Iconic New York bakery opening 10 locations in Ontario

Great news for us banana pudding-obsessed folks here in Ontario: we may soon be able to satisfy our cravings without making a trip across the border.

Magnolia Bakery, the famous New York-based bakery known for its creamy, layered banana pudding, has announced its plans to expand into Ontario with 10 new locations.

"Canadians we heard you & we’re heading north," the company said in a recent LinkedIn post announcing the expansion.

The expansion, which will be led by franchisees Chetanshi and Shaishav "Shay" Thakkar, aims to "grow the brand" and bring the whimsical bakery to us sweet-toothed Canadians.

Founded in 1996 in New York City's West Village, Magnolia Bakery has become one of the most recognizable dessert shops in the U.S., with its red velvet cupcakes among its earliest claims to fame. In recent years, however, its signature banana pudding has become its most sought-after treat, often drawing long lines outside of its bakery no matter the season.

The famous dessert features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers, and has developed a cult following over the years. Along with its banana pudding, the bakery offers a wide range of classic treats, including cupcakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, and bars.

In 2000, Magnolia Bakery was even featured on HBO's Sex and the City, which helped cement its status as a tourist destination in New York.

Today, aside from its numerous U.S. locations, the bakery also operates shops internationally in Kuwait, India, the Philippines, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE.

The company hasn't revealed where its Ontario locations will be opening just yet, or when it expects to welcome customers, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.