A Toronto visit ended with a large carry-on for the appetite. Canadian-born content creator and artist Lilianna Wilde flew back to Los Angeles after the holidays with 144 poppy-seed bagels from Gryfe's Bagels packed in her checked suitcase, according to a reel she posted to Instagram.
Wilde, who called Gryfe's her "favourite bagel shop in the world," and her husband, musician Sean Kolar, ordered 12 dozen bagels and filmed the packing process. The clip has drawn hundreds of thousands of views and sparked a wave of comments from bagel fans and fellow travellers.
The bagel haul and how it was packed
The couple picked up the order in two large cardboard boxes from Gryfe's. They moved the bagels into large resealable bags before fitting them into a suitcase they called their "bagel suitcase." The Instagram reel states the haul will secure breakfasts for the next 90 days.
Wilde's post has attracted attention beyond friends and followers. At the time of reporting, the reel had about 450,000 views and more than 250 comments, many praising Gryfe's and sharing their own stories of bringing Toronto food home.
How Gryfe's handles bulk orders
Bulk orders are a regular part of Gryfe's business. The shop prepares bulk requests for events, offices, retailers, and customers who want to take bagels home or on trips. Staff can turn around large orders quickly, so customers are not left waiting.
Bulk orders are a regular part of our operation, whether for events, offices, retailers, or customers travelling with bagels for friends and family. Bagels and cream cheese are the best way to feed a large group.
David Fisher, co-owner, Gryfe's Bagels
Gryfe's co-owner David Fisher said the shop runs three ovens through the day to keep a steady supply of fresh bagels. He estimated that packing an order of this size typically takes between two and five minutes when staff have the right containers and equipment.
With three ovens running throughout the day, we always have fresh, hot bagels coming out. Packing an order typically takes between two and five minutes.
David Fisher, co-owner, Gryfe's Bagels
Why travellers take Gryfe's home
Gryfe's has a long history in Toronto and a devoted following. Beyond taste, the shop's bagels have sentimental value for many customers, who associate them with milestones and comfort. That connection helps explain why people are willing to transport large quantities across borders.
We often hear that our bagels were someone's first treat after giving birth, a source of comfort during a hospital stay, or even their very first bagel, and the one that set the standard for a lifetime.
David Fisher, co-owner, Gryfe's Bagels
Fisher also confirmed that a number of well-known figures are regular customers and sometimes take Gryfe's home with them. He declined to name individuals, citing customer privacy.
While we respect our customers' privacy and can't name names, Gryfe's bagels are enjoyed by many familiar faces, including some of your favourite hockey players and television personalities, who often take them back to share at home.
David Fisher, co-owner, Gryfe's Bagels
Practical tips for transporting baked goods
If you plan to bring perishable baked items on a trip, prepare for airline and customs requirements and pack to protect the food and your luggage. Use airtight bags or containers to limit mess, and place the food in checked luggage rather than carry-on if it will not fit or if you need to consolidate space.
- Confirm your airline's rules on food and checked-baggage weight limits before you travel
- Pack bagels in resealable bags and cushion them with clothing to prevent crushing
- Declare any items at customs if required by your destination
- Consume refrigerated items within recommended times, and keep food dry to avoid spoilage
Where to buy Gryfe's in Toronto
Gryfe's Bagels has two Toronto locations. The shop at 3421 Bathurst St. and the location at 34 Drumlin Cir. both offer counter service and the option to place bulk orders in advance.
BlogTO reached out to Wilde for comment but she was not available. The viral reel has amplified an existing trend of people bringing favourite Toronto foods home when they travel, and it has renewed attention on Gryfe's as a destination for local and visiting bagel lovers.
Wilde's suitcase of 144 bagels is part personal preference and part cultural souvenir. For those who want a taste without a flight, Gryfe's continues to serve customers across the city and to pack orders for those who prefer a larger supply.
