It all began with a bagel. Collegetown Bagels, to be exact. For over 25 years, stacks of excellent bagels have formed the foundation of the Brous & Mehaffey stores, now numbering five. A family business, Brous & Mehaffey grew from two bagel stores, on College Avenue and Aurora Street. By 1983, CTB Appetizers was in place, as a gourmet deli and full-service catering center focused on fine specialty foods. Seven years later, the acquisition and renovation of the 80-year-old Ithaca Bakery added both a centrally situated, highly visible and high-traffic location, and a fully equipped bake shop capable of turning out traditional, restaurant-style Italian bread as well as dozens of delicious, creative new artisan breads and pastries. Today, the stores serve daily waves of Ithacans from every walk of life and dazzle travelers passing through our fair city. Our physical spaces have jelled and our store names (faithful patrons may recall "Basics", "Heart's Content", and the recently retired "CTB Appetizers"...) have been streamlined to reflect the twin pillars of our success: Ithaca Bakery and Collegetown Bagels. Customers find sustenance from a simple cup of good coffee to super sandwiches, exquisite entrées and the most ornate, customized cakes they can imagine. But more, they enjoy an exciting, ever-evolving environment built on good service, tantalizing taste temptations and an ongoing welcome with a local touch and a cosmopolitan vision. The ITHACA BAKERY/COLLEGETOWN BAGELS FAMILY Standing (L-R), Mimi Mehaffey, Anne Brous and Ira Brous. In front, Ramsey Brous and Gregar Brous.