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Superstar in Business Winner: Surf Bagel | 41-150 Employees

RIDING THE WAVE OF SUCCESS

Surf Bagel’s 20-year commitment to delicious breakfast and lunch in the Southern Delaware community

BY REGINA DONATO | PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN YOU WALK into a Surf Bagel, you’re met with the smell of freshly baked New York-style bagels, bright colors, and a lively atmosphere. With four locations and over 20 years of service in Southern Delaware, Surf Bagel has grown from a single store into a beloved beach staple. This year, their dedication to both good food and their community was recognized when they were awarded the prestigious Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award.

Surf Bagel was founded in 2004 by brothers Dave and Tom Vitella, who combined their love of surfing with their passion for authentic, scratch-made bagels. Their original location opened in Lewes, Delaware, and quickly became a staple for both locals and tourists. Surf Bagel now has three additional stores in Rehoboth Beach, Milford, and Long Neck, Delaware. Additional stores in Fenwick Island and Middletown Delaware—their first in New Castle County—are slated to open in late 2024 and 2025, respectively.

After 17 years, Dave and Tom passed the torch to the SoDel Concepts restaurant group, who has furthered Surf Bagel’s growth while still preserving its core values. “We are stoked to serve the community, have fun at work, and make the best bagels around,” says Matt Patton, president of Surf Bagel. These principles have guided the company from the very beginning.

Surf Bagel is more than a place to grab breakfast or lunch; it’s a symbol of the Delaware beaches’ laid-back and welcoming vibe. The menu offers a wide variety of options, including coffee, smoothies, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and, of course, their iconic handmade, traditional New York-style fresh-baked bagels and homemade spreads. But the Surf Bagel experience doesn’t stop at food. The company also has an extensive line of branded merchandise—from t-shirts and hats to hoodies and stickers—that can be spotted all around the area.

One of Surf Bagel’s greatest strengths is its deep connection to the Southern Delaware community. The company actively supports local events and sports teams; founders Dave and Tom were known for donating bagels to community fundraisers and their involvement in youth sports. This commitment to giving back has grown alongside Surf Bagel and will continue to remain a key focus of the Surf Bagel team, who understand the importance of being an active community partner.

A key driver of Surf Bagel’s sustained growth is its commitment to hiring, training, and retaining high-performing employees. With over 120 full- and part-time employees, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade, Surf Bagel has created a desirable workplace. “Our goal is to provide a predictable, fun, and inclusive work environment for all employees,” Patton explains.

Surf Bagel prides itself on an environment grounded in safety and stability, setting employees up for long-term success. Central to this is the Manager in Training Program, which identifies high-potential staff and provides them with cross-functional experiences in every position across all four locations. Along with hands-on training and mentorship from general managers, participants undergo a rigorous evaluation process to prepare them for leadership roles.

Beyond professional development, Surf Bagel also offers programs aimed at enhancing employees’ quality of life, such as Surf School, which covers valuable life skills. This emphasis on workforce growth has helped Surf Bagel maintain a loyal and engaged team over the last two decades.

Despite its exponential growth, Surf Bagel remains committed to maintaining the quality and service that have defined the brand for so long. This balance between growth and tradition is truly what sets Surf Bagel apart. Being awarded a Superstars in Business Award is a testament to Surf Bagel’s continued community engagement and consistent excellence. With a bright future ahead, Surf Bagel continues to ride the wave of success, bringing great food and even greater experiences to the Southern Delaware community and beyond. As Patton sums up, “We’re excited to be named as a Superstar in Business. It’s an honor to carry on the legacy of Marvin S. Gilman and be in the company of so many thriving businesses, accomplished organizations, and great people.”

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