Sponsored Sponsored content Neighbourhood Stops and Shops: What a Bagel brings fresh flavour to the Beach
This summer, the Beach neighbourhood welcomed a delightful new addition to its culinary scene: What a Bagel.
Known for its commitment to quality and freshness, this newest of Toronto’s most beloved bagel franchises has quickly become a standout on Queen Street East. What a Bagel Beaches is already receiving rave reviews from locals, and it’s easy to see why.
What a Bagel’s story began in 1997, and for three generations, the family-run business has been dedicated to crafting bagels from scratch using the finest natural ingredients. Their motto – “from scratch, fresh from our ovens to your hands” – perfectly captures their commitment to quality.
The Beach location, the newest in the chain, carries on this tradition with a menu brimming with vegan bagels, fresh cream cheeses, and an array of pastries and fresh baked goods.
Abbas and his wife Hanieh Mirmiran, the proud owners of the Beach location, moved to Canada from Iran a decade ago.
In Iran, Abbas and Hanieh ran a successful auto parts business. Upon relocating, Abbas shifted to the automotive sector but always dreamed of owning his own business again. After exploring various franchise opportunities, he met with What a Bagel and it was “a perfect match.”
“Their amazing product and the family-like relationship they have with their franchisees really made sense with me,” Abbas said. He was particularly impressed with What a Bagel’s high-quality products and their emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients – values that align with his own.
The response from the Beach community has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals are thrilled with the addition of What a Bagel to their neighbourhood, and the online reviews and social media buzz reflect this excitement.
The Beach location offers an impressive variety of bagels, including the popular everything and sesame bagels and the vibrant rainbow bagels that are a hit with kids.
Abbas’ personal favourite is the chicken salad bagel sandwich with dill cream cheese and fresh veggies, one he’s always eager to recommend to anyone stuck on a decision.
Beyond bagels, What a Bagel provides a range of fresh, made-in-house options. From pizza buns to sweet and savoury pastries like Bourekas, Strudel, and Danish, and fresh Challah on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s always something for everyone.
They also offer gluten-free bagels, fresh salads, fruit cups, and local favourites like Ma’s Best Soups and Summer Fresh dips. For those on the go, the front fridges are stocked with salads, fruit cups, fresh juices, and more. Customers can also pick up high-quality Norwegian smoked salmon and other frozen goods to take home.
What a Bagel also excels in catering, offering a variety of options for any occasion. Whether it’s breakfast with bagel platters, dairy, lox, and fruit, or lunch catering with salads, sandwiches, and wraps, their catering services are perfect for corporate events, family functions, and special occasions. The flexibility in their catering menu allows for customized spreads that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.
One standout aspect of Abbas’ approach is his commitment to community. All leftover food from What a Bagel is donated to local charities, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This gesture was important to Abbas and his wife, especially given the current climate of food insecurity and high grocery costs impacting families in Toronto.
“Community is important to me, and it’s important to What a Bagel. It was another reason I was excited to open a location in this neighbourhood that I love,” Abbas shared.
For those looking to enjoy What a Bagel’s offerings, the store is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It also features daily promotions, such as half-priced bagels and free coffee. Additionally, What a Bagel Beaches offers a selection of nut-free cookies from Baked with Joy that are ideal for school-safe snacks.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, visiting What a Bagel promises a delicious experience. Stop by and discover why this new Beach favourite at 1984 Queen St. E. is quickly becoming a cherished part of the community.
For more information, visit What a Bagel’s website at https://www.whatabagel.com/stores/1984-queen-st-e/
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