By spring, Uncle Harry's could be open at Fig Garden Village near its former location that closed in 2017. Photo contributed by RPM PR

When it comes to driving headlines, one local business owner has had both hands on the wheel this week — from an impromptu drive-thru “opening” to a return to its roots.

Uncle Harry’s NY Bagelry & Coffeehouse announced that it will be opening a new location in Fresno, the fifth for the local bagel shop. It will be at Fig Garden Village, and it comes eight years after a previous Fig Garden store closed.

The new location will be located at 5050 N. Palm Ave. — next door to their original location. It is scheduled to open this spring.

“We have been welcomed with open arms to Fig Garden Village once again, just steps from our original location in the center,” Owner Wayne Rutledge said. “We hope to bring that community of bagel lovers back to their roots with this one.”

The original Fig Garden Village location departed with heavy hearts in 2017; many diners had gathered at the business for years, some of them daily.

The spring opening will coincide with the mom-and-pop bagel shop’s 30th anniversary.

 

Shaw location offers delivery, not drive-thru

Uncle Harry’s NY Bagelry & Coffeehouse on the corner of Shaw and Cedar avenues reopened earlier this week after a vehicle accident last Friday.

The store was forced to temporarily close after the sandal of an elderly driver forced the accelerator to the floor, sending her SUV all the way to the back wall of the bagel shop.

Five customers suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash which happened just after 11 a.m. on Jan. 3. About 25 people were inside the store at the time of the accident.

“We are comforted that those involved in the accident last week are healing, and today we welcome our guests back to a safe and inviting experience,” Rutledge said. “This location holds a special place in the hearts of our team and our customers, and we’re so grateful for the patience and support we’ve received during this brief closure.”

“This is just stuff. We can get it fixed,” Rutledge told ABC30 last Friday, adding that he and the business also had to take care of its employees, several of whom were shaken from the accident.