The Art of the Montreal Bagel: Kettleman's Commitment to Tradition

Welcome back to the blog, bagel lovers! In today's post, we're diving deep into the world of Montreal bagels and exploring what makes them so special. We'll be focusing on Kettleman's Bagels, an Ottawa-based institution that's dedicated to crafting authentic Montreal-style bagels using time-honored techniques. From hand-rolling to kettle-boiling in honey water, and finally baking in a wood-burning oven, Kettleman's commitment to tradition is what sets them apart. This blog post expands on our recent podcast episode, "The Battle Over The Better Bagel, New York vs. Montreal | Season 9, Vol. 1," where we had the pleasure of speaking with Amer Wahab, President of Kettleman's Bagels. We discussed Kettleman's unique approach to bagel making, their expansion, and the innovative ways they're using technology to enhance both the customer experience and their production process. So, grab your favorite bagel (preferably a Kettleman's one!) and let's get started.

Introduction: The Enduring Appeal of Montreal Bagels

What is it about Montreal bagels that makes them so irresistible? Unlike their New York counterparts, which are often larger and chewier, Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter. This distinct character comes from a unique production process. They're hand-rolled, boiled in honey-sweetened water, and baked in a wood-fired oven. This process gives them a distinctive smoky flavor and a slightly crispy crust. The Montreal bagel has become an iconic part of the city's culinary landscape, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The simple pleasure of a warm, freshly baked bagel, perhaps topped with cream cheese or smoked salmon, is a quintessential Montreal experience. For many, it’s not just about the taste; it’s about the tradition, the history, and the sense of community that surrounds this humble food.

Kettleman's Bagels: A Tradition Rooted in Ottawa

Kettleman's Bagels has been a fixture in Ottawa for over two decades, dedicated to bringing the authentic taste of Montreal bagels to the nation's capital. Founded by Craig Buckley, and with Amer Wahab as President, Kettleman's has built its reputation on unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and traditional bagel-making methods. What truly sets Kettleman's apart is its 24/7 operation. This ensures that customers can enjoy freshly baked bagels any time of day or night. Their 'no-wall' concept, where the entire bagel-making process is visible to customers, further reinforces their commitment to transparency and quality. Kettleman's isn't just selling bagels; they're selling an experience, a connection to tradition, and a taste of Montreal in the heart of Ottawa. It's a place where you can watch skilled artisans hand-roll each bagel, see them simmer in honey-infused water, and witness them emerge from the wood-fired oven, perfectly golden and fragrant.

The Authentic Montreal-Style Bagel Process

The magic of a Montreal bagel lies in its unique production process, a process that Kettleman's Bagels meticulously follows. The journey begins with the dough, made from simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and a touch of malt. Unlike mass-produced bagels, Kettleman's bagels are hand-rolled, a skill that takes time and practice to master. This manual process ensures each bagel has a unique character and texture. Once rolled, the bagels are briefly boiled in honey-sweetened water. This crucial step gives them their signature sweetness and contributes to their chewy interior. Finally, the bagels are baked in a wood-fired oven. This infuses them with a subtle smoky flavor and creates a perfectly crisp crust. The intense heat of the wood-fired oven also ensures that the bagels are cooked quickly and evenly, resulting in a texture that is both chewy and slightly crispy. This dedication to traditional methods is what gives Kettleman's bagels their distinctive taste and texture, making them a true representation of the Montreal-style bagel.

The Unique 'No-Wall' Experience: Transparency in Bagel Making

One of the most captivating aspects of Kettleman's Bagels is their "no-wall" concept. Unlike many bakeries where the kitchen is hidden from view, Kettleman's opens its entire bagel-making process to the public. Customers can witness every step, from the hand-rolling of the dough to the baking in the wood-fired oven. This transparency not only provides entertainment but also builds trust and confidence in the quality of the product. It's a visual testament to Kettleman's commitment to using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. The 'no-wall' experience transforms the simple act of buying a bagel into an engaging and educational experience. Customers can see the skill and dedication that goes into each bagel, creating a deeper appreciation for the craft. It’s a brilliant way to connect with customers, showcase their passion for bagel making, and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Expansion and Success: High Revenue Units

Kettleman's Bagels' success story extends beyond its commitment to quality and tradition; it's also a testament to smart business strategies and a dedication to customer satisfaction. The company has successfully expanded beyond its original Ottawa location, opening new stores while maintaining the same high standards. This expansion is particularly impressive considering the challenges of replicating the authentic Montreal bagel experience in different locations. One of the key indicators of Kettleman's success is the high revenue generated by its units. As Amer Wahab mentioned in our podcast episode, some Kettleman's locations generate upwards of $4.8 million in revenue annually. This impressive figure highlights the strong demand for their bagels and the effectiveness of their business model. This success is a result of several factors, including their prime locations, their commitment to quality, and their ability to adapt to changing customer needs.

Streamlining Service with Mobile Ordering

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key, and Kettleman's Bagels recognizes this. To meet the demands of its busy customers, Kettleman's launched a mobile ordering app. The app allows customers to place orders ahead of time and pick them up at their convenience, significantly reducing wait times. As Amer Wahab explained, "The nature of quick service restaurants is to be quick." The mobile ordering app streamlines the ordering process and enhances the overall customer experience. Customers can browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay securely through the app. This not only saves time but also allows for a more personalized experience. The app's user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Kettleman's ordering system have made it a popular choice among customers, further contributing to the company's success.

Geofencing Technology: Ensuring Freshness on Pickup

Kettleman's commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond just convenience; it also extends to ensuring the freshness of their products. To address the issue of unpredictable schedules, Kettleman's integrated geofencing technology into its mobile ordering app. In partnership with BlueDot, this technology allows the kitchen to begin preparing an order only when the customer is within a certain proximity to the store. This ensures that the bagel is as fresh as possible when the customer arrives for pickup. Amer Wahab explained, "People's schedules sometimes change... We want your food to be just right." The geofencing technology ensures that the bagel is not sitting around waiting for the customer, but is instead prepared fresh and ready to be enjoyed. This innovative use of technology demonstrates Kettleman's dedication to providing the best possible experience for its customers.

Technological Advancements in Production: Automating Cream Cheese Dispensing

While Kettleman's Bagels is deeply rooted in tradition, they're not afraid to embrace technology to improve their efficiency and quality. One area where they've made significant strides is in automating the process of cream cheese dispensing. Given the sheer volume of cream cheese they use – around 3,000 pounds per week – the manual scooping and weighing process was labor-intensive and time-consuming. To address this, Kettleman's collaborated with a tech firm to develop a machine that automates the weighing and dispensing of cream cheese. This machine can accurately dispense the desired amount of cream cheese, regardless of its consistency. This not only saves time and labor but also ensures consistency in the amount of cream cheese used on each bagel. This technological advancement is a prime example of how Kettleman's is using innovation to improve its operations and enhance the overall quality of its products.

Conclusion: Kettleman's Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Kettleman's Bagels is more than just a bagel shop; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of tradition and the power of innovation. Their commitment to crafting authentic Montreal-style bagels, using time-honored techniques, has made them a beloved institution in Ottawa and beyond. From hand-rolling and kettle-boiling to baking in a wood-fired oven, every step of the process is carefully executed to ensure the highest quality. But Kettleman's isn't just stuck in the past. They're also embracing technology to streamline their operations, enhance the customer experience, and improve the consistency of their products. As we discussed in our podcast episode, "The Battle Over The Better Bagel, New York vs. Montreal | Season 9, Vol. 1," Kettleman's is a prime example of how a company can successfully blend tradition and innovation to create a truly exceptional product and experience. Be sure to check out the episode to hear our full conversation with Amer Wahab and learn more about Kettleman's Bagels' incredible story. Thanks for joining us on this culinary journey, and we'll see you next time for another delicious adventure!