Jack and Joseph Chami, two of seven Lebanese siblings, fled from the Civil War in hopes of a better future. With them, their family’s bagel recipe, a recipe handed down from generation to generation.

The brothers and their family immigrated to Montreal, Quebec in 1987, and then to Burlington, Ontario in 1991. They loved Montreal’s Eurocentric feel, but what they found in Burlington was a beautiful, quiet town on the shore of Lake Ontario; a place that reminded them of their Mediterranean roots.

Both Jack and Joe had a go at their own careers and businesses for a number of years, but it wasn’t until they decided to join efforts, use their family recipe, and start a business together, that “JC’s” was born.

JC’s Hot Bagels was officially registered on paper in 1995, and the hard work started with their grand opening, on March 13, 1996.Working 16-hour days and 7 days a week, the brothers didn’t have a clue what to expect. Many people gave them two weeks to close, especially since they were located beside a major, well-established competitor. But their bagels (and their homemade cream cheese spreads, and delectable sandwiches – for both breakfast and lunch – hot drinks, salads, and more) set them apart from the rest. There’s a reason why this family-run bagel shop is still a community favourite decades later…and really, the only way to understand it, is to try it.