TACOMA, Wash. — Howdy Bagel co-founder Daniel Blagovich is grateful for the outpouring of support he received when he reopened his shop on Wednesday.
The beloved bagel shop was closed for a month after Blagovich's husband and business partner was killed. Jacob Carter was shot to death in New Orleans while the couple was on vacation.
Blagovich said community members have shown love and support since they heard the news of Carter's death.
“People have gone above and beyond with the fundraiser that was put out, which has allowed us to keep our staff paid during this time and just give everyone the time and space that we’ve all needed to grieve. This feels really early to open, this day has been really difficult, but it’s really good being alongside the rest of the staff and kind of we’re all in this together.”
Flowers were placed outside the shop's door and long lines formed. In addition to buying the bagels, customers offered words of comfort.
"Just giving yourself grace and allowing yourself to grieve, and I give him tons of credit for re-opening while he's going through that grieving process," said customer Matt Loeb.
Blagovich said it feels right to continue his and his husband's shared dream.
"I never planned on doing any of this without him, and I know he's said the same to me before, so I feel like he's happy that I'm trying my best," he said.
A 16-year-old boy is awaiting charges for Carter's death.
The suspect is still being held as a juvenile while the courts decide whether he'll be charged as an adult for Carter's killing. He was previously in custody in Jefferson Parish on unrelated charges.