Zucker’s, the Business That Keeps Students Coming Back

Local businesses around Stuyvesant High School are supported and sometimes overwhelmed by the Stuyvesant students who visit them daily. Students value nearby stores for the meals they rely on during or after a long day at school, while local businesses value the profit, connection, and reliability they get from Stuyvesant students. One such establishment is Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish, a bagel shop where many Stuyvesant students have found both great discounts and a relaxing atmosphere.

Founded in 2007, Zucker’s opened its first location on Chambers Street with the goal of recreating an old-school bagel experience in New York City. Since then, Zucker’s has expanded to multiple locations across the city, becoming a staple in the city’s competitive bagel scene. Zucker’s also partners with food banks and local organizations such as the Bowery Mission, which aims to help the homeless and impoverished. According to Matthew Pomerantz, the chain’s founder, Zucker’s donates 100,000 bagel breakfasts per year to the cause.

Although the business is continually expanding, Zucker’s still relies on close relationships with its nearby communities for success. One of the biggest populations Zucker’s feeds is the Stuyvesant community. For many students, bagels serve as a convenient breakfast before first period, a quick lunch between classes, or an affordable afterschool snack. Zucker’s most popular items are those included in its 10 percent student discount, a deal launched in the fall of 2025 at the Tribeca location to serve the Stuyvesant population. “After being at Stuyvesant for nearly four years, I’ve noticed that Zucker’s specifically took off in the fall of this year,” senior Amrit Das explained.

For many students, Zucker’s distinct atmosphere and welcoming employees keep them coming back. “The establishment fosters community and provides quality service,” sophomore Zachary Massim shared. Efforts from the business to build a relationship with customers is distinctly recognized by students. “They know me by name, which brings the community closer to the business and really ingrains it into our culture,” Massim added. For many, Zucker’s is not just a place to grab a bagel, but a familiar space that feels integrated into the Stuyvesant experience.

Other students express their appreciation for the environment Zucker’s creates for completing schoolwork. “It is a good, not-too-crowded spot to do homework,” sophomore Elliot Widmann said. Wooden tables, accessible seating, and steady Wi-Fi allow Zucker’s to function as both a workspace and an eatery for Stuyvesant’s busy students. 

Sophomore Kayla Cheung reflected on this point. “[Zucker’s] is a cheap and good place to study, especially when you have a really long day and you’re just hungry,” she said. In contrast to Massim and Widmann, Cheung feels that the store’s growing popularity has changed its atmosphere for the worse. “It gets really crowded now that everyone goes there, which doesn’t make it as great of a study spot,” she said. As more students gather at Zucker’s during the day, the cozy interior can feel cramped. The same popularity that makes Zucker’s lively can also diminish its usefulness as a quiet study space. 

However, the appeal of Zucker’s isn’t just in its atmosphere. The food itself draws students in, with some students having signature orders, and others preferring to experiment with new combinations. Das explained his usual: “Typically it’s an everything bagel with lox and an iced latte when I get coffee from Zuckers.” Massim has the same order. 

Meanwhile, Cheung explained her order: “a plain bagel with egg, and an iced latte.” With numerous bagel types, spreads, sandwiches, and drinks, Zucker’s offers enough variety to satisfy both routine customers and those seeking something new. 

After observing how students interact with Zucker’s, Pomerantz reflected on the business’s relationship with the Stuyvesant community. “You can find me at Zucker’s Tribeca most days of the week, and seeing students in our shops brings me a lot of joy. It’s a relationship we have valued here over the years,” he said. The symbiotic relationship between Zucker’s and Stuyvesant students has been long-lasting, and both parties hope it will continue to thrive. “Students help our business by coming in regularly and sharing their love for our food by telling their friends and posting on social media. We always appreciate that and feel lucky to be near the school and welcome you day after day,” Pomerantz added. His appreciation highlights the care Zucker’s has for its student customers. From the student discount to the high quality service and food, Zucker’s is likely to remain one of the eateries that Stuyvesant students most frequent. Pomerantz shared, “We want you to know that you’re always welcome!”