JK Bakery, which stands for John Kim Bakery, was purchased by Mr. Kim in the 80s from a Jewish man named Joe. Joe taught Mr. Kim everything he knows about baking bagels. The secret recipe has remained exactly the same since he first learned it.

Today the shop is operated by his younger sister, Woohee Kim. Ms. Kim, who shows up to work daily in her iconic red hat, wakes up every day at 3 am in order to turn on her ovens in time for her customers to enjoy hot bagels in the early hours of the morning.

Many locals attest that the Kims’ bagel shop is one of the best spots in Queens. It's a no-frills, cash-only shop that won't toast your bagels because they're that good.