You signor Celestino
When she starts to tear up when talking about her dad, it is from the love she has for him and pride in the work he does, he is her hero,
@@robertbelardo7087that’s my fav part I watched it like 10 times already 👏
That little smile she has while watching her dad go beast mode on that mountain of dough was everything.
This made me cry so much!!!😢😢😢😢😢 Celestino thank you!!! You are greatly appreciated!!! And Priya you are an amazing journalist!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
he deserves the same respect we give michellin star bread bakers and artisans
Can I just say that I so appreciate that you know Spanish and for more than one of these stories have used those skills for interviews? I know you grew up in Texas, but I also presume you’re not a native speaker. Thank you for pursuing a skill that allows us to hear people’s stories in their own words.
Actually I think he would have been happy to tell us everything in English. The audience is primarily English speaking, she's not a native speaker so what on earth is the point?
I’ve always appreciated when people make an effort to connect, even if it’s not “practical” or “necessary”
What an extraordinary story! While impressed by Celestino's work ethic, what stood out most to me was his obvious love and pride for his children, and the love and respect they have for him.
Same❤❤❤
The fact that he thanked the customers at the end tells you all you need to know about this man. MashaAllah.
3 locations?? Man this dude is a G. Every New Yorker needs to buy this guy something he likes
hard working honourable man . great respect
God Bless Celestino! He is the salt of the earth! So hardworking, and the fact that he really loves what he does, makes all the difference! Bravo! ♥️♥️🌺🌹
3 locations? That’s crazy
Muchas gracias querido Celestino!!!Bendiciones para usted y su familia desde México!!
Muchas gracias por sus buenos deseos
Muchas gracias por los buenos deseos y saludos para mi México
Thank you for introducing Celestino to us. It's the unsung heroes like him that just quietly make things happen. It's killing me a little right now because he's worth a million bucks, and I'm certain he's not pulling down anything close.
Thanks very much
This story got me tearing up. Celestino is an amazing human being and we are so lucky to have him be so dedicated in his craft. It was also beautiful to see how much his children love him. You know he lives a fulfilled life. Beautiful. Great job as always Priya!
Thanks very much
When I worked behind the counter of a food retail establishment, I learned to see people. The work you are doing, Priya, is helping people, like those young women who you told about Celestino, see those who labor unseen so they can enjoy something. Celestino isn’t seeking any esteem from others. He is humble and reliable and internally motivated. What a profile!
Thats a real man....Pay attention young boys , this is how you have honor ....God bless this story
I see my dad in this man. My dad came to this country for a better life for us and thanks to him my siblings and I do!. My dad busted his ass in the fields of California with the sun burning on his back for 40+ years and he never complained.
My respects to any man who works there ass off to take care of their family.
I work in phenomenal bagel shop in Jersey and our roller doesn't get the credit he deserves. These are the real heroes without capes!
One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. This guy has gratitude and not a single lazy bone in his body. I now am filled with gratitude for knowing he exists. Thank you
I love bagels! Thank you Celestino y Muchas bendiciones para usted y su familia
What a great guy with a great family! Guys like this deserve everything they get and so much more. I hope he gets paid well for his work. Much respect
Celestino what a great man he is! Aplausos por ser un padre ejemplar y hombre de familia, Dios lo bendiga señor!
Muchas por bendiciones amén
I used to live across the street from Tompkins. Those are the best bagels I’ve ever had and they fueled me every day. This man is my hero.
Thanks very much
12:44 They are so lucky to have a father like they do. I miss my dad a lot, he worked like this for his family.
This man is a bona fide HERO! When I go visit NYC I will be honored to meet and shake this man’s hand, thank him for his hard work and of course eat one of his delicious bagels. He reminds me of my Papa! 💛 Great story Priya and NY Times!
Anytime thank
Made my cry. Thanks for showing this man's work.
Thanks very much I very happy
Celestino is rolling all the dough, he should definitely be collecting all the dough too! He needs his own shop!!! 🙏🏽❤
the look of love for him is obvious in his kids faces ❤❤
This man has shown his kids what a husband and father is to their family. God bless this man.
Gracias por mostrar el excelente trabajo de Celestino!!, Dios lo bendiga a él y a su familia!
Buenas noches gracias por sus buenos deseos
what a sweet, sweet man
the vacation is not a good idea
Wow that guy's work ethic is basically the success of that bagel shop
A true inspirational story. I feel proud for this great man. Society needs more people like Celestino
I love when Priya speaks Spanish!!
She does fine . Needs more repetitions to get it more fluid. Still shows good mettle for a field reporter.
What a sweetheart. These are the people making our food. Thank you for giving them the recognition they deserve.
CELESTINO ITS A MOTIVATION FOR ALL THE YOUNG GENERATIONS OF BAKERS AT ITS BEST!!!
It's not just the work that he's performing. He knows the recipe for making large batch bagels - a challenging skill on it's own. But he also knows the recipes for making the other flavors. Good for him!
Celestino deserves the key to NYC!
12:50 got me dripping tears because you can see and feel how proud you have to be to have him as your father
One of the best videos I ever saw on this channel. Thank you for sharing Celestino's story. And all the best for him and his family. He is a true role model in work ethic.
Thanks very much
Props to him.. a real man who knows how to work hard and provide for his loved ones... this is a level of work ethic you don't see anymore
wonderful documentary..my father was also an immigrant and worked and worked and worked...to provide for us and make a better life...Immigrants are the heart beat of our country and we need to respect them and acknowledge their contributions to our society. Rolling bagels, washing dishes, pick grapes etc....
I loved this! Left tears in my eyes thank you for highlighting Celestino and his craft. Such an amazing video 🤍🤍
Thanks very much
I really like this kind of video showcasing the people who work hard and don't get a lot of recognition. The restaurant world especially in NYC is fairly unforgiving and thankless. Bagelcrafting is an art and this dude is a master, and clearly a good man who cares for his family.
the reasons that he works so much and incredibly hard, moved me to tears. His humbleness is so touching.
Cried like a baby, what an inspiring story! Celestino 🙌🏼🙌🏼
May God continue to bless Celestino with many more years of health. Blessings to him and his family. 👍🏻
Thanks very much
Tears in my eyes. I only wish and pray I could work like that.
An unsung hero of NYC this brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. I did not even know one person rolled bagels for multiple places but I will certainly be going to support those shops.
Hard worker mexican. Gracias por su trabajo, Celestino!
I love Priya’s reporting and the On the Job series. She shows so much respect and kindness and willingness to learn to all the people she interviews. Speaking their language literally is amazing. I love to see these stories behind the scenes of so much of what keeps our cities running smoothly. This was a tear jerker 🥹
Got tears, looking at his dedication and work ethics.
What a hard working man.......God bless you Celestino. May you live a happy life.
I love the candid way you show the important work of this important man, Celestino Garcia. My brother lives in Brooklyn and enjoys Mr. Garcia's bagels. There is no machine that can replace him.
Thanks very much
One thing I’ve noticed about the series is that many of the shadow workers featured are Hispanic (which says a lot about New York/America). I’m sure they appreciate Priya making the effort to speak Spanish so they can tell their stories in their native language.
Celestino, eres grande hermano mexicano!!!❤🇲🇽 Cuidate mucho y que tu familia siempre esté con bien!!! 👏
Buenos días muchas gracias por los buenos deseos
This the second time I watch this video. Celestino has to be very proud of himself. A great example.
priya krishna rocks. so much sensitivity shown by her. very respectful and humble. also amazing that she can speak multiple languages and is respectful of different cultures. great story and a great video.
Can we start a gofundme to send Celestino for a vacation?
This video is so sad to me.
the store owners should do that.
I agree - this is sad. It's like saying, if you're an immigrant in this country you better work so hard because that work ethic is the only thing that will define you. They say he does it for his kids. He should be able to do that, and also take a well deserved break, while still maintaining his employment.
@@TSBAGELS Thank you. What a wonderful footnote to read after an emotional video. I’ll be visiting your shop this week.
@@TSBAGELS I hope you are not lying and hopefully y’all are doing the right thing by also helping with his immigration status if needed like don’t leave him in the dark .
A few things should be set straight. Cele does not work 14 hour days. The NYT’s crew spent 14 hours with him. About 1/2 of that time was getting ready for work and committing between shops. Like most NYC bagel rollers, Cele is a freelancer. He rarely spends more than 3 hours at any given location. As I said, Cele, like most NYC bagel rollers, is paid very well. This is a skill. Very few people can do what he does. We are lucky to have him.
Priya namaste. Thanks for showing both parts of my culture, I'm a Mexican, Spanish Jew from Mexico. And to a Mexican brother do 🥯 without being Jewish it's awesome. Much love also for Indian 🇮🇳 culture. Be-virkat Elohim India 🇮🇳.
Thank you for showcasing this man. Mexicans are the backbone of bakeries in America but it is very, very rare for them them to get any of the spotlight.
I am so enamoured by this man and his family, his work ethic and his happiness with his choices. I wish more could do what he does with a happy face.
"unskilled" labor
I get your sarcasm son. But you need your fingers over your keyboard a little farther.
@@serafinacosta7118 yeah. assuming peoples intelligence is optimistic
That is NOT unskilled, what HE is doing is highly skilled and is a CRAFT that is why he is in demand. Not everyone can do what he does. Its nothing like working at Walmart or some random fastfood joint. HE is KNOWN by is work.
@@jwoods9659 yes that's OBVIOUSLY my point
Another fabulous video from Priya. I love how she reveals to us the unsung heroes of the food industry in such a personal way. And thank you, Celestino, for the heavenly bagels!
Thank you, Priya. I loved watching this and meeting Celestino and his family. The amazing vibes off of that guy come right through the screen.
I didn't know Priya spoke Spanish so well! Great story also.
That’s a beautiful thing he does. Brings me memories of my childhood when my dad was always working in his cafeteria style deli in the 80s Washington DC. I would help him make banana pudding, crack 30 dozen eggs a day for making omelettes. I loved helping him. It taught me a strong work ethic.