People wait in line ahead of the grand opening of The Forge Bagel Co. on St. Anne’s Road, Saturday, November 15, 2025. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / CHRISD.CA)
Winnipeg’s bagel scene is getting a major upgrade with the opening of The Forge Bagel Co., which opened Saturday in south St. Vital.
The shop is the creation of father-daughter team Glen and Rachelle Demetrioff, who spent 18 months developing their signature “Polishire” bagel — a fusion of Polish and British styles inspired by their travels and work with European bakers. The bagels are hand-stretched, boiled in malted barley, and baked to a golden finish for what they describe as a creamy chew and deep flavour.
“Our mission is to make someone smile, brighten their day by creating an atmosphere that’s positive and warm,” says Glen, co-founder and president.
“With quality, craft, and kindness at our core, we want everyone to leave The Forge feeling better than when they arrived.”
The Forge Bagel Co. is located at 692 St. Anne’s Road. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / CHRISD.CA)
The menu includes classics like Everything In and Old-World Sesame, plus creative options such as Double Blueberry, Jalapeno & Old Cheddar, and Banana Bread Chocolate Chip. Guests can also choose from house-made cream cheeses, butter creams, and jams. The shop is introducing a custom locally roasted Anvil Espresso blend as well.
Saturday’s grand opening saw lines form around the block before an official ribbon-cutting just before 9 a.m. The first guest in line arrived at 5 a.m., according to the shop’s social media.
More than 1,200 Manitobans volunteered as taste testers ahead of opening day.
The Forge Bagel Co. is located at 692 St. Anne’s Road. For hours and to see their menu, visit theforgebagel.com.
Glen and Rachelle Demetrioff, co-owners of The Forge Bagel Co., on opening day, Saturday morning. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / CHRISD.CA)
Disclaimer: The Forge Bagel Co. is an advertising partner of ChrisD.ca.
