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Published: Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 / Updated: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012 11:21 AM

‘Mmmm’ . . . Bagel Boat

LAKE WYLIE -- 

Customers were happy last week when Bagel Boat quietly turned on its “open” light in the window.

“We’ve been looking forward to it and are very happy it’s here,” said Hank DeGiulio of River Hills.

Bagel Boat opened in the former Bank of America building – vacant since 2009 – at 4090 Charlotte Hwy. at Lake Wylie Plaza.

“The first customer came in and bought a dozen bagels. Bagel Boat is open,” said restaurant owner Frank Keefe of Lake Wylie, sharing the story of his business’ “soft opening” on Tuesday, Nov. 20, with an afternoon customer.

Bagel Boat’s bagels aren’t just New York style. Keefe’s bagels come from Davidovich Bakery, handmade in Woodside, N.Y.

“I’ve been looking desperately for a good New York bagel, and I think I found it today,” said Tom Moletto.

He and wife Nadine moved 10 years ago from New York City to RiverPointe neighborhood in Steele Creek.

“Mmmm,” is all she could say after taking a bite of her plain bagel topped with butter.

Her husband said, “The coffee is outstanding, too.”

Bagel Boat offers a variety of bagels – from cinnamon to blueberry, and poppy seed to sesame seed. The bagel and coffee house also serves specialty drinks, frozen yogurt, baked goods like strudel from Carnegie Deli in New York and bagel sandwiches. It offers a drive-thru with two optional lanes.

“It’s been very steady all day,” Keefe said. “I am grateful to our community for its anticipated support.”

There is seating for 30 in the main area near the counter, plus side rooms for small groups. In fact, DeGiulio said his breakfast group is already planning to start meeting at the new coffee shop.

“It looks beautiful in here, doesn’t it?” said Nadine Moletto, looking at the painted wall mural and noting the children’s area. “This was sorely needed.”

Conor Lee, 10, of Clover and his mother, Tara, were munching on a mid-afternoon snack opening day.

“It’s really good; perfect toasted,” he said of his plain bagel with butter.

The shop will be open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information on Bagel Boat, visit bagelboat.com.