In a city already rich with neighborhood character, a new bagel shop is preparing to open its doors with a community-based approach to ownership, culture, and craft. Located in Northside Cincinnati at 4172 Hamilton Avenue, The Bagel Group will blend old-school bagel tradition with a modern cooperative business model.
At the center of the project is a three-person founding team: Theodore Wininger, Alex Bauman, and Zachary Capretta. Wininger has spent 13 years in the industry, moving through fast-casual management, kitchens, and cocktail bars. Bauman’s path runs through nearly a decade of bagel shop experience, along with time as a bartender. Capretta rounds out the trio with nine years across front- and back-of-house roles, from line cook to server to bartender.
Together, they’re building a cooperative where employees have a voice in decision-making and aren’t just clocking in, but helping actively shape the direction of the company…