Page 4 - BusinessWest August 7, 2023

Working in Tandem
Burgeoning Bagel Business Blends Snickerdoodles, Economic Development
BY GEORGE O’BRIEN
[email protected]
s he talked about the business ven- ture and the name that would go on it, Chris Zawacki said a good deal of thought went into the selection process.
The bagel shop would be located in the old railroad depot in the center of Easthampton.
That’s right next to the bike path, he said, so there was considerable talk concerning bicycling terms. Meanwhile, Zawacki and his wife, Andrea, were entering into this venture with another couple, Brian and Shannon Greenwood.
Somewhere along the way, the word ‘tandem’ was tossed out, and because it has at least two meanings that were relevant to the conversation, it stayed in play, and was eventually chosen.
“It took a lot to get where we are, so it will take a lot to get the next level. Things are going well, and for our employees, getting to that next level puts a lot of pressure on people. If we can go at a steady pace, treat our employees well, and expand in slow fashion that works for all, that’s fine with me.”
A little more than a decade later, Tandem Bagel Co., and even simply ‘Tandem,’ has become an ever- larger part of the lexicon — and the landscape, with additional locations in Northampton, Hadley, West Springfield, and Florence. The Hadley location also houses a central baking operation, with the bagels made there and then taken in vans to the various locations.
Indeed, what started as a single bagel shop is now a thriving enterprise with multiple locations. Zawacki doesn’t like the word ‘chain’ and laments that many — as in far too many — people think Tan- dem is a national chain. It isn’t.
Not yet, anyway.
4 AUGUST 7, 2023 << FEATURE >> BusinessWest
Chris and Andrea Zawacki