Jim and Sabina Hayden opened The Bagel Maker in downtown Panama City in December 2003. Working hands on, along with the help of three part-time employees, their business has grown into two other locations. The Bagel Maker now has 4 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees. Jim devotes six days a week to his bagel shops and his credo is, “To make the best bagels at a reasonable price.” Sabina is busy with online marketing and keeping them current with all of the “around town happenings”. They are continually developing different breads and flavors to keep up with what their customers want.
The Haydens and The Bagel Maker were the recipients of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business of the Year Award.