Bradenton bagel shop adds ‘fluffy dessert’ from Vampire Penguin to wide-ranging menu
Since acquiring Uncle Nick’s N.Y. Style Bagels, Subs & Deli in 2018, owner Craig Thomsen has been steadily tweaking the business at 5917 Manatee Ave. W.
He kept the New York-style bagels and added burgers, Cuban sandwiches and more.
The menu now features all-day breakfast with offerings such as Bacon, Egg and Cheese for $7.75, Jersey Jet (two eggs, Taylor ham, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese served on a New York sub roll) for $8 and the Bypass (two eggs, bacon, ham and sausage served on a bagel) for $9.
The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, most priced at $11, including clubs, French dip, chicken and more, plus several burger offerings and salads.
Rounding out the menu are coffees, lattes, cappuccino, espresso and more, plus pastries and doughnuts. All the bagels and pastry items, except the doughnuts, are made in-house.
“Business has been good. We are thankful for that,” Thomsen said.
“Our shaved snow, doughnuts and desserts are crafted with love and passion from our family to yours. Each bite is a reflection of our commitment to creating moments of joy for each and every customer,” he said.
What’s new?
The newest addition at Uncle Nick’s is Vampire Penguin, what Thomsen calls shaved snow, due to the fluffy, soft texture of the ice.
“Shaved snow is not your ordinary snow cone or snow ice cream. It is a light and fluffy dessert that melts in your mouth, with a variety of flavors and toppings to choose from,” says the Vampire Penguin web page.
Among the most popular, said staff member Peaches Harris, are Smoreos (cookies and cream topped with Oreo pieces, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate syrup) and Polar Affogato (coffee and vanilla snow topped with cocoa powder, brownies, whipped cream and chocolate sauce).
There are 16 different shaved snow desserts to choose from, ranging from Chocolate Cream Pie and Strawberry Cheesecake to Orange Dreamsicle.
Thomsen added Vampire Penguin to his offerings a year ago inside Uncle Nick’s. But he has since acquired space next door that was a tackle shop and set up Vampire Penguin and his coffee machines there.
Vampire Penguin originated in Sacramento, California, and was so-named by the owner because of his love for Halloween.
“Whatever you think it is, it isn’t,” Thomsen said of the Vampire Penguin. “It eats like ice cream but doesn’t have the sugar or calories of ice cream.”
Many of the shaved snow desserts are gluten-free and dairy-free.
Combinations and customized packages of bagels from Uncle Nick’s Bagels and Vampire Penguin doughnuts and pastries are available for events and parties. The company also offers catering and delivery.
What else to know
Location: Uncle Nick’s Bagels and Vampire Penguin are located at 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 301, Bradenton.
Hours: Uncle Nick’s is open 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and is closed Tuesday.
Hours: Vampire Penguin is open the same hours as Uncle Nicks, plus 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Monday and 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The business is closed on Tuesdays.
Phone: (941) 567-4111
Online: https://unclenicksbradenton.com/.
This story was originally published December 1, 2023 at 11:21 AM.
