Bo's Bagels Removes Mascot Sign After Online Backlash
The Harlem bagel shop pulled its exterior mascot artwork following intense social media criticism and threats.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Bo's Bagels, a fixture on 116th Street in Harlem for nearly a decade, removed a cartoon mascot sign from its storefront. The decision followed a viral social media video that prompted widespread claims that the artwork appropriated Black culture.
Why it matters
The removal comes after staff reported receiving harassment and threats in the wake of the online backlash. Ownership opted to take down the sign to address the intense negative community feedback surrounding the design.
The shop has served the community for nearly 10 years at its 116th Street location. Owners removed the cartoon mascot sign to mitigate the impact of ongoing staff harassment.
The players
Bo's Bagels
This Harlem-based establishment has operated on 116th Street for nearly 10 years.
Tom Sanford
He is the artist who designed the cartoon character sign that was removed from the storefront.
The details
The artwork, created by artist Tom Sanford, depicted a cartoon character described as a bagel guy. Following a social media post that questioned the mascot, users flooded digital platforms with criticism, leading to threats directed at the business and its employees.
Timeline
October 2026: The bagel shop removed the disputed artwork from its building exterior.
Market Landscape
This move reflects the growing influence of social media accountability on small business operations in urban centers. It positions the shop as part of a broader trend where businesses must quickly pivot their branding to navigate community sensitivities and protect their staff.
Customers visiting the 116th Street location will notice the sign is no longer on the building exterior. The changes are intended to de-escalate the harassment and threats that were disrupting daily store operations.
The takeaway
Small business owners now operate in an environment where local art can quickly become a lightning rod for national-level digital criticism. Ensuring that store signage aligns with community values has become a critical operational consideration for brick-and-mortar shops.
Further reading
For more news on local business changes, visit the New York City Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC New York.
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