From the buzz of the hive to the aroma of freshly baked bagels, the journey begins with a dream of food and community.
Steiner, who describes himself as a “bee nerd,” became a beekeeper in 2016. In addition to his personal hives, he has a hive at Trezevant Manor. “As a charity thing I do for them. They reached out to me because they were interested in having a beehive. I kind of educate them and let them have a hive and show them how to crush their own honey.”
Josh opened Strano a sicilian kitchen and bar in Cooper Young. With family ties to Italy and Morocco, Josh wanted to highlight the restaurant is a hybrid of sorts. His menu included household favorites from his grandmothers’ recipe boxes mixed with modern cooking techniques and dishes.
2018 was a big year, Chef Josh decided o move out East and brought Strano with him. Later this year, Strano by Chef Josh opened in East Memphis.
COVID caused Josh to close Strano but it wasn't all bad news, it was also the year that Josh and his wife Wallis got married! Later that year, they started W+J brand - a small company to sell baked goods and honey at local farmers markets.
Armed with the experience of owning and operating a restaurant and creating baked goods for W+J brand, they decided now was the time to bring something great to Memphis. The idea for hive was born.
Josh takes classes at the San Francisco Baking Institute, which specializes in bagels. “I wanted to learn the business side and sourcing local ingredients.”
The first hive location opens up at 276 S. Front St. serving bagels made from the Steiner’s own honey and local, fresh ingredients in their breads, sandwiches and pastries.
The second location is scheduled to open on the East side of memphis 585 Erin Dr, Memphis, TN 38117 serving all of your hive favorites.
A Tale of Bees and Bagels: Josh Steiner prepares to open a bakeshop Downtown.
Hive Bagel & Deli: Josh Steiner’s sandwiches and pastries are the bee’s knees.
The buzz: Hive Bagel & Deli offers fresh bagels with a touch of Memphis honey
