Rising Stars: Meet Chad Dishner of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Dishner.

Hi Chad, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Your story is compelling. Here’s a polished version that keeps your voice while improving flow, grammar, and readability:

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# The Story Behind Dish’s Bagels

I am a single dad to my son and daughter, and they are the most important part of my life. Anyone who knows me knows that family means everything to me. That’s a big part of where the name **Dish’s Bagels** comes from.

I’ve never met a stranger, and I’ll do whatever I can to help a friend. Character, integrity, and relationships are the backbone of my world.

I grew up in the Catskills of New York, an area known as the **Borscht Belt**. It was a vacation destination for people looking to escape the fast pace of New York City. The region was primarily frequented by Jewish families, which is where the nickname “Borscht Belt” originated, named after the traditional Eastern European beet soup.

The Catskills were home to hundreds of resorts, much like today’s all-inclusive destinations, as well as bungalow colonies—small clusters of cottages rented during the summer months. My family was deeply rooted in that community. We owned **Dishner’s Bungalows**, and my grandparents operated a coffee shop and gift shop at the legendary **Brown’s Hotel**. It was all I knew growing up.

When I was nine years old, a man named Lebel Wichinsky told me, “Get into the bagel business.” Mr. Wichinsky was my grandparents’ neighbor and is credited with inventing the modern bagel-forming machine. At the time, I had no idea how meaningful those words would become.

After graduating from **University at Albany, SUNY**, I entered the corporate world and built a career across the financial services, hospitality, and mortgage industries. I held many different positions and learned a great deal, but over time I realized that my roots—and my passion—were elsewhere.

That’s when Mr. Wichinsky’s advice came full circle.

Close family friends from my hometown, who own five successful bagel shops, generously opened their doors to me and taught me everything they could about the bagel and deli business. Over the next several years, I made countless trips back to New York, taking every opportunity to learn the craft, understand the business, and absorb the traditions that make a true New York bagel experience special.

That journey brings me to today.

Later this summer, Dish’s Bagels will open its doors.

Dish’s Bagels is more than a place to enjoy amazing bagels and deli sandwiches. It is the culmination of a lifetime of experiences, family traditions, and lessons learned from generations of hardworking people. It is a tribute to a way of life that can never be duplicated—a time and place where family, friendship, community, and culture were at the center of everything.

My hope is that every guest who walks through our doors feels that spirit. Whether you’re here for a quick breakfast, lunch with friends, or simply a great cup of coffee, you’ll be welcomed like family.

Because at Dish’s Bagels, we’re not just serving food—we’re sharing a piece of our story.

**Where New York Style Meets Southern Hospitality.**

— Chad Dishner, Founder
**Dish’s Bagels**

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are definitely ups and downs. Creating business plan was challenging, find the right location was the most difficult. Being a first-time owner created challenges, Locations did not want to give me a chance. Other locations did not work due to size, condition or location. Other rents were just too high. There have been a couple construction delays but nothing to serious. These are all normal challenges the most important thing was I never really got frustrated of defeated. I was not going to give up I was going to make it happen.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I most proud of being a dad. There is not job better than being a dad. Being a dad had made me so much stronger and has prepared me for anything that comes my way.

My professional career has given me a well-rounded view of the business world. This is important from a personal view but the one thing that sets me apart from others is my love for life. Making others smile. Being friendly and taking care of others. Remembering the importance of the simple things like say please, thank you and your welcome. Make sure you tell someone you appreciate them.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think mentors come in many different forms. I have friends and family that have given me advice on many different things. Some give the opinions on business, friendship, relationships, parenthood and many other things. one of my mentor’s told me to know your audience and be able to identify who is the expert. He also told me sometimes it not the boss or the elder that is the mentor. It could be an employee or a child, keep an open mind and learn from everyone.

Pricing:

• see menu on web site www.dishsbagels.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dishsbagels.com
• Instagram: @dishsbagels
• Facebook: Dish’ Bagels