Community Business Spotlight: Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

Sep 27

Talking Shop With our Neighbors at H.H. Boiled Bagels

In this series, Urban Nest sits down with local PDX business owners to talk shop about what makes their store or business fit so well with Portland. Learn about new neighborhoods, new businesses, PDX community and more!

We May Have Found the Best Bagels on the West Coast

If you're a bagel fanatic and you haven't tried Henry Higgins, your first priority should be planning a trip to the corner of SE 64th and Foster. With a healthy selection of bagel varieties and spreads served up by friendly and knowledgable staff, this Foster-Powell gem is sure to become a new favorite. We talk PDX with owner Leah Orndoff:

UN: How long have you been in business?

Our wholesale operation has been going for four and a half years now. Our first retail location opened a year ago, and in August we opened our second retail space right at our bakery.

UN: What is unique about your business?

People tell us all the time that we have the best bagels on the west coast. I think it’s our traditional method and commitment to sourcing our ingredients locally whenever possible. Also, our staff brings a lot of great energy. We have a great team of people in our bakery and in our shops, and the joy we all bring to work comes through in our bagels and baked goods.

UN: For you, what is most important about the customer experience?

Fast friendly service. We want people to be able to come into our shop and get a fresh bagel or bagel sandwich from friendly and efficient staff. Food tastes even better when its served with a smile.

UN: How would you describe the community that surrounds your business?

Pure Portland goodness. Our regulars are some of the nicest people, and because the shops are located in tight knit neighborhoods we get to be a gathering place for the locals who live and work near us.

UN: What do you think makes your shop a great fit for Portland?

Portland has been a great place for our business. Portlanders are so supportive of small business, love good food, and appreciate a fresh, handmade product.

UN: What is your favorite thing about Portland?

Anytime I’m not making or delivering or selling bagels I try to get out into nature. The river in the summer, the mountain in the winter, the beach anytime of the year. The combination of Portland’s urbanism and the surrounding areas of breathtaking natural beauty make this the best spot on earth.

UN: What part of town do you live in, and what do you love about it most?

I’ve been living in SE Portland for the last ten years, and I love it. Whether I’m coming home from work at dawn or sunset, there’s Mt. Hood on my horizon every day.