WATERBURY, CT, October 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Adem Rifati has been recognized for achievement in bagel making, restaurant ownership and food service operations.

Mr. Rifati is recognized as an expert in bagel making, restaurant ownership and food service operations, achievements that reflect his dedication to the craft and the community he serves. Since assuming the role of co-owner at Ami's Crispy Bagels & Deli in Waterbury, Mr. Rifati has maintained a steadfast commitment to preserving the legacy his father, Ami, established. He begins each day at 4 a.m., personally baking bagels, overseeing daily store operations and managing staff. His responsibilities also include rolling dough for the following day and upholding the exclusive family recipe and rolling process that have become synonymous with the shop's reputation for quality and consistency.

Taking over as co-owner in 2024, Mr. Rifati's most notable achievement has been maintaining every aspect of his father's original approach, ensuring that nothing about the recipe or method has changed since he assumed leadership. This dedication to tradition is a source of pride for Mr. Rifati, who views his stewardship as both a professional milestone and a tribute to his family's history. The business traces its roots to the original shop his father opened on Thomaston Avenue, which is now operated by Mr. Rifati's maternal grandfather and uncle. About ten years after launching the first location, his father expanded to East Main Street, where Mr. Rifati now co-owns and manages operations alongside his mother, Fitnete.

Before stepping into his current role, Mr. Rifati spent weekends throughout high school and college working in the family business. These formative experiences provided him with firsthand knowledge of every aspect of bagel making and deli management under his father's guidance.

Mr. Rifati completed a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut, graduating in 2022. While initially preparing for a career as a police officer, he ultimately chose to dedicate himself fully to continuing his family's legacy after a pivotal moment in his life. His academic background has contributed to his organizational skills and ability to manage complex operations within the restaurant industry.

In addition to his academic credentials, Mr. Rifati and Ami's Crispy Bagels & Deli received the Republican American 2025 Readers' Choice award, further affirming their standing within the local community. The business has also received accolades such as Best Bagels, Best Bagel Shop, Best Customer Service and Best Google Online Review.

Community involvement remains central to Mr. Rifati's philosophy as a business owner. Inspired by his father's generosity and civic engagement throughout Waterbury, he regularly donates surplus bagels to a local food shelter affiliated with a church, supports Ramadan iftar gatherings at a nearby mosque and contributes to an organization serving orphaned children in Prospect, Connecticut. These efforts reflect his belief in never turning away someone who asks for help and underscore his ongoing commitment to giving back.

Beyond professional responsibilities, Mr. Rifati was born in Waterbury and raised in a neighboring town. He enjoys going to the gym, spending time with his wife, hosting and attending family gatherings and playing golf. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand Ami's Crispy Bagels & Deli by opening additional locations while continuing to honor the values that have defined both his career and personal life.

# # #