Kettlemans Bagel, the iconic Canadian bakery known for its authentic Montreal-style bagels, is entering a new phase of strategic growth, with potential locations in Orléans, Barrhaven, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Founded in Ottawa in 1993, the brand has built a loyal following through its time-honored baking methods—bagels hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, and baked in a traditional wood-burning oven. Now operating multiple locations across Ontario and Quebec—including Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal—Kettlemans continues to explore new markets, driven by strong customer demand and a reputation for quality. The original 24/7 Ottawa location remains a local institution, drawing visitors from across the region.
“We’re expanding strategically across key markets,” Amer Wahab, President of Kettlemans Bagel, tells What Now in an email. “In Ottawa, we’re actively pursuing locations in Orléans and Barrhaven, and we’re building momentum in downtown Toronto and Montreal.”
To accelerate growth, the company is considering franchising as a means to meet the growing interest from communities worldwide. “We receive 20 to 30 franchising inquiries every month—from the GTA to Florida, Texas, Ireland, Scotland, and even Dubai,” Wahab added. “We see franchising as a natural next step for taking the brand to new markets.
What sets Kettlemans apart is more than just its bagels. “We’re a sandwich shop that happens to make world-class sandwiches on bagels,” said Wahab. “We’ve adapted to a wide range of dietary needs, and our new gluten-free bagel has been a hit, selling over 2,000 on weekends alone.”
The brand’s distinctive “No Wall Experience” invites customers to watch the bagel-making process in real time, while delivery and catering services add further convenience.
“We take great pride in what we do,” Wahab said. “Our growth wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our valued guests.”
