Williamsburg's Rainbow Bagel Store Seized For $128K Unpaid Taxes

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — The Bagel Store that "broke the internet" with its rainbow bagel selection has been shut down by the state for more than $100,000 in unpaid tax bill, Gothamist first reported.

Owners of the Metropolitan Avenue store confirmed with Gothamist that they have temporarily closed their doors due to "difficulties with the tax department" after signs reading "seized" were posted on the storefront windows.

Records show that the store, made famous in 2016 for a viral video showing how rainbow bagels are made, was issued three warrants in May for a combined $128,000 in unpaid taxes.

"Yes it is true, we've had some difficulties lately with the tax department, but then again I don't know any business that has been in business for a long time that has not had their share of issues with any governmental agency," baker Scot Rossillo, the founder and owner of The Bagel Store, told Gothamist.

Rossillo said that the store's accountant had been in negotiations with the New York State Tax Department and that there seems to be a "disconnect" with the state closing down the store before negotiations could continue.

The store will update its Instagram account on new developments in the meantime, Rossillo said.

Rossillo also confirmed with Gothamist that the store had been trying to move to Fifth Avenue in Park Slope before the tax issues.

It seems the store was pretty far along in its move, too. An awning already featuring The Bagel Store name is set up at a 69 Fifth Avenue storefront.

(Anna Quinn/Patch)