Our Story

The hardest season of my life became the beginning of something beautiful.

Whether it was filmmaking, television, music, teaching, or storytelling, I’ve always believed that the best things are created with passion, patience, and purpose.

So when one chapter of my life unexpectedly came to an end, I never imagined another creative journey was about to begin.

After years in television, filmmaking, and teaching, I found myself in a season I never expected. Despite working harder than ever, opportunities seemed to disappear. Doors kept closing. Promotions passed me by. I was exhausted, discouraged, and wondering what came next.

One day, after an especially difficult day while I was out of town, I requested a last-minute rental through a car-sharing service. The owner had already rented out his other vehicles, so the only one left was an old, bright yellow compact car. He looked at me apologetically with a grin and asked, “Are you sure you want this one?”

I paused.

To be honest, I wasn’t.

I was already emotionally drained, and the last thing I wanted was to drive an old, bright yellow car that seemed impossible not to notice. But it was transportation, and it was all that was available, so I reluctantly got in and drove off to my temp job.

As I drove, something unexpected happened.

I began thinking about how many people would be grateful just to have a car, any car. Here I was, embarrassed by its appearance while driving to work, while others were praying for transportation, a job, food, shelter, or simply another chance.

I immediately felt convicted.

Then, a few minutes into that drive, everything changed.

A message came to me with remarkable clarity.

“Go back to Jacksonville and make Sonrise Bagels.”

Sonrise. With an “O.”

My first reaction was, What?! Bagels?!

But as I reflected on it, it began to make perfect sense. After spending eight years living in New York City, and a lifetime visiting family there, I had developed a deep appreciation for authentic New York-style bagels. I didn’t realize how much I had taken them for granted until I moved away.

In fact, in my travels, I was seeking out great bagels in more than 30 states. Everywhere I lived or visited, friends would excitedly tell me they had found a place with “real New York bagels.” I loved them for trying, but didn’t love the bagels.

When I returned to Jacksonville, where my family lives, I realized I still hadn’t found the kind of bagel I had been searching for.

If I was going to do this, I wasn’t going to make just any bagel.

Like every creative project I’d ever poured myself into, I was going to study the craft, obsess over the details, and make the very best New York-style bagel I possibly could.

Along with the idea came a purpose.

I committed that 10% of our gross revenue would be given to our church as our first fruits, and 10% of our profits would support a local foster care agency because we believe in sharing our blessings and that every child deserves hope, love, and a place to belong.

About ten miles later, I started laughing.

I pictured the future. I imagined delivering bagels all over Jacksonville in a bright yellow Prius wrapped with the Sonrise Bagels logo. The very thing I had been embarrassed about had suddenly become part of the dream.

That yellow car became a reminder that, like any sunrise, God can use the most unexpected moments to change the direction of our lives.

Today, Sonrise Bagels is about much more than handcrafted New York-style bagels. It’s about hope. It’s about gratitude. It’s about second chances. It’s about serving others and believing that every sunrise is an opportunity to begin again.

Sonrise Bagels is just getting started. We don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but we know Who led us here. So we’ll keep showing up early, keep making great bagels, keep serving our community, and keep trusting God with the rest.

If our story resonates with you and you’d like to be part of helping Sonrise grow, whether as a customer, community partner, or potential investor, we’d love to connect.

We’re honored that you’re here. Whether you’re picking up a single bagel or a Sonrise Dozen, you’re becoming part of a story that’s bigger than breakfast.

Welcome to Sonrise Bagels. 🌅🥯