Winnipeg, MB — November 4, 2025 Winnipeg’s culinary scene welcomes a landmark addition: The Forge Bagel Co. will officially open its doors at 692 St. Anne’s Road on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Offering an entirely new bagel experience created by father-daughter team, Glen and Rachelle Demetrioff. Their signature bagel style – dubbed ‘Polishire’ – is a unique fusion inspired by both Polish and British bagel traditions, developed through the duo’s global travels and a relentless pursuit of flavour and texture perfection.
“The Forge Bagel Co. isn’t just another bagel shop,” says Rachelle Demetrioff, co-founder and Director of Operations. “We travelled across Europe, discussed with master bakers, and spent 18 months testing and refining our recipes. Our Polishire bagels revisit old-world craftsmanship where time was less of a commodity. We hand stretch, boil in malted barley and bake each bagel until golden to achieve our signature creamy chew and unmatched depth of flavour.”
Every bagel at The Forge is shaped using a classic poke and stretch method and is made with carefully selected, locally sourced ingredients. The Forge’s distinctive dough is infused with flavours to provide a full taste experience through the entire bite - not just the top. Classic flavours include Everything In and Old-World Sesame Seed, as well as bold new creations such as Double Blueberry, Jalapeno & Old Cheddar, and Banana Bread Chocolate Chip. Customers can pair their bagel with decadent “lifts”: house-made, small-batch cream cheeses, butter creams, and jams.
To complement the artisanal bagels, The Forge developed its own, locally roasted, custom Anvil Espresso blend, perfected after months of tastings. “We wanted every aspect – especially our coffee – to be as memorable as our bagels,” says Rachelle. “Every detail is about elevating the experience for our guests.”
“Our mission is to make someone smile, brighten their day by creating an atmosphere that’s positive and warm,” says Glen Demetrioff, 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.”
Anticipation for The Forge’s opening has been extraordinary. Social media channels have been abuzz for months, drawing over 1,200 Manitobans to volunteer as taste testers – a testament to the excitement and community connection The Forge has already fostered. This overwhelming response highlights Winnipeg’s enthusiastic food culture and commitment to supporting local small businesses.
The Forge Bagel Co. warmly invites all Winnipeggers, bagel aficionados, and culinary adventurers to experience their one-of-a-kind Polishire bagel, and meet the passionate team behind this locally inspired, globally influenced brand.