GAMBRILLS, MD — The newest breakfast spot in Gambrills dishes out more than bagels; it also serves up hope at 991 Waugh Chapel Way.
Along with breakfast staples and creative creations, Nico’s Bagels & Brunch also fundraises for mental health resources in honor of an owner’s son, who died by suicide on June 4, 2018.
The Capital reported Nico Osuna was a student at Florida International University studying hospitality management at the time of his passing. During his freshman year, Nico Osuna came up with the idea for a bagel food truck. His father, Jerry Osuna, is now fulfilling that dream alongside his Co-Owners Dan and Joy Shields.
“Since the difficult times following the loss of my son, Nico, six years ago, Dan and Joy have been there every step of the way,” Jerry Osuna said on Facebook before the eatery’s Oct. 17 grand opening. “Their support has been instrumental in turning my son’s vision into reality. Together, we aren’t just launching a business; we are on a heartfelt mission to make a difference in people’s lives.”
A portion of sales from some items will benefit Nico’s Hope For Life Foundation, a suicide prevention nonprofit dedicated to Nico Osuna.
The Capital said the foundation gives scholarships to aspiring mental health professionals who graduate from St. Mary’s, a Catholic school in Annapolis. The charity also helps families pay for therapy, The Capital said.
Nico’s Bagels plans to host quarterly conversations “for anyone in the area who might be struggling or just want to talk.”
“At its core, Nico’s Bagels & Brunch is designed to be a safe space for everyone,” Jerry Osuna said. “It encourages open conversations about mental health and fosters a supportive environment. With every bagel sold, there’s a story of hope and resilience, ensuring that Nico’s memory lives on and that the community grows closer together.”
The restaurant spans 2,800 square feet from its location behind DICK’s Sporting Goods and beside Glow Nail Bar. The business seats 45 customers indoors and has an outdoor patio as well.
The menu features classic New York-style bagels, salads and sandwiches. Customers can wash it down with a cup of Joe from Easton-based Rise Up Coffee Roasters.
There’s also miniature bagel dunks, which come with a spread for dipping. The Capital said these dunks support Nico’s Hope, as do the Fruity Pebble and Oreo flat bagels along with some gelato flavors.
“The focus isn’t just on food; it’s about giving back to the community,” Jerry Osuna said.
Nico’s Bagels joins a growing business scene in Gambrills.
Mexican restaurant Mucho Gusto opened two doors down this summer. Around the same time, Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrated its new bakery location in the neighboring Waugh Chapel Towne Centre. Just behind Nico’s Bagels and Mucho Gusto, Sky Zone is currently building a trampoline park in the Waugh Chapel Business Park.
Nico’s Bagels is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We want Nico’s Bagels & Brunch to feel like a second home,” Jerry Osuna said. “The open kitchen design allows customers to see their food being prepared, fostering a friendly vibe. With cozy seating, it’s the perfect spot for friends to gather and chat, making it easy for folks to share their stories and support one another.”
Customers can learn more by visiting nicosbagelsandbrunch.com and nicoshopeforlifefoundation.org.
To learn more about longtime Crofton resident Jerry Osuna and his vision, read The Capital’s story. Only subscribers of The Capital can access the article, however.
Anybody with an Anne Arundel County Public Library card number can read The Capital’s story at this link by searching “Nico’s Bagels”