Gem’s Bagels
208 Bay Ave,
Highlands, NJ
Gem’s Bagels Brings Family Flavor to Highlands, NJ
A beloved New Jersey bagel brand officially made its way to Highlands — and it brought more than just fresh bagels and signature sandwiches. Gem’s Bagels served up a story steeped in family, tradition, and a dream that began over 30 years ago.
To celebrate the exciting addition to the Highlands community, the Highlands Business Partnership, along with Mayor Carolyn Broullon and the Borough Council, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 17th at 5:00 PM at the new Gem’s Bagels location. The public was invited to join the festivities and help welcome this cherished local brand to its newest home. “Supporting small, family-run businesses like Gem’s is at the heart of what we do,” said Carla Cefalo, Executive Director of the Highlands Business Partnership. “They’ve built something special across New Jersey, and we’re proud Highlands is now part of their story.”
Donna Gemellaro, the owner of Gem’s Bagels at 208 Bay Ave. in Highlands, was just 21 years old when she opened the first Gem’s location alongside her brothers Joey and John in 1992. The trio had grown up working in their uncle’s Brooklyn bagel shops from the time they were 12, gaining hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the business. “We were raised in it,” said Donna. “It’s something we were always passionate about. So one day we said, let’s open our own store.” With the support of their parents—her father worked for the Port Authority, and her mother at a local high school—the siblings turned that dream into reality. “If it wasn’t for them pushing us and believing in us, we probably would’ve never done it,” she reflected. When it came time to name the business, the family kept it close to home, literally. “The name Gem’s Bagels comes from our last name, Gemellaro,” Donna explained. “We were sitting around the kitchen table throwing around ideas, and my brother John said, ‘What about Gem’s House of Bagels?’ It was all about welcoming people in, like feeding them in our own home.”
Since then, the family business had grown steadily, eventually boasting nine locations across New Jersey, including Keansburg, Belford, South Amboy, Little Silver, Middletown, Port Monmouth, and two in Hazlet. From a single storefront to several busy spots across the state, Gem’s Bagels had always been about family, great bagels, and keeping things simple and delicious.
Highlands had been on Donna’s radar for years. “There’s something special about this town,” she said. “It’s by the water, it has an old-town charm, and it hasn’t been overdeveloped like some other places. It just feels homey.” Though the Highlands store had only been open a few months at the time of the event, Donna said the town already felt like home. “The people in Highlands are like family,” she said. “Everyone comes in and treats you like you’ve been here for a hundred years. I feel like I’m truly part of the community.”
At the Highlands location, customers enjoyed both breakfast and lunch made with the same care and quality that have defined Gem’s Bagels for decades. From hearty signature sandwiches to their famously crave-worthy chicken salad, a standout so beloved that customers went out of their way just to get it, there was something for everyone. “Our chicken salad is one of our top sellers,” said Donna. “People travel from all over just to have it.”
Through hard work, family dedication, and a true love for what they do, the Gemellaros turned a childhood job into a lasting local institution. And now, Highlands residents get to enjoy a fresh slice of that tradition, one bagel at a time.
Gem’s Bagels is open seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit gemsbagels.com or call 732-204-2058 for more information.
