By Alec Guay ’13

My weapon of choice was a dessert among the breakfast eaters, a chocolate chip infused peanut butter bagel, toasted of course, and then a serving of chocolate hazelnut wizardry-Nutella-generously applied to both halves. Even if this weren’t 20 steps away from my morning math class, I could easily find a way to make a bagel run part of my daily routine.

Over the past year I have seen what was once a small train station transform into a hot spot for students and Easthampton residents to gather and grab a freshly baked bagel. And it seems as though I’m not the only one, every morning a line of hungry Williston students and faculty go grab a bagel, hot caffeinated beverage, and open their book bag in place of a quiet library or crowed Stubop.

It seems Tandem Bagel has hit the perfect combination of new and old with a community yearning for a local breakfast spot and always hungry teenage population just across the street to sneak by between classes.

Tandem Bagel has had great success their opening week and are looking forward to providing a breakfast and lunch spot for Williston students during the school year, and great snack and drink establishment from cyclists to walkers on the bike path passing by this summer. As you enter the newly renovated and modern building, rows of bagels and a chalk board full of possibilities steal the gaze of those anxiously waiting to grab a bagel and a chair. A painting from one of Williston’s own towers over the fireplace and students  study together before their next classes at tables. The aroma of thinking minds quickly fades away with a fresh batch of bagels being whisked into the empty bins, and students interact with the Easthampton’s fire department as they perfect their cup of fuel at the coffee station. It seems as though Williston has had this eatery on campus for years with the relaxed setting and friendly staff calling out finished orders, maybe this is exactly what the campus didn’t know it was missing.

I sat down with some underclassmen grabbing a Panini and soup for lunch to ask them what they thought of the new restaurant. “It’s a great addition to the community” said the group as they worked on their math packets together. I believe the atmosphere and connection between students and Tandem goes beyond the range of bagels and drinks. Tandem has created a place where students can escape their busy work day and sit down with their friend, IPods, or reading and be productive. Junior Maddie Dirats put it best-“Everyone behind the counter is friendly and service is unmatchable. There is plenty of space to kick back with friends or grab a table to do work during free. It is so close to campus, but still gives the feel of getting away for an hour or two”. The once quiet out of service train station and art studio is now alive with Williston’s campus, from the middle school to post grads, the line is out the door every morning and kids can’t get enough.

The folks at Tandem have catered not only to Easthampton and its missing void, they have also created a place for students to take a break from their busy schedules and deadlines to relax and enjoy themselves “off campus”.  A place like this is exactly what Williston needed, and both Tandem and the campus have a bright future ahead together. New bagels and a changing menu offer variety, familiar faces and friendly staff create a welcoming setting, and teenage students never ending hunger always have a place to fill up with a snack during their day. I know I never need an excuse to grab a bite to eat with friends, relax, or get some work done, and Tandem has built the perfect place to do just that.