The business was established by Leah Orndoff in 2013 and initially operated as a pop-up, at farmers' markets, and via wholesale.

Henry Higgins serves various varieties of New York-style bagels, as well as schmears, sandwiches, sides such as chopped liver and pickled herring, and baked goods such as bialys, knishes, and rugelach.

The business has garnered a positive reception and was selected to represent Oregon in Eat This, Not That's 2022 list of the best bagels in each U.S. state.

[11] The shop had a seating capacity of 14 people, rotating artwork as well as mugs by ceramicist Cooper Jeppesen, and served coffee from Mudd Works.

In 2018, the business announced plans to open a third location on Tacoma Street[13] in Sellwood-Moreland, in the space previously occupied by Feastworks Delicatessen.

[4]Gebel also said, "Boiled bagels are a classic New York tradition, and at Henry Higgins, you can grab one without getting on a plane.

"[4] In the first Portland Bagel-Off organized by Jacob & Sons Deli in 2023, Henry Higgins won the People's Choice award.

[25][26] Daniel Barnett, Brooke Jackson-Glidden, and Nathan Williams included the business in Eater Portland's 2024 list of ten "real-deal" bagel shops in the city.