An interview with Jeff from OTR Bagels
If you’ve never eaten a bagel that inspired a nickname, a cult following, and a small-town sandwich legend, then you’ve probably never been to OTR Bagels in Waynesboro. Known for their chewy, old-school New York-style bagels, offbeat personality, and a wildly devoted customer base, OTR (short for Off The Rails) is what happens when a side-hustle snowballs into a full-blown flavor phenomenon. We caught up with Jeff, the bagel boss himself, for a Q\&A as unconventional as the shop’s origin story.
1. How did OTR Bagels get started?
OTR Bagels began with a simple Facebook post and a bold idea. Jeff, the founder, asked if anyone had an oven he could use to bake bagels. Tony’s Pizza in Greencastle graciously offered theirs, and by May 2024, OTR was selling fresh bagels every Saturday. The response was immediate — customers lined up before doors opened. The journey took them from a pizza shop, to a car dealership, and finally to their current home inside Lenca Coffee Roasters in Waynesboro. The business grew thanks to a strong team, a family who invested and encouraged, local mentors, a loyal community, and his wife – the ultimate voice of reason.
2. What’s the story behind the name Off the Rails?
Jeff’s wife Beth (a.k.a. Boss Lady) gets full credit. They were driving around the area thinking of names and after many duds the name “Off the Rails” was an immediate winner. It was inspired by their location near train tracks and the fun, unpredictable spirit of the team behind the counter. It reflects both where they are and how they roll — with a little chaos and a lot of personality.
3. Who wins in a bagel face-off: Everything or Jalapeño Cheddar?
No disrespect to Jalapeño Cheddar, but in Jeff’s world, it doesn’t quite qualify as a “real” bagel. The Everything Bagel, with its classic seasoning and full flavor, is the reigning champ.
4. What’s been the biggest challenge in running OTR?
Coming from an IT background, Jeff had no experience in the food world. Learning to bake, run a kitchen, and operate a food business took support, teamwork, and a willingness to learn by doing. Another ongoing challenge is customer expectations — when bagels sell out early, some are surprised. OTR now encourages online pre-orders to help meet demand and avoid disappointment.
5. If OTR had a signature scent, what would it be?
The official scent would be Everything Bagel Seasoning — already available. The real scent, though, is a mix of fun and chaos, something that can only be experienced in person at the shop!
6. What makes OTR Bagels different from other breakfast spots?
OTR is the only traditional NY/NJ-style bagel shop in the area, using authentic methods and high-quality ingredients. They serve standout coffee from Lenca Roasters and support local suppliers for meats, baked goods, and signage. The shop focuses on community, quality, and creating a welcoming atmosphere full of laughter and great food.
8. Which menu item deserves more love?
The poppy seed bagel. Often overlooked, it’s a classic with an undeserved reputation, especially in workplaces that do drug testing.
7. What’s the most unusual order they’ve received? One hungry customer once requested every available meat — bacon, ham, sausage, and capicola — stacked on a single sandwich. It earned the nickname “The Beast,” and thanks to a neighbor’s enthusiastic order soon after, it became a permanent part of the menu.
9. Who would be the ultimate breakfast guest?
Robin Williams tops the list. The team would rely on community input to create a meal worthy of the occasion, and the experience would be full of warmth and humor.
10. What’s coming next for OTR Bagels?
New creations are always in the works, including house-made sub rolls and pizza bagels. All updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and fun stories are shared openly on Facebook!
