Dave Aldrich, the founder of Grab The Bagel in Marblehead, Massachusetts, recently found himself at the center of an unexpected international connection. The bakery’s owner received an order for three dozen of his signature bagels from the family of Moroccan soccer star Neil El Aynaoui, who plays for Serie A club Roma and the Morocco national team.
El Aynaoui’s family, who had been watching his performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the Boston area, decided to bring a taste of home to their upcoming trip to Nancy, France. Their request was simple: pack several dozen bagels for the journey, a gesture that would soon travel across the Atlantic.
A Simple Treat Becomes a Global Gesture
Aldrich prepared the bagels, vacuum‑sealing them in his trademark packaging before delivering the package just as the family was set to depart for Logan International Airport. Once in France, the bagels were shared among El Aynaoui and his relatives, who praised the chewy texture and authentic flavor that had become the bakery’s hallmark.
For Aldrich, the endorsement felt like a blessing. He described the moment as comparable to receiving the pope’s blessing, a comparison that underscores the significance of the order for a small, locally rooted business. Beyond the sale, Aldrich uses his platform to spread joy through initiatives like Random Acts of Bagelness, offering free bagels and cream cheese to neighbors, banks, and anyone in need of a small comfort.
The story also highlights the broader reach of Grab The Bagel, which already ships to customers in California, Oregon, Florida, New York and Alaska. Regular Saturday and Sunday sales at the Marblehead and Swampscott farmers markets often sell out, and Aldrich’s commitment to community appreciation continues to attract loyal supporters, including Cephise, a cousin of the Moroccan player who has become one of the bakery’s most devoted customers.