Ali Hannon | Owner & Shop Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ali Hannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ali, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was young I remember my Dad asking me if the life my boss had was the life I wanted. It was a simple question that really helped put in perspective what was important. Was the role model I was working for and striving to be someone I actually wanted to be? Would I be comfortable financially? Would I have the time and attention to give to my family that they deserved? Would I be proud of what I was doing for society? This is something that has stuck with me regardless of whether it was a part-time job in High School/college or when I jumped head first into what I thought would be my lifelong career. Not surprisingly, with different phases of life those priorities shift, flip flop, and sometimes change all-together. When the idea to open a Bagel Shop in my lifelong “happy place” of Kennebunkport Maine came to be it was an instant yearn that I hadn’t ever experienced. It seemed like it was so obvious and exactly what I was meant to do — the patience that was needed to make my new dream into a reality was a whole different story!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The two biggest things that bring us pride at KPort Bagel are the bagels themselves and the atmosphere at the shop. The bagels are baked fresh daily — and our proprietary process takes 3 days to get the dough ready to be baked. They have a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and are light and chewy on the inside. We have roughly a dozen flavors but ultimately the plain bagel, untoasted, with cream cheese should tell you everything you need to know. It’s a 10/10 — no bias 😉 The second piece is the vacation vibes you can feel in the shop. We feature lots of local makers products to give guests a real feel for where they are and we always joke that whether it’s a late Saturday morning or an early Monday morning the good music will always be playing, the bagels & coffee will be fresh and the staff will be smiling. Not just because it’s polite but because it’s the kind of place you want to be. Anything we can do to be a bright spot in someone’s day or trip that’s our goal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first, we’d start with KPort Bagel to fuel up with a bagel, coffee or fountain seltzer water and small Richie’s Italian Ice to start the day off right. From there it’s a quick mile or so walk to the beaches of Kennebunk. Nothing beats the sea air and listening to the waves and sounds of families enjoying their day. To cap off the morning we’d need to hit Sea Love where we can pour custom candles. My friends and I LOVE this place. The staff is fantastic, the candle pouring is unique and at the end of the day we all leave with a perfect souvenir. Lunch time debate would be filled with local favorites: Alission’s, Federal Jack’s, The Boathouse, Pilot House or an easy crowd pleaser is lunch at the Colony Hotel pool overlooking the water often featuring live music. Anyone who knows me knows there is nothing better than a nap in the sea air — with that recharge we’d be off to some shopping. Shopping in KPT checks all the boxes. Some of my favorites include Green/Pink Tangerine (think perfect vacation outfits), Day Trip Society (think shop filled from wall to wall with all things you never knew you needed but will LOVE), The Blaine Company & Sea Craft are both near & dear, Home Ingredients (the awards speak for themselves), Kennebunk Outfitters, and of course a childhood favorite, the Candy Man. After modeling our new purchases it’s time to pick an outfit for dinner. Fortunately KPT doesn’t require you to be dressed up but welcomes anyone with a little flair! Our absolute favorite is the new Wanby Landing. Homemade pasta, wood fired pizza, and the most delicious salads. The best view and mashed potatoes go to the Arundel Wharf. Finally if we’re looking for something hardy Hurricane’s never misses. Town shuts down not long after the summer sun goes down so it’s back home for a good ole’ fashion game of cards.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt my number one support, confidant, reality-checker, and motivator is my husband (& Co-Owner) Kevin. From Day 1 before any vision board was created or finances were assessed the joy the idea of KPort Bagel brought him was wildly motivating. We were away on a long weekend just a little ways up the coast of Maine to clear our heads and suddenly the conversation turned from what’s our next move to an all consuming, why can’t this happen faster, mentality. Fortunately Kevin possesses a patience and level headedness that is completely foreign to me. He took to spreadsheets and I began lists upon lists and before long a step 1, 2, 3 etc were all laid out and we were on our way!

I would be remiss not to mention my late Godfather, Gary Niland. Gary has been a lifelong beacon of strength, wisdom and love for me (and our entire family!). The last time I saw him before his passing he beamed with pride at the idea of KPort Bagel and that we were taking our future into our own hands. Gary was the epitome of a true company man, dedicating his career to his company, clients and the well-being of his family. His words of encouragement will stay with me forever and on the hard days it helps me to dig deep and give a little more knowing he is watching down on us.

Website: www.KPortBagel.com

Instagram: @kportbagel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087656088481

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kport-bagel-kennebunk

Other: kport-bagel.myshopify.com