JACKSON, Wyo. — A proposal to redevelop part of Pearl Ave., which could result in the relocation or closure of Pearl Street Bagels (PSB), has created heated tension within the community.
The area proposed for redevelopment includes all of the one-story structures on the north side of Pearl Ave., starting from PSB and extending around the corner to the Wort Cabin, located on the west side of Glenwood St. Jeff Neishabori owns the properties involved, which includes PSB, Pearl Street Nail & Spa, the red building (formerly San Juan Restaurant) and the Wort Cabin/Shari Brownfield Fine Art.
Frustration with the proposed development was already simmering online when an Oct. 16 article in the Jackson Hole News&Guide suggested that PSB’s closure was imminent.
Neishabori told Buckrail that he and his family have received hundreds of threatening messages via social media, many of which included racist remarks, from community members who were upset about the possible closure. Social media posts about the shop’s potential closure were shared with comments by people close to Neishabori, igniting more angry reactions.
Neishabori, who describes himself as being of Persian descent, also owns Kismet Fine Rugs. He said that he has “pulled himself up from his bootstraps,” and has worked hard to have relationships with people in the community.
“I’m deeply disheartened that in a town like Jackson Hole, where my immigrant family came 35 years ago seeking a better life, we now find ourselves facing violent threats and racist attacks,” Neisharbori said. “It’s painful to see such intolerance, not just towards us, but directed at our children. We have been a part of this community for decades, supporting local, family-owned businesses and entrepreneurship in this community.”
Neishabori said that he called the Jackson Police Department after a man came into Kismet Fine Rugs and threatened him. JPD Lieutenant Russ Ruschill told Buckrail that “no criminal charges are pending,” but he warned the male that he could be charged with criminal trespassing if he returns to Kismet Fine Rugs.
“The takeaway here from law enforcement’s perspective is to utilize other means to express frustration with the potential loss of PSB,” Ruschill said. “Things like letters to the editor, participation in the planning and approval process and peaceful discourse are better options.”
Neishabori explained that he supports small businesses, but increasing insurance costs and property taxes have impacted his ability to maintain the older Pearl Ave. buildings. Upon the plan’s approval, Neishabori stressed that all existing tenants on the parcel, including Pearl Street Bagels, would be given priority to rent the new retail spaces.
“My intention has always been to renew Heather’s lease until the groundbreaking,” Neishabori said, referring to PSB owner Heather Gould.
Gould told Buckrail that she has not heard back from Neishabori about possible lease renewal and had to begin looking for other locations to house her bagel shop. According to Gould, the lease is up in March 2025.
“I just have to go on the assumption that the lease will not be renewed,” Gould said on Wednesday, Oct. 16. “I think PSB has been such an institution in the town of Jackson. It’s really unfortunate with all the new development, places that are part of what makes this community great are lost, and just go by the way side.”
Gould did say that she is optimistic that PSB will find a way to survive. She added that she has received calls from several people interested in providing her a new Jackson location. Gould confirmed her plans to open a PSB Driggs, Idaho, location, with an opening date of November or early December.
Gould said that without a Jackson location, it could be difficult to provide product in Wilson, since all of the bagel dough is made in the Pearl Ave. store. While the new Driggs location could fit a bagel machine, Gould is concerned about transporting the dough from Driggs to Wilson. Gould, who lives in Alta, Wyoming, dealt with the difficulties of commuting firsthand after Teton Pass closed this past summer.
“It’s hard enough to be a small business owner and it’s even harder when you can’t compete with the amount of money in this town,” Gould said.
The Pearl Ave. and Glenwood St. retail project is in the initial stages of consideration by the Town of Jackson Planning and Building Department, according to Town Planner Paul Anthony. Anthony told Buckrail that upon pre-application approval, a formal application is then required to be submitted. Additionally, the applicant will need approval of both the sketch plan and the development plan, which can take approximately five months to complete.
Evaluation of the project could entail a lengthy process, including in-depth analysis of the Land Development Regulations, environmental regulations and design guidelines. If the application moves forward, the public can weigh in at Town Council meetings.
