The Best Stories Usually Aren't on the Menu
What a Visit to a Beacon Bagel Shop Reminded Me About Curiosity
SHARING WITH MEL
Melissa Rose Cooper
7/31/20262 min read
When I walk into a restaurant, bakery or café, I usually know what I'm there to do. I'll look around, take in the atmosphere, order something that catches my eye and, if I'm filming, start thinking about the shots I need.
But over the years, I've realized the food is rarely what stays with me the longest.
It's the people.
As a journalist, curiosity comes with the job. I've learned that some of the best conversations happen after the camera is already rolling, when someone mentions something that makes you stop and ask, "Wait... tell me more."
That's exactly what happened when I visited Bagel-ish in Beacon, New York.
I expected to learn about bagels. Instead, I met Beth George.
BTW, here is some of the gear I am currently using to capture my content.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for smooth, dynamic shots
DJI Osmo 360 for immersive perspectives
DJI Mic 2 for crisp, clear audio
iPhone 17 Pro Max for quick, handheld shots
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal for stable walking sequences
XTRA Muse for wide angles and vlogging
And for deets on my outfits and other faves, you can check always check out my LTK and Amazon stores.
***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you.***
What started as a conversation about bagels quickly became a story about motherhood, resilience, identity and community. In fact, they only exist because Beth was searching for answers after her young son began experiencing health challenges. That search eventually led her down a path she never expected — one that transformed her from attorney to entrepreneur.
As we kept talking, I realized the story didn't stop there.
Her Middle Eastern heritage shows up throughout the shop, from the flavors on the menu to the conversations she has with customers. Her background as an attorney still influences the way she serves her community. And her belief that food can bring people together feels especially meaningful at a time when so many conversations around us seem to pull people apart.
It reminded me of something I've come to appreciate more and more throughout my career.
The most memorable places aren't always memorable because of what they serve. They're memorable because of the people behind them.
Sometimes, the best part of visiting a local business isn't discovering what's on the menu.
It's discovering why the menu exists in the first place.
If you're planning a trip to Beacon, New York, I definitely recommend stopping by Bagel-ish for one of Beth's handcrafted bagels. But if you get the chance, spend a few extra minutes talking with her, too.
You might walk in for breakfast.
But you'll probably leave with a story.
And if you'd like to hear more of Beth's journey, you can watch the latest episode of Sharing with Mel, where she shares how one mother's search for answers grew into something much bigger than a bagel shop.
