Since Pork Roll Pete’s opened its doors in Bradenton last summer,  the New Jersey bagel shop has taken off—owner Pete Ferraro says there is no shortage of regulars and new customers stopping by to try the delicious breakfast and lunch options each day. The shop, which showcases the best of what New Jersey and New York have to offer, is introducing the classic deli-style options that characterize northeastern eateries to Florida.  “It's really proven to be a great asset to the community,” says Ferraro. “We've got a ton of repeat customers. Year-round, residents and locals have all been able to experience a different type of cuisine than what they may be used to, or to get a taste of something that they’ve missed for years and years.” Central to the business’s success is its careful attention to detail. The store features its own “water maker,” which replicates the quality of New York City water that makes NYC and New Jersey bagels so delicious. Ferraro also says his store uses only the best quality ingredients, including non-bleached, non-bromated flour and specialty items imported from New York. But the star of the show for the Bradenton community is the pork roll—a pre-cooked and smoked meat commonly available in New Jersey and neighboring states. “It's been extremely well received. If anybody hasn't tried it and they come in, we're more than happy to give them a sample so that they can try it for themselves. The community has definitely embraced it with open arms. Being able to get quality sandwiches like that is something that has not been available in the area until now,” says Ferraro. 

Both Ferraro and business partner Chuck Casagrande own other businesses in Manatee County, a factor Ferraro says has helped them fully bring Pork Roll Pete’s into the small business community in the region. “It’s been great to bring another business into the area that provides not only great food, but is a great working environment for employees and contributes to the community,” says Ferraro. A favorite tradition they’ve started this year is attending holiday events throughout the area and serving bagels from their 1970s Volkswagen bus, decorated to the nines with lights, ornaments and a full sound system for music.  “We've been floored by the support that we've gotten. We get multiple clients a day that drive anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to come see us,” says Ferraro. “That's pretty powerful to see, that somebody is willing to take that time out of their day, just to take a ride down and come have a meal with us.” In the future, he plans to bring additional locations to the surrounding area—a move motivated by the support of the community and Ferraro’s love for the bagel business.