When Barry Shapiro started Bagel Express, he said it was "bashert," meaning "meant to be" in Yiddish. He built out the space in nine weeks, and the New York-style bakery and delicatessen opened with two other employees in November 1993.It was the first business to open in First Colony Market Place at Austin Parkway and Hwy. 6, and 25 years later it is still there. Over the years Shapiro has employed over 20 people. He now has 12 employees."I love our customers and our employees. They are the face of the store," he said. "I am so proud of Bagel Express and its contribution to the community."Bagel Express stocks more than a dozen types of bagels and seven different cream cheese flavors, along with assorted muffins and pastries, all made in-house.For lunch the store serves sandwiches with assorted meats as well as salads, wraps and platters.