Our Story: A Journey from Syria to Winnipeg
In 2015, two Syrian entrepreneurs stepped off a plane in Winnipeg, Manitoba, carrying little more than hope, determination, and centuries of bread-making knowledge passed down through their families. Like thousands of Syrian refugees who found sanctuary in Canada during those years, they were starting over—learning a new language, adapting to harsh winters they’d never experienced, and navigating an unfamiliar culture. But unlike many who left their trades behind, they held tight to one unshakeable dream: to recreate the warm, pillowy, authentic Syrian bread that had been the centrepiece of every meal back home.
The Dream Takes Shape
The journey from newcomers to business owners wasn’t easy. They spent years working various jobs, saving every dollar, and studying the Canadian food industry. During the day, they learned English and worked to support their families. At night, they researched food safety regulations, business licensing, commercial baking equipment, and the wholesale market. They visited restaurants, introduced themselves to grocery store owners, and asked one crucial question over and over: “Would you buy authentic Syrian pita bread if someone made it fresh, daily, right here in Winnipeg?” The answer was always yes
The Opening Day
January 2023 marked the realization of an eight-year dream. MaryMar Bakery opened its doors in a modest commercial space at 1172 Sanford Street, Winnipeg, and the aroma of freshly baked pita immediately began drawing attention. That first morning, when they placed the “Fresh Pita – خبز عربي” (Khubz Arabi) sign in the window, it represented more than a business—it was a bridge between two worlds. The Arabic script spoke to Syrian families yearning for the taste of home. The English welcomed curious Winnipeggers ready to discover what real Syrian bread should taste like. Both languages announced the same message: authentic Syrian bread, baked with love, is finally here.
Why This Matters?
In Syria, bread isn’t just food—it’s sacred. It’s the foundation of every meal, the vessel for sharing hummus and baba ganoush, the wrap that holds shawarma and falafel together. Syrian children are taught never to waste bread, never to let it touch the ground. When families gather, warm pita is always at the centre of the table. For Syrian newcomers in Canada, finding authentic bread isn’t about preference—it’s about connection. It’s about recreating a piece of home for their children. It’s about maintaining a thread of cultural identity in a new land.
Beyond the Syrian Community
But MaryMar Bakery’s mission extends beyond serving homesick Syrians. We discovered that Winnipeg’s diverse community—Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, Iraqi, and Jordanian families—had also been searching for authentic Middle Eastern bread that tasted like their grandmothers’ kitchens. Restaurant owners told us they’d been settling for frozen imports that could never match the quality of fresh-baked bread. Home cooks shared stories of attempting to make pita themselves, only to end up with disappointing results. There was a genuine hunger for what we could offer.