[EPISODE] Turtle Bay

Join us this week for a journey to Turtle Bay.

My guests will be David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding, and Charles Wenzelberg, Co-Owner of Ess-A-Bagel.

Segment 1

Jeff and David discuss how Turtle Bay got its name and its connection to the Dutch. David explains how Turtle Bay transformed from a pastoral area, how the grid system was put into place and how the area changed into what it is today. Jeff explains how Edgar Allen Poe is connected to Turtle Bay and his feelings about the changing landscape. Jeff and David discuss the Draft Act of 1863, the Draft Riots and events surrounding Turtle Bay during the Civil War. David explains how the landscape of Turtle Bay changed after the Civil War into an “evil place” and then how portions of it went through an early form of gentrification in the early 20th century.

Segment 2

David explains what Goat Hill is and how it was replaced by Tudor City. Jeff and David discuss Beekman Place, its history and various historical landmarks in the area. David explains the architecture of the  Beekman House and the history of the Beekman Tower. Jeff and David discuss the United Nations headquarters and what stood there in Turtle Bay before it.

Segment 3

Charles explains what led his family to take an interest in bagels. Jeff questions Charles about the secret to a great New York bagel. Charles talks about what kept him and his family in the bagel business and how the commitment from the family has kept them in business. Charles talks about his Turtle Bay location clientele and how it’s changed over the years.

Segment 4

Charles talks about how customers can get bagels delivered. He talks about how the Turtle Bay neighborhood has changed since the store opened there. Charles talks about how the different vibes of people from around the city mix in Turtle Bay and how he gets a lot of foreigners into Ess-A-Bagel.  He discusses how he thinks the neighborhood has evolved and his company’s desire to not expand too much and remain a small business.