NEW YORK — Ess-a-Bagel and Sam Silverman, founder of BagelUp, united to introduce the Bagel Ambassador Sandwich to Ess-a-Bagel’s menu.
Launching ahead of BagelFest 2025, the sandwich — which was initially released as a limited-edition item and is now a permanent menu fixture due to customer demand — blends classic New York comfort with Middle Eastern flair. The offering includes a sesame bagel filled with falafel, za’atar cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, cabbage, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
“We’ve done some fun sandwiches in the past, but this one is extra special,” said Beverly Wilpon, co-owner of Ess-a-Bagel. “Sam’s been such a positive force in the bagel world, lifting up new voices, celebrating tradition and making people fall in love with bagels all over again. We’re proud to be associated with Sam and to have this on our menu.”
The Bagel Ambassador Sandwich combines Ess-a-Bagel’s reputation with Sam’s modern take on bagel culture.
“Bagels have always been my favorite food, but Ess-a-Bagel is where my passion for bagels catapulted to the next level back in 2008,” Sam said. “To have a sandwich on their menu is absolutely surreal. I never could have imagined this honor when my bagel journey began.”
The sandwich builds on Ess-a-Bagel’s momentum of nearly 50 years of bagel-making. The brand also recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 New York Bagelfest and continues to expand, reaching new customers through additional locations.
