Montreal-style bagels are coming to Winnipeg!
It’s a small space on Carlton Street next to long-standing denizens, such as Ichi-Ban and Thomas Hinds, but it might be the right fit and right place for Bagelsmith to set up shop.
A pop-up shop is coming first in March to give people a taste of what’s to come. But after that, the permanent home opens at 185 Carlton next to the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre. Paper covers the window now, so the countdown is on.
This is no mere franchise. It is a bold attempt to create the sweet tastes of Montreal bagels in Winnipeg by someone who took the time to find the right recipe.
As True North towers start to fill up, the Monday to Friday crowd that is moving in is beginning to seek out new coffee places, restaurants and foodie places to fuel them through their day. Lakeview Square is already a well established business hub and the Convention Centre next door has steady traffic but it is True North that represents real density growth as it builds on parking lots and former hotel space.
Sometimes a business needs a tiny space for a big idea. Bagelsmith will have that on Carlton and we might see even more street level activity as people explore their new business hub. Having sweet Montreal bagels will go a long way to making people feel good about the move into the area.
What makes Montreal-style bagels different from ones you’d purchase from Tim Hortons or McDonalds? Authentic Montreal bagels are first boiled in water with honey which gives it a sweeter taste. It’s then cooked in a wood-fired oven for a crunchier crust.
Photo via Instagram @bagelsmith_wpg
This has been a guest editorial by John Dobbin.
To read more from John, visit his blog Observations, Reservations, Conversations
