Bagels, Belief, and a Bold Vision

How one Las Vegas entrepreneur is turning hand-rolled dough and heart-led faith into a business empire in the making.

The sun had barely risen over Southwest Las Vegas when the first customer walked through the door at Abel’s Bagels. The air was warm with the scent of toasted sesame and fresh coffee. Behind the counter, Nick was already two hours into his day, flour dust on his apron, sleeves rolled to the elbows, and a quiet sense of purpose in every movement. “We’re not just selling bagels,” he said, pressing down dough with practiced rhythm. “We’re building something much bigger.”

From Faith to Flour

Nick never planned to be in the restaurant business. In fact, before Abel’s Bagels, he had never worked in food service at all. His background wasn’t in baking or culinary arts; it was in belief. For years, Nick had felt a spiritual pull toward building something meaningful, something rooted in faith, community, and service.

“This business was something God put on my heart,” he said. “It wasn’t just a dream. It was a calling.”

So, without formal training or industry connections, Nick dove into research mode. He watched videos, joined online food forums, and tore apart bagels from local shops to reverse engineer the texture and taste he wanted. The learning curve was steep. Bagel-making is notoriously precise, but Nick welcomed the challenge.

In the early days, he did it all: marketing, menu planning, even hand-designing the logo. He tested bagel recipes in the middle of the night, sourcing quality ingredients, experimenting with flours and techniques, and adjusting until everything felt right. Slowly and steadily, Abel’s Bagels started to take shape. It began as a concept, then became a physical location, and finally grew into a neighborhood staple.

Staying True When the Pressure Hits

As with most businesses built from the ground up, the journey was far from smooth. There were days when the lines were short and the doubts loud. Staffing, scheduling, and managing costs brought the realities of running a brick-and-mortar shop front and center. But Nick held firm to the values that inspired him from the beginning.

“I’m not in a rush,” he said. “Growth has to be meaningful. It has to align with the purpose.”

That purpose was clear: to create a business that honors God, uplifts people, and never cuts corners. Every ingredient is chosen with care. He avoids preservatives, bleached flours, and unnecessary additives. Even the water matters. It is filtered and consistent, because quality starts at the source.

Nick’s goal was never just about revenue. It was about creating a place where people could feel safe, seen, and well-fed, both physically and spiritually. He poured that same philosophy into his team, mentoring employees not only on how to make the perfect breakfast sandwich but also on how to take pride in their work and grow beyond the job.

A Menu That Mirrors the Mission

Today, Abel’s Bagels is more than a bagel shop. It is a full-service breakfast destination with a curated menu that features clean, elevated ingredients and bold, comforting flavors. Customers can choose from a variety of freshly made bagels, spreads, and breakfast sandwiches that balance indulgence with intention.

There are vegan options, locally roasted coffees, and custom catering packages. But what really sets Abel’s apart is the care behind every offering. It is not just about feeding customers; it is about nourishing them.

“I want people to know what they’re putting into their bodies,” Nick said. “We’re not just selling food. We’re helping people eat well, live better, and feel good about their choices.”

That commitment shows in the customer experience. From the warm welcome at the door to the attention to detail in every order, Abel’s Bagels is built to make you feel like more than a number. You’re part of the mission.

Built on Faith, Fueled by Vision

Nick’s faith is the heartbeat of Abel’s Bagels. It shows up in quiet moments—a prayer before a shift, a word of encouragement for a struggling employee, a business decision made not out of convenience, but conviction. He speaks openly about how his relationship with God shapes everything he does.

“I want to do what’s right in God’s eyes,” he said. “His law is higher than any business law, and that’s the standard I hold myself to.”

This sense of purpose has attracted a loyal customer base and a growing list of aspiring entrepreneurs who want to bring the Abel’s experience to their own communities. Nick is now laying the groundwork for franchising, envisioning new locations across Summerlin, Sky Canyon, and even out-of-state in places like Utah and Arizona.

Still, he is cautious. “I won’t franchise just to franchise,” he said. “I want our first franchisee to be someone who really gets it. Someone who believes in the mission.”

He is also considering Abel’s Express, smaller kiosk-style setups that serve bagels and spreads in high-traffic areas such as college campuses or inside grocery stores. “It’s all about accessibility,” he said. “Good food should be easy to find and even easier to trust.”

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

There’s a reason customers return to Abel’s Bagels week after week, and it is not just the perfectly chewy bagels or balanced breakfast sandwiches. It is the atmosphere, the authenticity, and the sense that this is more than just a business.

Nick has hosted local artists, partnered with up-and-coming event planners, and offered mentorship to young entrepreneurs just starting out. He celebrates wins with his team and stands by them when they fall short. To the community, Abel’s is not just a place to eat; it is a place to grow.

“Nick has poured his soul into this,” one customer shared. “You can taste it in the food, and you can feel it in the way he treats people.”

Another regular echoed the sentiment. “There’s heart here. You’re not just buying breakfast. You’re supporting something real.”

Big Dreams, Grounded Steps

Nick’s to-do list is long: open the first franchise, marry his fiancée, and buy a home. But he is in no rush. Every step is intentional. Every decision loops back to the same question: Is this honoring the mission?

“I told her we’d get married after I sell the first franchise,” he said with a smile. “Not because we’re waiting on money, but because it’ll mark the next chapter. It’ll mean we built something that lasts.”

As Abel’s Bagels continues to grow, so does its impact. In a city known for speed and spectacle, Nick is offering something slower, deeper, and much more satisfying: a business built on belief, serving breakfast with a side of purpose.

Visit Abel’s Bagels at their Southwest Las Vegas location, explore franchise opportunities, or follow their journey online. You can learn more by visiting their website at www.abels-bagels.com, following them on Facebook at Abel's Bagels, and keeping up with their journey on Instagram @AbelsBagelsLV.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.