Meet Ben Isai | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Isai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve spent my whole life working in bagel, coffee, and deli shops — that’s where I really fell in love with the business. I loved the energy of a great morning spot: the smell of fresh bagels and coffee, the regulars who come in every day, and how a good sandwich can make someone’s day.
Over time, I started noticing things I wanted to do differently. I saw opportunities to improve. I kept thinking, ‘If I ran this place, I’d do this and that ’ Eventually that voice got loud enough that I decided to take the chance along with my two partners who have the same passion.
We wanted to build something that reflected our standards and values instead of just executing someone else’s. It was scary leaving the steady paycheck, but I was more afraid of looking back years later and wondering what if. So I took the leap, and now every day I get to wake up and pour my energy into a place that’s truly mine.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I actually got my start in this industry young. I grew up working in delis and bagel shops in New York and New Jersey. In 2001, at just 23 years old, I moved to Arizona with my brother-in-law and we opened our first bagel shop. It was a big leap — I had no idea what to expect, but the place took off and became really successful.
Over the next few years I opened a couple more locations across the Valley and was doing very well at a young age. Unfortunately, like a lot of people in 2008, I overextended myself right as the economy collapsed. I ended up losing all three shops. It was heartbreaking.
After that I made a career change and became a teacher and coach. I really enjoyed it and loved having an impact on kids, but something was always missing. I missed the energy of a busy morning rush, the smell of fresh bagels coming out of the oven, and building something of my own.
That pull never went away. After years away, I realized I still had more to give in this business. I knew the mistakes I’d made the first time and felt much wiser. So I decided to get back in the game and open my own shop again — this time smarter, more focused, and with everything I’ve learned over the last 20+ years. It feels like I’m finally back where I belong.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Places we would go to eat include: The Henry, Taste of Italy pizza, and Ofcourse The bagel Place (Oasis Bagels).
We would visit flagstaff, Sedona and Ofcourse Grand Canyon.
We would also head down to Tucson and eat at places like El Charo and Basils.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad influenced me. He was always baking and believed that food would bring people together and put a smile on their faces.

Website: https://oasisbagelsaz.com

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