Jacob Carter, 32, co-owner of the esteemed Tacoma, Washington-based Howdy Bagel, was fatally shot while on vacation in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of January 5, 2024, while Carter was vacationing with his husband and business associate, Daniel Blagovich.
The shooting occurred near Bourbon and Kerlerec Streets in the Marigny district of New Orleans around 1:30 am. The attacker, yet to be identified, shot Carter and promptly fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made thus far.
Blagovich, in a statement to the press, reported that Carter succumbed to his injuries while in his arms.
Initially a farmers market venture in 2021, Howdy Bagel opened its doors on South Tacoma Way in June. The shop has since earned praise for its inventive bagel recipes and welcoming environment.
The bagel shop announced Carter’s demise on its Instagram page, appreciating his kindness, warmth, and substantial influence on the community. In light of this event, the shop has temporarily ceased operations to provide Blagovich and the staff time to grieve.
The community has rallied in support of Blagovich and Howdy Bagel in this difficult period. A GoFundMe page was created to assist with shop expenses and employee salaries, raising over $240,000 in donations.
Tacoma-based businesses like Bar Rosa, En Rama cocktail bar, and The Cat and Rabbitt Cake Shop have also contributed a share of their earnings to the fund.
Howdy Bagel was founded by Carter, a Texas native, and Blagovich, a resident of West Seattle, after losing their jobs during the pandemic.
The duo had a vision of creating an inclusive, community-centered bagel shop. Carter, with a background in social work and documentary photography, often stated that the name ‘Howdy’ signified warmth and unity. This ethos was reflected in every aspect of their establishment.
